At Country Veterinary Clinic, we offer the most effective treatments in pain management for dogs. Laser therapy is a common treatment we might recommend for pain-relief.
Veterinary laser therapy is a completely non-invasive and drug-free treatment that is often used to complement other pain management treatments. While the term “laser therapy” might sound like a more contemporary treatment, it has actually been around for quite some time. Laser therapy has been used in veterinary medicine for about 40 years now, and thousands of studies have researched the positive effects of laser therapy on cells, tissues, and other ailments.
During laser therapy we are able to relieve pain in dogs by penetrating the injured areas with a laser. This process creates a chemical reaction called photobiostimulation, which helps relieve pain by releasing endorphins and stimulating the injured cells to promote quicker healing.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy, sometimes called cold laser, low-level laser, or Class IV Laser Therapy, uses laser technology to induce cell production and increase blood circulation, while relieving pain in dogs.
During laser therapy, your pet will feel a warm and soothing sensation in the area where it is administered. Most pets will feel relaxed during this process, similar to as if it were receiving a massage. You will be able to notice a sense of calm and pain relief almost immediately after your pet receives laser therapy.
What Conditions Does Laser Therapy Treat In Dogs?
Laser therapy for dogs treats a wide range of conditions and severities of pain. Typically, we use laser therapy for musculoskeletal disorders in older dogs. Laser therapy can be used to treat the following ailments:
- Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
- Post-surgical and soft tissue pain
- Back pain in dogs
- Routine ear infections
- Hot spots and open wounds
- Arthritis or hip dysplasia
- Degenerative disc disease
- Anal gland infections
While the above ailments might not be a matter of life and death, they can still cause serious discomfort for older dogs and easily remedied with laser therapy.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your dog is in physical pain, and you might mistake his symptoms for another condition, like hunger or wanting to go outside. Older dogs suffering from chronic pain and discomfort often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Whining or other vocalizations
- Limping or struggling to stand up and lay down
- Trouble getting up and down stairs or into cars
- Biting or licking an isolated area
- Lack of appetite
- Shaking or quivering
Most of the time, you can tell if your older dog is in chronic pain based on subtle changes in behavior. Laser therapy is a great way to alleviate pain in your dog without needing surgery or chronic pain medication.
Dog Laser Therapy For Surgery And Injury Recovery
Laser therapy can help your dog recover from postoperative pain or injuries, like torn ACLs. In some cases, laser therapy alone can help eliminate pain and promote the healing process, but in most cases, it is used to complement other treatments.
Laser therapy has been shown to work directly on the injured or postoperative area to speed up recovery, strengthen the bone muscle and tissue, enhance mobility, and improve the overall quality of your dog’s life.
Will Laser Therapy Treatment Hurt Your Dog?
Laser therapy treatment is completely pain free for dogs. In fact, it will even provide a soothing sensation for your dog. Your dog might also feel a warm or tingling sensation during treatment. Most dogs begin to relax during laser therapy, as the pain and inflammation eases in the problem area.
How Long Does Laser Therapy Take For Dogs?
The length and quantity of treatments your dog needs will depend on his condition and pain level. Typically, treatments last for about 3 to 8 minutes, and works in a cumulative effect, where your dog’s condition will improve more and more throughout the treatment process. Your dog will begin to feel better immediately after the first laser therapy treatment.
The physical results of laser therapy after bringing your dog home will vary, depending on the condition. Some pet owners say their dog seems more active after laser therapy, while others say their dogs seem more relaxed after laser therapy, due to reduction of inflammation and pain.
Want to learn more about laser therapy for your dog? Call Country Veterinary Clinic located between Yuba City, Sutter, and Live Oak, CA today at 530-491-4500.
