Everything You Need to Know About Laser Therapy for Dogs
What does laser therapy do for dogs?
Laser therapy utilizes light energy to help improve circulation, decrease pain, and overall stimulate healthy tissue growth wherever we're directing the light.
What conditions or ailments can be treated with laser therapy?
Laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of different conditions. Most often, it is utilized for patients suffering from osteoarthritic pain. It can also be used for wounds or injuries, post-operative healing at the incision site, and more acute painful conditions like ear infections, helping them feel better more quickly.
Are there any risks associated with laser therapy for dogs?
For risks with laser therapy, we must ensure that we protect our eyes and our patients' eyes from the laser. We also need to know what condition we are treating. For patients suffering from cancer, we must be very careful not to use it at those sites because it can increase blood flow to the cancer, potentially aiding its spread. So, we have to be cautious when using laser therapy, but it can be used for many different conditions.
What can I expect from my dog's laser therapy appointment?
If your pet is coming for just a laser therapy appointment, an assistant will often meet you in the lobby to make sure your pet is doing okay at home before bringing them back for the laser treatment.
How long will a laser therapy session last for my dog?
The length of a laser therapy treatment varies greatly depending on the condition being treated. Treating a small wound can take 30 to 45 seconds, while treating osteoarthritic pain over many joints can take 20 to 30 minutes.
How many laser therapy sessions will my dog need?
The number of laser therapy sessions needed can vary greatly depending on the condition being treated. Some conditions may require one to two treatments a week, while others may only need treatment every other week. It really depends on what your pet is dealing with and their response to treatment.
Can dog laser therapy be done at home or will it always require a visit to the vet?
You can purchase laser therapy machines for at-home use, although these are often not as strong or as targeted as the machines used in hospitals. If you're looking for an option for pain relief at home for your pet, let us know, and we can help you find other options, as there are different therapies that can be used at home.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (704) 318-2228, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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