Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Arthritis in Dogs?

Pet owners are increasingly looking for noninvasive and drug-free treatments for their furry friends. Alternative therapies treat various conditions, including ligament and tendon injuries, wounds, and arthritis. 

The treatments are relatively inexpensive and cause no pain. As dogs get older, they tend to develop arthritis. The condition can be painful and usually affects the dog’s mobility. Here is information on whether cold laser therapy can help arthritis in dogs. 

Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)

Using CLT in veterinary care is relatively new but is gaining popularity as more people look for alternative options. The therapy reduces inflammation, stimulates healing, and alleviates acute and chronic pain. 

The treatment can help suffering dogs feel better faster. CLT uses cold lasers. It has a shorter wavelength than the lasers used for surgery. It makes them effective therapy devices for treating dogs with arthritis. 

How Cold Laser Therapy Works

The laser produces light energy or photons, targeting the damaged tissue or area. The photons work at the cellular level, or mitochondria, causing photobiomodulation. The process releases ATP, the fuel required to improve cell function. 

The injured cells improve as their regeneration is accelerated. This results in less pain, less inflammation, and quicker healing.

Conditions Treated With CLT

CLT can be used to treat several conditions. These include:

 

• Tendon and ligament injuries
   

• Neurological conditions
   

• Wounds and muscle injuries
   

• Arthritis
   

• Fractures
   

• Muscle strains or sprains

The therapy can help treat postsurgical wounds. 

CLT to Help Arthritis in Dogs

Some dogs react to medications, and they experience side effects from their long-term use. CLT is painless and comfortable, and the dog’s fur will not need to be shaved. The laser is placed over the joints for a few minutes. 

If the dog has arthritis in multiple joints, the entire process takes about 30 minutes. To begin with, your dog may require two or three sessions a week. After the first week, the therapy is reduced to once a week, then once every two weeks. 

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy 

There are several benefits of CLT. They include:

 

• The therapy is convenient and highly effective
   

• It is inexpensive, costing between $20 and $50 per session
   

• It is non-invasive and completely pain-free
   

• CLT can be used alongside other treatments
   

• The process is enjoyable and relaxing.
   

• Produces quick and long-lasting results. 
   

• Has minimal to no side effects. The laser does not burn the skin or affect the fur

Arthritis in dogs is a common problem, but your pet does not have to suffer. Many pet parents report improved mobility and increased energy after CLT. The effects of the therapy are cumulative, and significant improvements are experienced after one week of treatment. The number of sessions required will depend on the severity of the condition. 

Dogs with advanced arthritis will usually need more therapy sessions. The procedure is integrative and used alongside other approaches. It can help improve the dog’s quality of life. 

For more on whether cold laser therapy can help arthritis in dogs, visit Animal Care Center of Aurora in Aurora, Colorado. Call 303-693-6640 to schedule an appointment today.