Cold laser therapy is a common treatment option for patients with joint pain, muscle pain as well as arthritis. What many people don’t know is it can actually treat these same problems in your dogs or other pets.
What is Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs? Beams of light from a handheld device, such as the LumaCare Ark, stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Through its application, your dog can experience reduced pain as well as a potential increase in cellular regeneration and accelerated healing.
Read further to learn more about cold laser therapy for your pets.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs Work?
The laser essentially powers up the mitochondria of your dog’s cells, which encourages your dog’s cells to create and regenerate more cells. This improves blood flow and stimulates the healing process.
The word “laser” is an acronym that stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission radiation,” which means that a laser is a concentrated beam of photon radiation in the form of light. It is also referred to as cold laser therapy.
CLT, in addition to reducing inflammation, releases endorphins, which can cause a feeling of happiness or relaxation.
What Should I Expect During a Dog Laser Therapy Session?
Your dog lays in a position that allows the treatment area to be visible. A “wand” or tool that houses the lasers themselves, emits a low-power laser, in the 600-1070 nanometer range, that is placed over the treatment area. The laser assists the body to repair and restore damaged tissues and cells.
Most sessions last about 10-20 minutes but session length depends on the level of inflammation and what type of injury is being treated. The number of cold laser treatments applied depends on the severity and area being treated. Most cases start with a few sessions a week and then move to once a week or even once a month.
What Does Cold Laser Therapy Treat?
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy, is great for many kinds of dog pain. Several conditions have been shown to improve with the use of laser therapy including muscle and joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and muscle spasms. (northgateveterinary.com)
CLT also may help alleviate pain from ligament injuries, post-surgical pain, chronic arthritis, as well as other general injuries that your dog is experiencing.
Laser treatment is also a great option for pets who can’t take medication due to pre-existing health conditions. Although low-level laser therapy (LLLT) doesn’t fix those injuries, it assists the body with the healing process. It reduces the inflammation and pain that your dog experiences, but also promotes regeneration and healing for the cells in the treated area, leading to a better recovery.
How Long Do The Benefits Of LLLT Last?
The length of time that the benefits from cold laser therapy last depends on how long the treatment was, as well as where the patient is in the treatment process.
During the first week of treatment, patients are normally receiving treatment multiple times within that week, so they will notice a difference throughout that entire week. As the treatments progress, the inflammation will consistently improve and treatments can be scheduled less frequently if the patient continues to improve.
Are There Any Side Effects to Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs?
There are no side effects to cold laser therapy for dogs.
Cold laser therapy uses low-intensity laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to relieve the pain and stimulate healing. Veterinarians will use protective goggles on your pet as a precaution, protecting your dog’s eyes during the process.
Alternative Treatment Methods For Dog Pain
If you are looking for an alternative option to cold laser therapy, then there are still some great options as well.
- Massage Therapy
Just as humans use this form of physical therapy to assist with joint and muscle pain, massage therapy can be a great tool for dogs to provide immediate relief. This form of therapy, just like cold laser therapy, can also release endorphins, as well as reduce stress and inflammation.
- Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is another form of therapy that can be used by both dogs and humans. It is an especially great choice if your dog is recovering from an injury or surgery. Hydrotherapy enables your dog to exercise in water, which takes the weight of your dog’s body off its joints. It allows your dog to strengthen joints and muscles without stress.
When Should You Consult a Veterinarian?
Besides any obvious signs of pain, such as limping or vocalization, it’s always good to consult a vet as soon as you notice something is different with your dog. If you notice that your dog isn’t as active as they were, moves differently, or picks at a specific area of its body constantly, it might be a good time to take your pet to the vet and get them checked out.
Where Can I Get Laser Therapy For My Dog
Laser therapy for dogs is still a newer treatment option but is available with veterinarians who are qualified to operate Low Light Lasers. If you can’t find a veterinarian near you that offers this treatment. Lumacare offers a portable lightweight option, the LumaCare Ark, which can provide the same relief to your pet at home.