How Does Laser Therapy Works for Dogs?
During do the laser treatment for dogs, a veterinarian or a trained technician will use a handheld Laser device to direct the laser at the affected area of the dog's body. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the cells in the body. This light energy can stimulate the cells to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration. Laser treatment will last between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Most dogs require multiple sessions of laser therapy to achieve optimal results.Benefit of Laser Therapy for Dogs
Laser therapy is a popular treatment option for dogs that provides a no side effect and pain-free alternative to traditional methods of pain management. It has been found to have numerous benefits for dogs, including pain relief, faster healing, reduced inflammation, increased mobility, and improved overall quality of life.
Pain relief
One of the primary benefits of laser therapy for dogs is pain relief. It is effective in treating pain associated with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint and soft tissue injuries. Laser therapy works by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It also reduces inflammation and swelling, which can contribute to pain.
Speeds up healing
Laser therapy is also effective in speeding up the healing process for dogs. It stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein that is essential for the healing of tissues. This means that wounds, incisions, and other injuries heal faster when laser therapy is used.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but excessive inflammation can cause pain and discomfort for dogs. Laser therapy reduces inflammation by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances, which helps to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Increases mobility
Dogs with joint or soft tissue injuries often have reduced mobility. Laser therapy can help to improve mobility by reducing pain and inflammation, which can make it easier for dogs to move around. This can improve their quality of life and help them to maintain their independence.
Non-invasive and painless
Laser therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment method. It does not require anesthesia or sedation, which means that dogs can undergo treatment without any discomfort or stress. This makes it an ideal treatment option for dogs who are sensitive to pain or who have anxiety or fear associated with traditional treatment methods.
Conditions treated with laser therapy
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive and painless treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. It has been used for decades to treat a wide range of conditions in humans and animals alike, including dogs. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common conditions that can be treated by cold laser therapy in dogs.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs that can cause chronic pain and discomfort. Cold laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected joints. It also helps to improve mobility and flexibility, making it easier for dogs to move around and perform their daily activities.
Wounds and injuries
Cold laser therapy can also be used to treat wounds and injuries in dogs. It helps to promote faster healing and reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. This is particularly beneficial for dogs that have suffered from surgical incisions, lacerations, or other types of injuries.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects many dog breeds, especially large breeds. It causes the hip joint to become loose and unstable, leading to pain, inflammation, and difficulty in walking. Cold laser therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joints, making it easier for dogs to move around and perform their daily activities.
Dental problems
Cold laser therapy can also be used to treat dental problems in dogs, such as periodontal disease and gingivitis. It helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected gums and teeth, improving overall oral health.
Skin conditions
Cold laser therapy can be used to treat various skin conditions in dogs, such as hot spots, allergic dermatitis, and fungal infections. It helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected skin, improving overall skin health.
Types of Laser Therapy
There are two main types of laser therapy used in veterinary medicine: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT).
LLLT, also known as cold laser therapy, uses low-powered lasers typically classified as class 3b laser, which have a power of laser diode output of less than 500 milliwatts and a wavelength range of 630-905 nanometers, for example, 650nm and 808nm low level laser. These lasers are safe, painless, and penetrate the skin and tissues up to a few centimeters. LLLT is commonly used for chronic conditions that require long-term treatment, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and wound healing. The low-level lasers are used to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and promote blood flow to the affected area, resulting in pain relief and tissue regeneration.
HILT, on the other hand, uses high-powered lasers typically classified as class 4 laser, which have a power of laser diode output of more than 500 milliwatts and and a wavelength range of 800-1000 nanometers, for example, 810nm and 980nm laser. These lasers penetrate deeper into the tissues and have more energy can be absorbed by the dogs, and get the response quicker. HILT is commonly used for acute and chronic conditions that require more immediate and intensive treatment, such as sprains, strains, and post-surgical pain. The high-powered lasers are used to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration, resulting in pain relief and faster healing times.
The main differences between LLLT and HILT are the power and penetration depth of the lasers. LLLT uses low-powered lasers, while HILT uses high-powered lasers. LLLT is typically used for acute conditions that require long-term treatment, while HILT is used for chronic conditions that require more intensive treatment. HILT treatments are usually shorter than LLLT treatments and can be more expensive.
Risks of Laser Therapy for Dogs
Laser therapy for dogs is generally considered safe and non-invasive, but there are some risks and contraindications to consider before proceeding with the treatment. Here are some potential risks and contraindications of laser therapy for dogs
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Eye damage: Direct exposure of the laser to the eyes can cause damage to the retina. Proper eye protection should always be worn by both the dog and the veterinary staff during laser therapy.
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Skin irritation or burns: In rare cases, the laser may cause skin irritation or burns if the laser is not used correctly or if the dog's skin is particularly sensitive.
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Aggravation of cancerous tumors: There is a potential risk that laser therapy can stimulate the growth of cancerous tumors, so laser therapy should not be used on dogs with known or suspected cancerous lesions.
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Overstimulation: In rare cases, laser therapy can cause overstimulation in dogs, leading to agitation, restlessness, or even aggression.
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Pregnancy: Laser therapy should not be used on pregnant dogs, as the effects on fetal development are unknown.
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Bleeding disorders: Dogs with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners may not be good candidates for laser therapy, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Thyroid disease: Dogs with thyroid disease should be monitored closely during laser therapy, as it can affect thyroid function.
- Infection: Laser therapy should not be used on infected areas, as it can spread the infection.
What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Session?
Laser therapy sessions for dogs are typically conducted by a veterinary professional using a specialized laser device. This treatment is non-invasive and aims to reduce inflammation while promoting healing in the targeted area.
The length of each session can vary depending on the severity of the condition and typically ranges from a few minutes to over 30 minutes. During the treatment, your dog will feel a warm and soothing sensation. The laser device will emit a concentrated beam of light that penetrates the skin and underlying tissue, which will promote healing, reduce inflammation and ease any pain or discomfort.
The veterinarian or veterinary technician will monitor your dog's response to the treatment and adjust the laser settings accordingly. Once the session is complete, your dog can go back to their normal activities and should not require any recovery time.
The number of sessions needed will depend on the individual needs of your dog and the severity of their condition. It's important to keep in mind that laser therapy is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Your veterinarian may also recommend additional treatments such as medication or physical therapy to supplement the laser therapy.
Cost of Laser Therapy for Dogs
The cost of laser therapy for dogs can vary depending on several factors. On average, a single laser therapy session can cost between $25 and $150. However, the cost can be higher or lower depending on the following factors:
Location: The cost of laser therapy can vary depending on the location of the veterinary clinic. Clinics in urban areas may charge more than those in rural areas.
Severity of the condition: The cost of laser therapy can increase if the dog's condition is severe and requires more sessions.
Duration of the session: The length of the session can also affect the cost. Longer sessions typically cost more.
Additional treatments: If additional treatments such as medication or physical therapy are recommended, the overall cost of treatment may increase.
Type of laser therapy: The type of laser therapy used can also affect the cost. Class 4 laser therapy is generally more expensive than class 3b laser therapy.
Can I Use Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs at Home?
Yes, you can use cold laser therapy for dogs at home, but it’s better to choose the class 3B portable laser, and the laser should be easy to operation, don’t have the complicated setting, if the supplier offer you the online training and laser therapy protocols for dogs that will be excellent.
Recommend you the Domer Laser 660mW Handheld Laser, which you can use at home. The Domer Laser is a portable and convenient handheld device designed for household use. It features a rechargeable 5200 mAh lithium battery that provides up to 7 days of use when fully charged. The device has a combination of medical-grade 3pcs 808nm and home-grade 12pcs 650nm laser diodes, which can effectively treat acute and chronic pain with a total power of 660 mW.
The Domer Laser also has an LCD screen that displays treatment time, power, battery capacity, and working mode, very convenient to use. It uses low-level laser therapy technology, which is safe, non-invasive, and has no side effects. The 808nm laser is not as bright as the 650nm laser, making it difficult to observe, but it can has the deeper penetration to work under the skin 3-5 centimeters to accelerate the soft tissue repair, relief the pain.
The Domer Laser comes with a one-year warranty, if any problem of the laser, within the warranty term, they will supply you the new laser free, and their customer service team is available to assist with any problems or concerns, most important, they will supply you the professional laser therapy protocols for dogs to help you get the better results free.
