How Laser Therapy Works for Pets: Healing and Relief with Integrative Medicine

At Pet Health, we believe in providing comprehensive care that combines the best of traditional medicine with alternative therapies like laser therapy. As part of our November series on Integrative Medicine, we spotlight laser therapy—how it works and conditions it treats.  In this blog, we’ll also introduce Butter, a Pet Health superstar who has benefited from laser therapy and acupuncture to regain mobility and energy.

What is Laser Therapy for Pets?

Laser therapy, or Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a cutting-edge treatment that uses focused light beams to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate pet wound healing. It’s a non-invasive, painless therapy that stimulates tissue repair and promotes faster healing without needing medication.

Laser therapy works through a process called photobiomodulation. When laser light in the red and near-infrared spectrum penetrates the skin, it stimulates cellular function. This activates cells to promote growth, repair tissues, and reduce inflammation. Some of the physiological benefits include:

• Endorphin release to relieve pain.
• Vasodilation, which increases blood flow and speeds up healing.
• Muscle relaxation for comfort.
• Decreased inflammation and faster tissue repair.

For many conditions, laser therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other therapies like acupuncture, medication, or physical rehabilitation. At Pet Health, we’ve seen laser therapy transform the lives of pets with osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), soft tissue injuries, and more.

Common Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an excellent treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Laser therapy can reduce joint pain and improve mobility in pets suffering from arthritis, making it easier for them to move around and enjoy their daily activities.
• Postoperative Healing: After surgery, laser therapy accelerates tissue repair and reduces pain, helping pets recover faster.
• Chronic Pain Management: For conditions like IVDD or hip dysplasia, laser therapy relieves chronic pain and helps pets regain mobility.
• Wound Healing: From cuts and abrasions to surgical incisions, laser therapy speeds up healing time and reduces the risk of infection.
• Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Laser therapy can treat skin conditions like pyotraumatic dermatitis (“hot spots”) and lick granulomas, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation.

How Does Laser Therapy Work?

A handheld laser wand is moved gently over the affected area during a laser therapy session. Pets generally find the experience calming and enjoyable, as the light produces a warm, soothing sensation. A typical session lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treated condition. The number of sessions will vary based on the severity of the condition, but pets usually start with weekly sessions before gradually reducing to every few weeks.

While laser therapy is incredibly safe, certain precautions must be taken. The treatment should not be applied to areas of active bleeding, over specific organs, or near cancerous tissue. Additionally, pets and veterinary staff wear protective goggles during sessions to shield their eyes from the laser light.

Meet Butter: A Success Story with Laser Therapy and Acupuncture

Butter is one of our patients who has experienced the amazing benefits of laser therapy combined with acupuncture. Her pet parent, Marina, shares her journey.

Over the past few years, Butter developed significant mobility issues related to osteoarthritis and chronic degenerative disc disease. She could no longer jump onto the couch, climb stairs, or even enjoy her regular walks in the park. On top of her mobility struggles, Butter also experienced gastrointestinal issues, including frequent nausea and hypersalivation.

Marina had tried various treatments, including supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 fish oil, along with medications such as Rimadyl and Gabapentin. While these helped, they came with side effects. Gabapentin, in particular, caused Butter to struggle with walking, leading Marina to seek an alternative approach.

Knowing that arthritis and chronic degenerative disc disease are irreversible conditions, Marina didn’t want Butter on long-term medications due to the risk of liver, kidney, and GI issues. Butter began receiving both laser therapy and acupuncture to manage her pain, mobility issues, and GI discomfort.

The combination of laser therapy and acupuncture significantly improved Butter’s quality of life. Her mobility improved; she could walk longer distances, jump onto the couch, and climb stairs again. Butter’s GI issues also improved, with fewer episodes of hypersalivation. After each session, Marina noticed that Butter became more energetic and playful, showing how much the treatments improved her overall well-being.

Butter began with weekly laser therapy and acupuncture sessions and has since decreased the frequency to every 2-3 weeks. After eight months of treatment, Butter continues to thrive, demonstrating how effective these therapies can be for managing chronic conditions.

Marina’s Recommendation: “I would definitely recommend laser therapy and acupuncture to other pet parents. It helped minimize Butter’s pain with minimal side effects, and I love that it’s a great alternative to long-term medications.”

Why Choose Laser Therapy for Your Pet?

Laser therapy offers a non-invasive, drug-free solution for pets dealing with pain, inflammation, and injuries. Whether your pet has arthritis, chronic pain, or a stubborn wound, laser therapy can speed up recovery and restore mobility. At Pet Health, we often combine laser therapy with acupuncture to give pets the best of both worlds, just like we did with Butter.

In our next blog, we’ll explore acupuncture, another powerful integrative treatment for pets. Stay tuned to learn more about how this ancient therapy can benefit your pet’s health and well-being!