Pet Laser Therapy

Laser therapy relies on a deeply penetrating light to trigger a series of positive chemical reactions, collectively known as photobiostimulation. The procedure successfully relieves pain by releasing endorphins—the same “feel good” chemicals released after people exercise.

Endorphins interact with the receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain and trigger a sense of well-being. They also encourage injured cells to heal at a faster pace.

Laser therapy accomplishes some other cool things, too: It decreases nerve sensitivity, increases blood circulation and encourages cells to regenerate – all of which factor into pain relief. And it does all this without any known side effects.

The shades – goggles actually – play a role in the laser therapy process right from the start, for both the dog and owner. At Larchmont Animal Hospital, it doesn’t matter if the dog lies on a table or the floor, on a padded bed or a thin blanket. An anxious dog can even be held in the owner’s lap. As long as the dog is still and reclining and the shades are in place, the veterinarian can begin running the laser wand over the affected area for between 3 and 10 minutes.

During this time, the dog feels a warm, gentle and soothing rubbing sensation – so relaxing that it has been known to lure even the most anxious dogs into a quick but deep slumber, shades and all.

Many dogs feel better immediately, especially those recovering from a painful surgical procedure. In fact, laser therapy can be done on a surgical wound before the animal even awakens from surgery. In this way, the treatment functions as an ideal companion to surgery since it works directly on the affected area to accelerate healing, fortify muscle and tissue and improve a dog’s mobility.

Still, a dog’s condition dictates how many laser therapy treatments will be advisable. In other words, the more serious the malady, the more treatments are generally necessary. Here, too, laser therapy provides some inherent promise: Since the treatments are cumulative in nature, a dog’s condition generally improves with each procedure.