Laser Therapy for Dogs – Everything You Need To Know
Laser therapy for dogs is one of the fastest-growing treatments in veterinary medicine. In this post we’ll cover:
What is Laser Therapy for Dogs?
Laser therapy for dogs, often referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, involves the use of specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to stimulate the body and promote healing. Unlike surgical lasers designed to cut or cauterize tissues, therapeutic lasers operate at lower power and do not generate heat significant enough to damage tissues.
Laser therapy for dogs therapy began gaining popularity around the early 2000s. Originally derived from human medicine, veterinarians quickly recognized its benefits in animals, particularly in managing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and speeding recovery from injuries and surgeries.
How Does Laser Therapy Work in Dogs?
Laser therapy uses certain kinds of light that are absorbed by cells in the body. This process occurs when laser photons penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, interacting at a cellular level to initiate a cascade of beneficial effects. One key benefit of laser therapy for dogs is the increased blood flow to the treated area, which enhances healing, promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces inflammation.
The effectiveness of laser therapy depends on various factors, including the specific condition being treated and the wavelength of the light used.
Scientific Mechanism (Photobiomodulation)
When targeted cells absorb photons emitted by the laser device, they become energized, stimulating the mitochondria within the cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency essential for cellular functions. Enhanced ATP production accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. This video walkthrough how laser therapy works under the covers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzMJUxalkFo
Role of Wavelengths
Different wavelengths penetrate to varying depths within tissues, targeting specific cells and structures. Therapeutic lasers commonly use wavelengths between 600 nm to 1100 nm, optimizing penetration depth to effectively reach muscles, joints, and internal tissues. Laser therapy uses light with wavelengths ranging from 600 nm to 1100 nm. However, the most researched and commonly utilized wavelengths are visible red (around 635 nm) and infrared (800-850 nm).
Red light is particularly effective for wound healing, as it targets and stimulates cells closer to the skin surface. Infrared wavelengths, on the other hand, penetrate deeper into tissues, effectively reaching muscles, bones, and joints, making them ideal for addressing deeper internal conditions.
What Conditions Does Laser Therapy Treat in Dogs
Laser therapy has a broad spectrum of veterinary applications, successfully treating several canine health issues, including acute and chronic injuries:
Arthritis and Joint Pain: Significantly reduces inflammation and chronic joint pain associated with arthritis, improving mobility and comfort.
Wound Healing: Accelerates the closure and healing of acute and chronic wounds, including surgical incisions and trauma-induced injuries.
Inflammation and Soft Tissue Injuries: Treats conditions like sprains, strains, ligament injuries, tendonitis, and swelling associated with injuries.
Neurological Disorders: Assists in managing chronic neurological pain and inflammatory conditions.
Post-surgery Healing: Accelerates healing, decreases infection risk, and reduces pain post-operatively.
During a laser therapy appointment, the veterinarian may recommend additional treatments based on the specific condition being addressed, and further sessions may be scheduled in the following weeks.
Laser therapy is widely used to treat dogs with various conditions, promoting healing and enhancing their quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Therapy for Dogs?
Laser therapy offers numerous benefits:
Pain Relief: Laser therapy reduces pain in veterinary applications, particularly for conditions like musculoskeletal issues and post-surgical healing. It works by reducing inflammation through vasodilation, stimulating nerve cells to block pain signals, and enhancing wound healing by positively influencing various healing phases, collectively contributing to significant pain relief in dogs.
Reduced Inflammation: Minimizes swelling and discomfort by enhancing the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes.
Accelerated Healing: Shortens recovery times from injuries and surgeries by promoting faster tissue regeneration.
Non-invasive: Does not involve surgery, injections, or harsh medications, significantly reducing risks and complications.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Helps senior dogs and dogs with chronic conditions maintain mobility and comfort, improving overall quality of life.
Alternative Therapies: Laser therapy is a valuable option for pets with limited pain management choices due to conditions that prevent the use of conventional medications, like severe liver disease.
Specific Cases and Testimonials
Many pet owners share remarkable improvements in their dogs following laser therapy. Cases include arthritic senior dogs regaining mobility, injured dogs recovering swiftly, and quicker post-surgical recoveries. At MedcoVet, we offer treatment at home and have a full page of pets who have benefitted from treatment.
Click here to view our testimonials
Limitations and Contraindications
Despite the numerous benefits, laser therapy isn’t suitable for every condition. Key contraindications include:
Cancer
Pregnancy
Puppies (up to 1yr, where growth plates are still developing)
Seizures
Undiagnosed pain
It is essential to consult your veterinarian to determine suitability.
Is There Research Behind Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy has robust scientific support in both human and veterinary medicine, with over 7000 studies to date. Veterinary medicine, in particular, has played a significant role in advancing laser therapy research. Studies consistently demonstrate its efficacy in reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue regeneration, and improving quality of life for canine patients.
Key Studies and Findings:
A veterinary study published in Veterinary Surgery reported significantly accelerated healing rates in surgical incisions treated with laser therapy.
Clinical trials documented in the Journal of Small Animal Practice indicate notable improvements in pain management for dogs with chronic arthritis.
Veterinary professional organizations like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) endorse laser therapy, highlighting it as an evidence-based, effective treatment option.
For a detailed list of veterinary studies for different conditions, visit our research page.
For a full database 7000+ studies done to date, visit here.
Is Laser Therapy for Dogs the Same as Laser Therapy for Humans?
Human laser therapy and laser therapy for dogs share the same core principles, such as using light to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support healing. However, there are key differences—most notably, the presence of fur in animals, which affects how light interacts with tissue. We cover this in more detail in our post about Light and Fur.
Veterinary laser therapy follows separate, species-specific protocols that consider factors like fur density, skin thickness, and animal sensitivity. You can view the full set of veterinary laser therapy guidelines here. (BTW, MedcoVet adheres to these established veterinary protocols to ensure safe, effective treatment).
Similarities:
Both leverage photobiomodulation mechanisms.
Both can treat inflammation, and chronic pain, and facilitate healing.
Differences:
Device Calibration: Veterinary lasers are specifically calibrated for animal skin thickness, fur penetration, and sensitivity.
Dosage and Duration: Animals generally require customized protocols, adjusted for factors like breed, fur type, and size.
Safety Protocols: Veterinary laser devices have specialized safety measures adapted for animal use, ensuring pet comfort and security.
Using veterinary-specific equipment and protocols is critical for effective treatment outcomes and safety.
Is Laser Therapy Safe?
Laser treatment is widely regarded as an extremely safe option when properly administered by trained veterinary professionals or when using veterinary-approved home devices. Laser therapy for dogs is an effective treatment method primarily aimed at reducing pain and inflammation, as well as promoting wound healing in dogs.
Safety and Risk Factors:
Laser treatment does not produce significant heat, ensuring tissue safety.
The procedure is generally pain-free, and often relaxing for pets.
Protective goggles or eye coverings ensure eye safety during treatments.
Potential Side Effects:
Side effects are rare and typically minor, including temporary skin warmth or mild redness at the treatment site. Proper technique and qualified supervision mitigate risks significantly.
How Much Does Laser Therapy for Dogs Cost?
The cost of laser therapy varies significantly based on several factors, typically ranging between $25 to $60 per session, with new at-home options reducing the cost.
Cost Influencing Factors:
Geographical Location: Urban centers typically charge more due to higher overhead costs.
Condition Severity: Complex or chronic conditions may require longer or more frequent sessions, increasing costs.
Clinic Reputation and Expertise: Experienced, specialized veterinarians may charge premium rates.
Cost Comparison:
Compared to ongoing medication or invasive surgical procedures, laser therapy can be a cost-effective option—especially with at-home treatment devices that reduce costs while increasing convenience and the positive impact on your pet’s well-being.
What Can You Expect from a Laser Therapy Treatment?
Here’s a detailed overview of a typical session:
Pre-treatment Preparation:
Minimal preparation, possibly shaving dense fur for better laser penetration.
Protective eyewear for the pet and the veterinary staff.
The Session:
Therapeutic laser treatment is part of the process.
A laser therapy session generally lasts 5 to 20 minutes depending on the treatment area.
The pet typically remains calm and may fall asleep; sessions are often relaxing.
Post-treatment:
After laser treatment immediate pain relief may be noticeable.
Recommended sessions vary; typically, acute conditions require fewer sessions, and chronic conditions require ongoing management.
Owners often report their pets become more active, and comfortable and show improved mobility shortly after laser treatments begin.
Where Can I Find a Laser Therapy Provider?
To find a reputable provider:
Veterinary Recommendations: Always start with your trusted veterinarian’s advice or referral.
Certifications and Credentials: Look for certifications from veterinary associations or evidence of specialized training.
Directories and Resources: Use online veterinary directories or official websites from organizations like AAHA.
We’ve also curated a list of providers who offer both in-clinic and home treatment options
Quality, professional treatment ensures safety, effectiveness, and optimal health outcomes for your dog.
What if I want to Treat at Home?
Home-use laser therapy devices have become increasingly popular among pet owners looking for convenient and cost-effective treatments. Home laser therapy for dogs (known as red light therapy), in particular, is used to treat various conditions in canines, such as ailments experienced by older dogs and postoperative recovery.
Selection Criteria:
Veterinary-approved certifications
Ease of use
Safety features
Device efficacy and user testimonials
Popular At-home Devices:
Several reputable home-use devices are available, and we’ve done a round of up of the best products for use at home:
https://medcovet.com/blog/red-light-roundup/
Pros and Cons:
Pros: Convenience, lower long-term costs, flexibility in scheduling.
Cons: Less powerful than professional-grade devices, means 30% longer treatment times (but that just means a few more minutes per day with your pet); effectiveness depends on correct use.
Tips for Home Use:
Consult your veterinarian before starting home treatments.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
Regular vet check-ins ensure your home therapy remains effective and safe.
If you are interested in home treatment with light for your pet we offer a free consult to help you understand if treatment is right for you. Click here to schedule a complimentary consult.
Laser therapy offers an innovative, safe, and scientifically-supported way to manage various canine health conditions. From alleviating chronic pain to enhancing post-operative recovery, it has proven itself invaluable to countless pet owners and veterinarians alike. Whether administered professionally or via approved home devices, laser therapy represents a significant advancement in veterinary care, ensuring your dog enjoys a comfortable, pain-free life.
