Is your canine buddy slowing down from arthritis or hip dysplasia? Is Fido recovering from an injury, or dealing with chronic pain? If so, laser therapy may be very helpful for your beloved pet. We are thrilled to offer this high-tech treatment to our furry patients! A Salem, VA discusses laser therapy for dogs below.
Basics
Laser therapy—also known as cold laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy—is a non-invasive treatment that is based on the use of light. This process is called photobiostimulation. (We know, that’s a bit of a mouthful.) In simpler terms, the lights from these lasers affect body chemistry at the cellular level. Unlike hot lasers, which are sometimes used for surgery, cold lasers do not cut tissue.
What Does It do?
Laser therapy has some truly wonderful benefits. The treatments stimulate the release of the body’s natural painkillers, which will help your pet feel better. It also improves circulation, which is very effective in promoting healing. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation, improve and/or restore metabolic function, and improve cell health, functions, and metabolism.
Uses
Laser therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of problems. However, we most often use laser therapy to help pooches with arthritis. It’s absolutely wonderful to see a stiff pup becoming more playful and mobile! It’s also sometimes used to facilitate healing after surgery. This in turn reduces the risk of complications. Laser therapy is also helpful in treating muscle, tendon, and ligament issues; ear infections; degenerative disc disease; treating muscle atrophy; and even hot spots.
Benefits
Laser therapy has some truly wonderful features. For one thing, there are no known side effects. It’s also painless and, as mentioned above, non-invasive. Your canine pal won’t need to be shaved or given medication. Fido also won’t need any recovery time, except perhaps an extra nap and some belly rubs. Treatment sessions are also quite short, and can be repeated as needed.
Tips
All of our furry patients are unique, so we always offer treatment options on a case-by-case basis. While laser therapy is wonderful, it isn’t going to be right for every dog. That said, if you think Fido may benefit from these treatments, give us a call! It never hurts to learn more!
Do you have questions about laser therapy in dogs? Call us, your Salem, VA vet clinic, today!
