Our O’Fallon veterinarians often use cold laser therapy alongside other treatments to aid in your dog's healing and pain relief. In this blog, we'll discuss the treatment, its process, and what you can anticipate.
What is cold laser therapy for dogs?
Cold laser therapy (also referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) uses focused light to increase blood circulation and stimulate the regeneration of cells.
Inflammatory conditions are treated with this non-invasive, drug-free treatment. It's been used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to treat soft tissue and tendon injuries, as well as arthritis, in recent years. It can also be used to speed up the healing of wounds.
Does cold laser therapy work on dogs?
Absolutely! Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for pets, approved by veterinarians. It can be used to treat a variety of diseases, injuries, and conditions, including tissue injuries (such as strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We often use it to supplement other treatment options to improve our pet patients' outcomes.
As for benefits, laser therapy can:
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects, and no sedation is required. We also do not need to clip or shave the area being treated.
Does laser therapy hurt dogs?
Your dog won't feel any pain if the vet knows what they're doing with the laser therapy and does it right.
We've noticed that when a veterinarian waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, it produces a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing or relaxing.
For safety, everyone in the room, including your dog, should wear protective goggles during the treatment because the laser can harm human and dog eyes.
How often should my dog get 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.
How long does a cold laser therapy treatment last?
The duration of laser therapy sessions changes based on the treatment area levels. A typical laser therapy session lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
Before starting the treatment, we'll conduct a thorough physical exam and, if needed, take X-rays, if required, to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment option 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.