Veterinary Laser Therapy: Promote Wellness For Your Dog Or Cat

Veterinary laser therapy for dogs and cats is a wonderful way to reduce inflammation, speed healing, reduce scarring, relieve pain from arthritis, muscle sprains, and other injuries, and promote overall well-being for your pet. Dogs, especially, find laser therapy relaxing and tend to greatly enjoy their treatments. Best of all, laser care is often less expensive for injuries or chronic conditions than other treatment options, like surgery or medication.

We know that many pet owners feel nervous about laser therapy for their dog or cat. The truth is, laser therapy is a safe, completely non-invasive treatment option that has been scientifically proven to be effective.

Does Laser Therapy Work?

Yes! Laser therapy is not a new treatment—in fact, it’s been around for about 40 years now. Over those years, thousands of scientific studies have documented the positive effects that laser light therapy has on both humans and animals. It works by sending photons deep into the body’s tissues to help cells produce ATP, or cell energy, which damaged cells don’t produce well on their own. Increased ATP production repairs, revives, and rejuvenates cells.

Is Laser Therapy Safe?

Yes! There are no known side effects to laser therapy, which is a non-invasive procedure. Your dog or cat won’t even need to be clipped or shaved for the procedure to work. When you get home, there is nothing you need to do to help your pet recover from the treatment such as crating or otherwise limiting activity.

Will My Pet Feel Any Pain During A Laser Therapy Session?

No! On the contrary, veterinary laser therapy provides such immediate relief to pets that are in pain that even anxious pets typically relax. Your pet will feel a gentle, warming sensation similar to a nice massage. We have had angry, antisocial cats start purring and nervous dogs fall asleep on our laser therapy table!

How Long Does A Laser Therapy Session Last?

It depends. Laser therapy treatment varies depending on the breed and size of your pet as well as on the condition being treated. There is no one-size-fits all solution when it comes to veterinary laser therapy for your dog or cat, which is why it’s important for a veterinarian to thoroughly assess your pet before treatment. For example, a dog with a chronic condition like arthritis might need to have multiple joints treated in a longer session, and may need multiple sessions, while a cat who has a wound from a fight may heal completely after one or two quick treatments. Usually, individual sessions last anywhere from five to twenty minutes.

What Can I Expect During And After A Laser Therapy Session?

During the treatment, the laser operator will direct a non-invasive handpiece over the affected area to make sure that the laser is reaching the tissues that need improvement. The laser operator, your pet, and anyone close to the laser probe will put on protective eyewear. As we’ve mentioned, many pets become so relaxed that they fall asleep. After the laser therapy session, you may see an increase or decrease in activity for your pet. Some dogs become more active as joint pain is relieved, while others become less easily agitated when muscle pain dissipates. You will likely notice better mobility, healing or drying up of dermatological conditions, faster wound healing, and better general well-being and comfort.