Laser Therapy for Pets

As our pets age, recover from surgery, or face chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, finding effective, non-invasive pain management solutions is critical. Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a popular and safe treatment to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in pets. This treatment harnesses the power of light energy to stimulate cellular activity, offering a gentle yet impactful way to improve the quality of life for pets facing a variety of health challenges.

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

What is Laser Therapy & How Does It Work?
How Can Laser Therapy Help My Pet?
Is It For Cats & Dogs?
Who Can Benefit From Laser Therapy?
What Are The Benefits of Laser Therapy & Why Do You Recommend It For Pets?
Is it Safe for Pets?
How is Laser Treatment Administered?
Does My Pet Have To Be Shaved?
How is the Dose Calculated?
How Long is a Treatment Session?
How Long Does It Take to Start Improving My Pet’s Condition?
How Long Do the Effects of Laser Therapy Last?
How Often Will My Pet Need Therapeutic Laser Therapy & How Many Treatments Should I Expect?
Are There Any Reasons Not to Use Therapeutic Laser on a Pet?
What is The Process at WoofDoctor on Wheels?
What Does It Cost?
Where Can I Learn More?
References

What is Laser Therapy & How Does It Work?

What Is It?

Laser therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues at the cellular level, targeting the source of inflammation and pain without the need for surgery or medication. During a treatment, the light energy is absorbed by the cells, leading to a cascade of biochemical reactions that promote healing and reduce pain. These reactions increase blood circulation, encourage cellular repair, and release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. The result is a treatment that not only targets symptoms but aids the body’s natural healing processes.

How It Works

The science behind laser therapy lies in its ability to penetrate tissues without causing damage. Light beams with higher wavelengths penetrate deeper into muscles and bones, rather than being absorbed by the skin. When the laser light is directed onto an affected area, the energy is absorbed by mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells. This absorbed energy increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule responsible for cellular energy. With more ATP, cells have a greater ability to repair themselves, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue regeneration.

In addition to stimulating healing, laser therapy impacts nerve cells, reducing their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. This dual effect of promoting cellular repair and decreasing pain transmission helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and discomfort, creating a comprehensive healing environment.

Moreover, laser therapy facilitates healing by increasing endorphin release, promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), and inducing muscle relaxation. It also reduces pain by decreasing the sensitization of peripheral neurons, the dorsal root ganglion, and the spinal cord. Additionally, it upregulates epidermal growth factor and TGF-beta, which significantly improves skin healing.

The Pegasus ClassIV Laser from Companion Health that we use at WoofDoctor on Wheels

How Can Laser Therapy Help My Pet?

Laser therapy has a broad range of applications for pets and is particularly effective in managing:

Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain: Reducing inflammation, reducing pain severity, improving gait, and improving joint range of motion in pets with osteoarthritis allows for increased mobility and comfort in day-to-day activities.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Promoting healing after surgery, laser therapy significantly reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation, leading to quicker recovery times. Following dental cleaning, laser therapy also dramatically reduces gingivitis.
Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Assisting with the repair of these tissues, laser therapy reduces recovery times, reduces pain, and helps prevent re-injury.
Wound Healing: Laser therapy accelerates the closure and healing of wounds, minimizing infection risk and pain.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: Reducing discomfort and improving range of motion, laser therapy helps manage pain associated with hip and elbow dysplasia, a common issue in many dog breeds.
Cystitis: Helps relieve pain and inflammation associated with bladder issues.
Otitis: Provides relief for ear infections and inflammation.
Enteritis & Diarrhea: Positive effects can be noticed within one to two treatments, often the day after the session.
Lick Granulomas: Reduces inflammation and aids in healing these painful lesions.
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis or Hotspots: Alleviates discomfort and promotes healing of irritated skin.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Aids recovery and reduces pain from strains and sprains.
Thermal Burns: Helps promote healing and relieve pain from burns.
Anal Gland Sacculitis: Reduces inflammation and discomfort associated with anal gland issues.
Bone Healing: Supports the healing process in fractures and other bone injuries.
Respiratory Applications: Effective for conditions like smoke inhalation, asthma, and pneumonia. Laser therapy can decrease inflammation, reduce neutrophilic infiltration, lessen harmful enzyme activity, and decrease bronchoconstriction and mucus production.

These conditions benefit from laser therapy’s ability to reduce swelling, minimize pain, and promote cellular repair, making it an invaluable treatment for both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

Image of a dog labeling areas on the body where laser therapy can be applied and for what conditions

Regions where we can apply laser therapy & conditions where it may be beneficial.

Is It For Cats & Dogs?

Image obtained here

Yes, laser therapy is beneficial for both cats and dogs. While it’s often associated with treating joint issues and injuries in dogs, laser therapy is equally effective and safe for cats. In fact, cats tend to tolerate laser therapy very well, which is a great advantage given their sensitivity to many traditional pain medications. In our experience, cats tolerate treatment well and will willingly sit for therapy for up to 5 minutes. We’ve never had to sedate a cat for treatment; however, if a cat is experiencing chronic pain, we can utilize gabapentin to ensure their comfort during the session.

For both cats and dogs, laser therapy can be used to manage chronic conditions like arthritis, alleviate pain from injuries, and support healing for various skin and surgical wounds. Tailored to your pet’s size and needs, laser therapy can help improve comfort and quality of life for both cats and dogs.

Who Can Benefit From Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of pets, regardless of their age, breed, or condition. Both dogs and cats suffering from acute or chronic pain can experience significant relief and improved quality of life through this treatment. Pets recovering from surgery, injuries, or trauma can benefit from enhanced healing and reduced inflammation. Additionally, animals with conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or muscle strains may find relief from discomfort and increased mobility.

Senior pets, who often face age-related issues like joint stiffness or chronic pain, can particularly benefit from laser therapy as a gentle and effective way to manage their symptoms. Even pets with neurological conditions or post-operative complications can see improvements with laser therapy, making it a versatile option for many health challenges.

Laser therapy is particularly useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as: cats for whom only a few pain-control medications are approved; pets with liver disease who cannot take medications; pets who do not tolerate anesthesia; pets for whom medication administration is difficult or impossible; senior pets with diminished function; and pets with chronic deteriorating conditions like osteoarthritis. Furthermore, laser therapy can be useful for a number of other conditions such as soft tissue injuries, wound healing, smoke inhalation, pneumonia, cystitis, lick granulomas, dermatitis, thermal burns, and anal gland sacculitis. By providing a non-invasive treatment option, laser therapy allows pet owners to support their pets’ healing processes and improve their overall well-being.

What Are The Benefits of Laser Therapy & Why Do You Recommend It For Pets?

Laser therapy is a researched and supported non-invasive treatment option for pets, allowing veterinarians to manage pain and promote healing without relying on drugs or surgery. It tends to be much more targeted than other non-invasive therapies (e.g., PEMF) and tends to work more quickly as it activates the cell mitochondria. Key benefits include:

Effective Pain Relief: Laser therapy reduces both acute and chronic pain by decreasing pain receptor activity and releasing endorphins, offering a drug-free solution to pain management.
Accelerated Healing: By stimulating cellular activity and improving blood flow, laser therapy can speed up the healing of wounds, soft tissue injuries, and fractures.
Reduced Inflammation: Laser therapy reduces edema and inflammation by improving lymphatic drainage, modulating inflammatory processes, and reducing swelling and discomfort around injured tissues. This is particularly beneficial for things like ear infections, dental disease, and surgical wound healing.
Enhanced Tissue Repair: Promotes collagen production and tissue regeneration, which assists in the repair of damaged tissues like skin and muscle.
Increased Range of Motion: Can lead to improvements in mobility and flexibility, particularly beneficial for pets suffering from conditions like arthritis.
Improvement in Nerve Function: Encourages the regeneration of nerve cells and can be used to help in the recovery of nerve injuries.
Non-Invasive: Provides a non-surgical option with minimal discomfort, making it ideal for pets needing ongoing treatment or those who cannot undergo surgery.
Safe and Effective: When performed correctly, laser therapy is safe and effective, with little to no side effects reported. Not recommended for patients with cancer with few exceptions.

Be sure to visit the references section for all the research confirming laser therapy’s effectiveness for pets.

Is it Safe for Pets?

Laser therapy is a low-risk treatment with few side effects when performed by a trained professional. Pets undergoing treatment wear special protective eyewear to prevent any accidental light exposure, and the laser settings are carefully calibrated to avoid overheating tissues. It is a safe and comfortable option, even for senior pets or those who may be sensitive to other treatment forms.

Side effects are rare but can include slight, temporary soreness in treated areas as inflammation reduces and healing progresses. This soreness typically subsides quickly, and any discomfort is minimal compared to the relief it brings from chronic or acute pain.

How is Laser Treatment Administered?

Laser therapy sessions are gentle, short, and easy for pets to tolerate, with most lasting between 5 and 15 minutes. Before treatment begins, pets are fitted with protective eyewear to shield their eyes from the laser light. During the session, a veterinarian or technician uses a handheld laser device over the area needing treatment, ensuring the energy penetrates to the targeted tissue. The sensation is often soothing, and many pets relax or even fall asleep during the session.

The handheld laser can be held in direct contact with the skin, which minimizes reflection of light, ensuring as much light as possible penetrates the affected area. To ensure comprehensive treatment, the laser is used to treat 360 degrees around a limb or damaged area, including all soft tissue attachments at a joint. The technician moves continuously over the entire area, treating in contact with the skin to minimize reflection of light off the surface. All measurements, including power (watts) and total time under treatment, are recorded in the patient’s record for reference.

Laser therapy typically begins with frequent treatments—often two to three times per week for acute conditions—then gradually reduces in frequency as the pet’s condition improves. Chronic conditions may benefit from ongoing maintenance treatments. The therapy is adaptable to each pet’s needs, making it an ideal option for pets of all ages and conditions.

Does My Pet Have To Be Shaved?

No, your pet does not need to be shaved for laser therapy. The treatment can be performed through the fur as long as the hair is not excessively thick or matted. In most cases, the laser light is effective at penetrating through the coat to reach the underlying tissues. However, if the fur is particularly dense or long in the treatment area, the veterinarian or technician may recommend a light trimming to ensure optimal results. The focus is always on making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your pet.

How is the Dose Calculated?

Lucky for us, our Companion Laser calculates the dose automatically based on the area of the body, size of the area we want to treat, skin pigment, hair thickness, and hair pigment in order to create consistence and safety.

But, if you want the real math. Here it is!

In laser therapy, the dose—or energy density—is measured in Joules per square centimeter (J/cm²), representing the energy delivered to a specific area. The dosage is calculated by dividing the total energy by the area of the treatment site:

Dosage Formula:

For specific conditions, recommended dosages vary based on the depth of the target tissue:

Superficial Conditions (e.g., post-operative incisions, wounds): 4-6 J/cm²
Deep Tissue Conditions (e.g., musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain): 8-20 J/cm²
Unique, Highly Resistant Conditions: >20-30 J/cm²

Example Calculation for a Deep Tissue Condition:
To treat osteoarthritis in a large dog’s hip, a target dose of 8-20 J/cm² is recommended. Assuming a hip treatment area of 250 cm², the dosage calculation would be:

Delivery Power and Treatment Time:
The treatment time depends on the power of the laser, which is the rate at which energy is delivered. Using higher power allows for shorter treatment times:

At 12W Power: Treatment time is approximately 3 minutes and 28 seconds.
At 0.5W Power: Treatment time extends to around 83 minutes and 20 seconds.

Higher power settings are often used to ensure efficient energy absorption, as energy is lost while penetrating through fur and skin layers before reaching the target tissue.

How Long is a Treatment Session?

Sessions are typically brief, lasting 5 to 15 minutes, though times may vary depending on the area and condition being treated.

How Long Does It Take to Start Improving My Pet’s Condition?

The effects of laser therapy can vary based on the pet’s condition, the severity of their symptoms, and their body’s individual response. For certain conditions, it may even be possible to observe initial effects within 48-72 hours following treatment. Many pet owners notice some improvement in their pet’s comfort and mobility after just one or two sessions, especially for conditions involving pain and inflammation, like osteoarthritis or acute injuries. However, chronic conditions, such as long-standing arthritis or significant tissue damage, may require several treatments before noticeable improvement occurs, as laser therapy works cumulatively.

Typically, a course of laser therapy will involve several sessions spread over weeks, often starting with more frequent treatments (e.g., two to three times a week) before tapering off as the pet’s condition stabilizes. Each session builds on the last, encouraging gradual reduction in inflammation and stimulation of cellular repair, which means consistent improvement over time. In many cases, pets show increased comfort, reduced pain, and improved mobility after a few weeks of regular treatments, but the exact timeline will vary depending on individual response and the condition being treated.

How Long Do the Effects of Laser Therapy Last?

The duration of relief from laser therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual pet. For acute or short-term issues, positive effects may last for several weeks, while chronic conditions often see more extended relief with regular sessions. For pets with chronic issues like osteoarthritis, the positive effects of laser therapy can last up to 90 days; however, these effects are cumulative, meaning they build and sustain with consistent treatments over time. Maintenance sessions are typically necessary to uphold these benefits, with ongoing therapy adjusted based on your pet’s unique response and needs.

How Often Will My Pet Need Therapeutic Laser Therapy & How Many Treatments Should I Expect?

The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Acute injuries may require only a few sessions, while chronic conditions like arthritis may benefit from ongoing, scheduled treatments.

Are There Any Reasons Not to Use Therapeutic Laser on a Pet?

Laser therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated by pets, but there are specific circumstances when it may not be advisable. Laser therapy should be avoided over areas of active cancer, as stimulating cellular activity in these regions could potentially accelerate tumor growth. It is also contraindicated over the thyroid gland, as laser exposure to this area may interfere with normal hormonal functions. Additionally, laser therapy should be used with caution near the eyes; protective eyewear is essential for both the pet and the clinician to prevent potential eye damage from the laser light. Therapeutic laser should not be used over areas of active bleeding, or over testicles and other endocrine glands.

Pregnant pets should not receive laser therapy over the abdomen, as the effects of laser energy on fetal development are not well understood. Similarly, care should be taken when treating young, growing animals over growth plates to avoid disrupting normal bone development. Finally, any pet with a known sensitivity or adverse reaction to laser therapy should avoid treatment, although this is rare.

What is The Process at WoofDoctor on Wheels?

At WoofDoctor on Wheels, we understand that pets thrive in familiar surroundings. That’s why we bring our Class 4 laser therapy directly to your home, providing a convenient and comfortable treatment experience for your furry family members. By offering laser therapy in the comfort of your home, we create a stress-free environment that can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Many pets are more relaxed in their own space, allowing them to fully benefit from the soothing effects of the therapy.

For active clients and before starting treatment, our Veterinary Technician will evaluate your pet and relay the information to Dr. Cifranick to determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored for your pet’s specific needs. This saves you the cost of a separate Veterinary consultation and ensures your pet’s treatment is as effective as possible. Typical laser therapy sessions are administered by our skilled Technician Team using a Pegasus Class 4 Laser, usually two to three times a week, depending on the severity of the condition. For pets with osteoarthritis or other chronic issues, treatments may last between 2 to 6 weeks, followed by maintenance sessions as needed.

To further improve outcomes, we also offer the option to package laser therapy with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, providing a comprehensive approach to your pet’s healing journey. With our dedicated in-home services and personalized treatment plans, WoofDoctor on Wheels is committed to supporting your pet’s health and well-being in the most effective and compassionate way possible.

What Does It Cost?

Where Can I Learn More?

To take our online pain assessment here.

References

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Alves, J. C., Jorge, P., & Santos, A. (2022). The effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the management of chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea in dogs. Lasers in Medical Science, 37(3), 2045-2051. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03469-w

Alves, J. C., Santos, A., & Carreira, L. M. (2022). A randomized double-blinded controlled trial on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 83(8). https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0036

Alves, J. C., Santos, A., & Carreira, L. M. (2023). A preliminary report on the combined effect of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections and photobiomodulation in canine osteoarthritis. Animals (Basel), 13(20), 3247. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203247

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