Laser therapy for pets is a non-invasive therapy. It uses light to target tissues, helping your pet feel better without medication. This treatment can be beneficial for older pets or those with chronic conditions.
Laser therapy uses light energy to promote cellular repair. The laser’s light penetrates the tissues and triggers photobiomodulation. This process stimulates cells to release endorphins and reduce inflammation. The therapy helps increase blood flow, delivering more oxygen to the targeted areas, which speeds up healing.
Most pets remain calm during the procedure, as the laser feels warm and soothing. Many animals enjoy their sessions, making it an easy treatment for pets and owners.
Laser therapy is helpful for a range of conditions. For pets with arthritis, it helps reduce stiffness and pain. This treatment can also heal faster with soft tissue injuries, like ligament sprains or muscle strains.
Pets that have trouble taking medications, like those with liver disease, may rely on laser therapy to manage their pain. This is especially true for older pets or those with compromised health, where medications may not be the best option.
One of the main benefits of laser therapy is how easy it is on pets. Most animals do not need to be sedated for treatment.
There is also a minimal risk of side effects. Unlike medications, which can have various side effects, laser therapy is considered very safe. However, the pet and veterinarian must wear protective goggles during the session to prevent eye damage from the laser beam.
Laser therapy sessions typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Treatments may only take a few minutes for minor wounds, while chronic conditions like arthritis may require longer sessions.
The number of sessions depends on the condition. Acute injuries may need daily treatments, while chronic issues, like arthritis, may start with several sessions per week. Once the condition improves, the frequency of treatments can be reduced, eventually moving to a maintenance schedule.
Laser therapy can significantly reduce pain and inflammation in pets with arthritis. Pet owners often report seeing improvements after just a few sessions. Laser therapy has shown promising results for wound healing, although outcomes can vary depending on the injury.
The treatment is gaining popularity among pet owners due to its effectiveness and ease of use. Although more research is needed, many veterinarians see positive results with this therapy.
The cost of laser therapy can vary, depending on the condition and the number of sessions required. On average, treatments range from $40 to $100 per session. Many veterinarians offer bundle pricing for multiple sessions, which can lower the overall cost of long-term therapies.
Laser therapy might be an excellent option for pets suffering from chronic pain, post-surgery recovery, or soft tissue injuries. It benefits pets that cannot take traditional pain medications due to other health issues. Always consult your veterinarian to determine if laser therapy is best for your pet.
Laser therapy offers a safe and effective way to manage pain and promote pet healing. If your pet is dealing with chronic pain or injury or needs help recovering from surgery, consider laser therapy as part of their treatment plan.
For more on laser therapy for pets, visit Pet Hospitals of Hawaii at our offices in Waipahu, Wahiawa, or Kailua, Hawaii. Call (808) 671-7387, (808) 621-7000, (808) 262-9621, (808) 263-8863, or (808) 671-4896 to book an appointment today.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/procedure/laser-therapy-for-dogs
https://www.aaha.org/resources/laser-therapy/