Pet Laser Therapy

Drug-free, surgery-free, and pain-free relief for your companion. Find out more about cold laser therapy.

Laser Therapy for Your Pet

Class IV laser therapy utilizes infrared light, which interacts with tissues at the cellular level. Metabolic activity increases within the cell, producing a cascade of beneficial effects. Laser therapy decreases pain and inflammation and promotes faster healing time.

What to Expect

There is no sedation required and restraint is minimal. Most pets find the treatment pleasant and comforting.

Although improvement may be seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3-9) for the most significant benefit.

A multi-visit plan is recommended for most conditions. Treatment times vary in length, generally 2-8 minutes per site.

Some pets exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12-24 hours after a laser treatment. Class IV laser therapy treatments are cumulative. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition.

What Not to Expect

Do not expect 100% resolution after one (1) treatment. Do not expect a cure for arthritis.

What to Avoid

Do not immediately increase your pet’s activity level—no Frisbees, tennis balls, or other strenuous exercise. Your veterinarian will direct you as to when and what types of activities are allowed.

Do not stop treatment after 2 or 3 sessions even if it does not seem to have an effect. It takes time to decrease inflammation and speed tissue healing. Most pets do feel relief after the first treatment. Often the owner sees how much it was really “working” when they stop the laser and the pet is in pain again.

What to Watch for

Renewed energy and freedom of movement. Getting up and down the stairs easier, hopping on the couch, PLAYING.

Rapid tissue healing
Reduced swelling
Improved quality of life

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Treatments

Cold laser therapy is used to treat multiple ailments and injuries in dogs and cats. Treatable conditions include:

Arthritis/DJD (Hip Dysplasia)
Trauma, Fractures, Joint and Nerve injuries
Muscle, Ligament or tendon injuries (Sprains, strains, and tears) Post-trauma wounds Post-surgical, pain/healing/rehab, Neuromuscular, disease/damage/degeneration, Musculoskeletal diseases, Neck and Back Pain(Acute and Chronic)
Skin lesions or abrasions
Ulcerations and open wounds (Lick granulomas, Hot Spots, Abscesses)
Acute and Chronic Ear Problems

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?

There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally, the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.

Are there any side effects or associated risks?

During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally, some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.

How long does each treatment take?

The typical treatment time is 2 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

How often should a patient be treated?

Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen.

How many treatments does it take?

This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 9 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.

How long before the results are felt?

Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.

A Sample Treatment Schedule is as follows:

Acute Conditions and Injuries:
Every other day for 1 week (3 total) Twice the second week (2 total) Once the third week (1 total)

Chronic Conditions:
Every other day for 3 weeks (9 total). Additional booster treatments as needed. Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition.