What Medical Conditions Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat In Dogs

In this blog, our Monterey Park vets discuss how cold laser therapy for dogs enhances pain relief and speeds up healing. They cover this therapy, its main benefits, and other valuable information on using this technique in treatment, along with traditional medicine.

What is cold laser therapy for dogs?

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, enhances blood flow and promotes cell regeneration. This non-invasive and drug-free treatment effectively addresses inflammatory conditions.

In addition to its standalone applications, it complements traditional medical treatments for soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. Furthermore, it accelerates wound healing.

What are the benefits of cold laser treatments for dogs?

Pet laser therapy, approved as safe and effective by the veterinary industry, efficiently treats various conditions like tissue injuries (strains and sprains) and arthritis.

It serves as a valuable supplement to the standard treatment plan for dogs. Cold laser therapy provides several benefits, including:

In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects, and no sedation is required. You also don't need to worry about your pet missing fur, as cold laser therapy doesn't require fur removal to complete treatment properly.

What conditions can cold laser therapy treat in dogs?

Some of the conditions that a vet may use cold laser therapy for are:

• Chronic arthritis
• Surgical incisions
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Traumatic injuries

You may have a pet that is unable to undergo the traditional method of treatment and, therefore may benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy, such as:

• Pets who suffer from liver disease are unable to take commonly used medications
• Cats that are only able to use specific pain management medications
• Exotic pets that may not be able to have medications administered normally
• Older pets that are unable to be medicated due to decreased organ function

Is cold laser therapy painful for dogs?

If the veterinarian is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy correctly, your dog should not experience any pain during the treatment.

When the vet moves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, it creates a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing or relaxing, based on our experience.

Throughout the session, all veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles. This precaution is necessary because laser beams directed at an eye can cause permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.

Will my dog need more than one session of cold laser therapy?

Over time, the effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative. For best results, treatments should be completed at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian.

Is cold laser treatment a long-term option for dogs?

The duration of sessions depends on the treated area and the laser energy delivered. A standard laser therapy session typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.

Before treatment, we'll conduct a comprehensive physical exam and, if necessary, take x-rays to assess if cold laser therapy is suitable for your pet.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Would you like to learn more about our integrative therapies, including cold lasers? Contact our veterinary team today to schedule an appointment.