Canine Well-Being: Explore the Benefits of Laser Therapy for Dogs
Delve into the wide-ranging benefits that laser therapy offers to dogs, enhancing their overall well-being and comfort.
What is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy for dogs, also known as canine laser therapy or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive photobiomodulation therapy. Essentially, it is a medical treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in dogs. It involves the use of a low-level laser device that emits specific wavelengths of light, typically in the red and near-infrared spectrums that alter the physiology of cells and tissue. This in turn stimulates electrons and activates cells to help accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
Laser therapy accelerates tissue repair by enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to cells for the recovery process. By reducing tissue restrictions that can impede healing, it promotes muscle relaxation and faster recuperation. Additionally, laser therapy effectively mitigates inflammation and pain, further expediting the healing journey.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Laser therapy is safe, painless and fast with no known side effects. Improvement and results vary, depending on the dog and the issue at hand, anywhere from 1-5 sessions.
This form of therapy works well on dogs that cannot take medications due to other health issues, dogs that are not candidates for surgery, dogs reactive to touch and even cats!
What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Be Used For?
Laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs. Some common conditions and ailments where laser therapy may be beneficial include:
Arthritis
Hip Dysplasia
Muscle Spasms
Myofascial Pain
Stress
Edema
Hematoma
Lesions
Tendon, Ligament Injury and Soreness
Scar Tissue
Strains
Stifle Injuries
Bone Chips
Post Operations
Inflammation
Lick Granulomas
Hot Spots
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative Disc or Joint Disease
Contra-Indications For Laser Therapy
Even though laser therapy is considered safe for dogs, there are still some important safety considerations to keep in mind:
Pregnancy
Direct Eye Contact
Cancer
Tumors That Have Not Been Diagnosed
*Please check with your veterinarian to conduct a thorough evaluation and determine if laser therapy is a suitable and safe treatment option for your pet. If right for your pet, laser therapy can offer significant benefits in terms of pain relief and tissue healing for dogs.
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