What Is Cold Laser Therapy and How Does it Help Pets?

The world of veterinary medicine continues to evolve, offering non-invasive and painless treatments for our beloved pets. Cold laser therapy, often hailed as a marvel in pain-free pet therapy, has gained immense popularity among veterinary practitioners. 

Let’s understand this innovative therapy and how it helps our four-legged friends.

Understanding Cold Laser Therapy for Pets

Cold laser therapy, also referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, employs focused laser light to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance blood circulation in pets. It’s a drug-free, non-invasive treatment often used with traditional pet medications, offering promising results.

Applications of Cold Laser Therapy

As a revolutionary non-invasive treatment option, cold laser therapy presents an extensive range of applications in veterinary medicine. These applications are significant in improving your pets’ health and quality of life, all while being gentle and kind to their bodies. 

For a deeper understanding, let’s explore these primary applications one by one: 

  • Treating Soft Tissue or Tendon Injuries in Dogs: One of the primary uses of cold laser therapy is to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries in dogs. The therapy facilitates faster healing without causing any stress or discomfort to the pet. It also reduces the risk of future related injuries, providing a more comprehensive and long-term solution. 
  • Addressing Chronic Arthritis: Chronic arthritis is a common issue in older dogs. Cold laser therapy aids in reducing the swelling in the joints and alleviating the pain associated with arthritis. As a result, it significantly enhances their mobility and overall quality of life.
  • Wound Healing: Cold laser therapy promotes quick wound healing by enhancing blood flow and stimulating cell regeneration in the affected area. It accelerates the healing process and minimizes your pet’s duration to suffer discomfort. 
  • Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation associated with various health conditions can be effectively managed with cold laser therapy. The therapy reduces inflammation and triggers the body’s natural healing mechanisms, promoting overall health and wellness. 
  • Optimized Care for Puppies and Kittens: Young and small pets often can’t undergo conventional treatment due to vulnerability. Cold laser therapy comes as a boon in such situations. As a result, a puppy and kitten care specialist can now offer better care for these young ones, ensuring their development isn’t hampered by illness or injury. 

In all, cold laser therapy not only stands as an effective treatment option but also revolutionizes the approach toward pet healthcare, making treatments less invasive and more beneficial.

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy

1. Regeneration of Cells in Pets

One of the most significant benefits of veterinary laser therapy for dogs is the stimulation of cell regeneration. By improving cell function, this therapy helps damaged tissues heal faster, thereby accelerating the pet’s overall recovery time.

2. Enhancing Circulation in Pets

Cold laser therapy works by improving blood circulation in the treated area. As a result, it delivers abundant oxygen and nutrients to the cells and hastens wound healing in dogs.

3. Reducing Pain and Swelling in Pets

A prevalent use of cold laser therapy is in dog arthritis treatment. Laser therapy helps reduce pain and swelling, providing pets with much-needed relief and increasing mobility.

4. Speeding the Healing Process for Dogs

In cases of traumatic injuries in dogs, such as sprains, strains, or fractures, cold laser therapy proves to be an asset. It fast-tracks the healing process and improves the quality of life for your pet.

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Specific Pet Groups

Cold Laser Therapy for Older Pets

Treatment procedures for older pets can be challenging due to decreased organ function. Thankfully, cold laser therapy is a non-invasive pet treatment that significantly improves older pets’ health conditions, making it an excellent alternative to traditional treatments.

Pets With Liver Disease and Exotic Pets

The use of cold laser therapy isn’t limited to dogs. Even pets with liver disease and exotic pets who struggle with traditional medications can reap the benefits of this therapy. It shows great potential as a treatment option that reduces suffering and contributes to their well-being. 

Another crucial context where cold laser therapy comes into play is within emergency animal hospital scenarios. Be it a sudden health issue or a postoperative condition, laser therapy is a viable treatment option that supports quicker recovery.

The Procedure of Cold Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy Physical Exam and X-ray

Before commencing the therapy, the vet performs a thorough physical exam and, if required, x-rays. This pretreatment step ensures the pet’s condition is apt for the therapy and helps devise an accurate treatment plan.

Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy Session Duration

Though the duration of a cold laser therapy session largely depends on the pet’s specific condition, a typical session usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes. Regular sessions at a frequency recommended by the vet ensure the best results.

The Safety Measures in Cold Laser Therapy

Protective Goggles in Laser Therapy

Safety is paramount in any therapy, and it also stands true for laser therapy. The veterinary staff and the pet must put on protective goggles during the treatment, preventing any accidental eye injury.

Veterinary Laser Post-Therapy

Laser therapy for dogs ensures that the pet experiences no discomfort or pain. Plus, no sedation is required. All you need to concern yourself with are regular sessions for effective treatment and post-therapy care, as instructed by the vet.

Conclusion

Choosing the best treatment for our pets can be overwhelming. But with advancements like cold laser therapy, some of that stress can be mitigated. It’s about rescuing pets from discomfort, extending their life, and enhancing their quality. With its host of benefits—cell regeneration, enhanced circulation, and quicker healing—cold laser therapy is carving a significant space for itself in veterinary medicine.