Dog Laser Therapy

If you’re looking for a way to help improve your dog’s health, laser therapy might be a viable option depending on its ailments. Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has been used to help treat a variety of conditions in dogs. It is a safe and painless way to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. If you’re considering laser therapy for your dog, this article will help answer all of your questions. We’ll cover how laser therapy is used to treat dogs, why you should consider laser therapy, what conditions can be treated with laser therapy, what to expect at an appointment, and more.

How is Laser Therapy Used to Treat Dogs?

Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive procedure that uses light waves to stimulate physiological changes at the cellular level. Laser therapy makes use of specific light waves to stimulate these changes, and the type of tissue that responds to the therapy depends on the wavelength of the light delivered. Lower wavelengths are absorbed by superficial tissue such as skin, while higher wavelengths penetrate deeper into muscles and bones. 

Why Should I Consider Laser Therapy for My Dog?

Laser therapy has been used to treat a wide range of conditions in dogs, including osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, lick granuloma, cellulitis, and more. It can also be used to help with wound healing, inflammation reduction, nerve regeneration, and the release of painful trigger points.

One of the biggest benefits of laser therapy is its ability to reduce pain. This is accomplished by increasing blood flow to the area being treated and activating the body’s lymphatic drainage system. The light waves also cause endorphin release, which helps reduce pain levels naturally.

What is the Difference Between the Different Therapies, and When Might the Veterinarian Recommend Them for My Dog?

In veterinary medicine, several therapies can be used to treat different conditions. Conventional therapy is the mainstream form of treatment that includes drugs, surgery, and other interventions. It is based on scientific evidence and is universally accepted. Complementary and alternative veterinary medicines (CAVM) are treatments not typically part of mainstream veterinary practice, such as homeopathy, traditional medicine, chiropractic, and anesthesia. Integrative veterinary medicine (IVM) is a combination of conventional and complementary therapies.

Veterinarians recommend different therapies based on the dog’s health condition, age, lifestyle, and other factors. For routine care and preventive measures, regular veterinary visits are crucial for maintaining the overall health of your dog. If your dog shows signs of illness, a visit to the vet is recommended. For chronic conditions, the veterinarian may recommend a combination of therapies, while if your dog has behavioral problems, a veterinarian might recommend behavioral therapy, possibly in combination with medication.

What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Be Used to Treat in My Dog?

Laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. These include muscle and tendon injuries, post-surgical and soft tissue trauma, back pain, ear infections, gingivitis, hot spots and open wounds, arthritis/hip dysplasia, degenerative disc disease, and anal gland infections.

What Can I Expect from My Dog’s Laser Therapy Appointment?

During a laser therapy appointment, the technician will hold the laser wand directly over the affected area for 3-10 minutes. Your dog will wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the laser light. Some dogs find the therapy relaxing and might even fall asleep during the session.

The length and frequency of treatments vary depending on the condition being treated. Veterinarians typically treat their patients two to three times per week for two to three weeks and then reduce the frequency depending on the outcome they are looking to achieve. For acute, painful conditions, your dog may be treated daily for three to five days, then several times the next week, with the time between treatments increasing until the desired goal is reached.

How Long Will a Laser Therapy Session Last for My Dog?

Laser therapy sessions typically last anywhere from 3-20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Arthritis sessions tend to take longer, with about five minutes per joint on average.

How Many Laser Therapy Sessions Will My Dog Need?

The number of laser therapy sessions a dog needs depends on the condition being treated and the individual dog’s response to the treatment. For arthritis, a typical starting point is two to three sessions per week for about a month. Then, depending on your dog’s response to the therapy, the frequency of treatments may be reduced.

For very acute, painful conditions like a ruptured anal gland, the dog might be treated daily for three to five days, then several times the next week, and then reduce the frequency until the desired outcome is achieved. Your veterinarian will create a tailored treatment plan based on your dog’s specific health condition and needs.

What are the Risks of Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is generally safe, and there are usually no long-term side effects. However, some dogs may experience short-term reactions such as temporary discomfort or soreness at the treatment site. If this occurs, your veterinarian can adjust the treatment protocol to reduce the intensity or duration of the laser therapy session.

It is important to note that Class 4 lasers have been associated with an increased risk of thermal tissue damage when used inappropriately or with excessive dosage. As a result, it is important to only use Class 3 lasers for therapeutic treatments and ensure that your dog’s veterinarian is certified in laser surgery if a surgical procedure is necessary.

How Will I Know if Laser Therapy is Working for My Dog?

To determine the efficacy of laser therapy, it’s essential to monitor your pet’s condition closely. Some signs that laser therapy is working include reduced pain and inflammation, improved mobility, faster wound healing, and overall improved quality of life.

In addition, a study involving dogs that underwent thoracolumbar hemilaminectomies for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) showed that daily application of laser therapy at 8J/cm2 hastened wound healing and improved the cosmetic appearance of surgical scars.

It’s important to remember that response to laser therapy can vary based on the type of laser used, the disease being treated, and whether the condition is chronic or acute. Hence it’s important to have regular vet consultations to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Conclusion

At Baker Ranch Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of pet owners’ relationships with their veterinarians and how this impacts the overall health and well-being of their pets. We continually adapt to changes in the veterinary profession to serve our clients best. Our commitment to providing the highest quality care reflects our dedication to helping your dog lead a healthier and happier life through laser therapy. You can learn more about dog laser therapy through the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.

If you live in or near Lake Forest, CA, contact us today at (949) 600-8310 to set an appointment or if you have any questions about dog laser therapy.