Content Attributes
Cold laser therapy for dogs is a novel technology essential in veterinary science. It is a drug-free, pain-free, and non-thermal photobiomodulation treatment that can be combined with existing treatments. Laser light penetrates deep into body tissue and releases endorphins. It can reduce inflammation through vasodilation (enhance blood flow) and lessen pain.
Laser therapy is a photostimulation process in which light is energized at different wavelengths to relieve pain. It promotes chemical reactions by the opening of blood vessels and allows injured cells to stimulate healing at an accelerated pace. Due to the activation of chemical reactions, changes occur at the cellular level. It also helps improve the ATP rate because it can regenerate the cells more quickly.
It is a non-invasive and safe method for dogs
Laser treatment is a painless, relaxing, and completely safe method. It does not cause any damage to tissues, as in the case of surgery. Laser therapy blocks the nerve receptor from being transmitted to the brain and allows decreasing pain. High endorphins are produced naturally due to laser treatment which counteracts your dog’s pain. Dogs feel soothing warmth similar to a warm shower and no sensation while taking therapy.
Cold laser therapy for dogs is a safe process. The laser light with a specific frequency is used in therapy, so it has no risks of burning the skin. Some precautions are necessary to avoid eye damage, like wearing protective goggles.
Laser therapy is a short-duration treatment
The laser therapy sessions take very little time to treat the dog compared to other treatments like surgery and other medications. But the length of treatment may vary in different conditions and severity of the disease. For example arthritis, patients may take more time. But acute infections tend to be quicker, such as wound management. Laser therapy is usually performed between 2 to 20 minutes. The period of a session is based on the size of the pet. The laser therapy that is used for the surgery is pretty quick.
Cold laser therapy for dogs can be used to treat multiple specific conditions
- Laser treatment can be applied to improve musculoskeletal conditions. It can reduce pain and inflammation in disorders like arthritis, tendon weakness, neck pain, spine problem, and hip dysplasia.
- Laser therapy for dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Discs between the vertebrae become ruptured, causing pain in the back and reducing nerve functions. IVDD is very painful when it occurs in the neck. Some dogs are treated with muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories, which can cause anxiety and other side effects. Laser therapy penetrates deep into neck muscles and reduces pain without adverse effects.
- Laser therapy kills the bacteria which cause infections and helps to decrease healing time.
- Laser therapy helps to treat gingivitis in dogs. It is a severe infection of the gums due to some bacteria. Laser light shows effectiveness against bacteria and kills them.
- Laser treatment is very effective against the anterior cruciate ligament ACL tear.
- It helps to treat allergic infections (skin allergy), bladder infections, and cystitis.
Laser therapy is essential for the treatment of certain chronic conditions, such as
- Neuropathies (nerve damage)
- Inflammatory bowel disorder
- Degenerative joint disorders
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Back pain
Use of laser therapy for dogs with Acute conditions
- Ear infections in dogs
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Soft tissue trauma
- Wounds
It can help your pet to recover faster after surgery
If your dog undergoes musculoskeletal surgery, laser therapy helps your dog to improve the function of ligaments and tendons. It can recover faster by decreasing walking time. Laser therapy stimulates wound healing, alleviates pain, and improves mobility after surgery. Laser therapy work directly on a postoperative portion of the body to strengthen the bone muscles.
Many pet owners select laser treatment instead of other medications. Laser therapy is a safe and effective procedure in veterinary medicine. Due to minimal stress, pets feel relaxed during treatment.
Laser therapy can be performed at home
Laser treatment is mainly used in veterinary clinics. But now, laser therapy devices are available for home use. The veterinarian can instruct the dog owners on the use of the laser device, their operation, and the device’s cleaning. The owners can be rented the devices on a daily or weekly basis.
There are some benefits of laser treatment role at-home use
- In the case of chronic conditions, it is more complex and uncomfortable for a pet to transport to veterinary clinics.
- Home-based laser treatment decreases the pet’s stress level and increases the chances of quick recovery.
- Dogs feel more relaxed at home than in veterinary offices among strangers.
- Laser treatment at home can save you time and money.
- Pets require repeated visits a week to the clinics, so the anxiety in pets may be enhanced due to the hectic schedule.