The Exciting World of Laser Therapy for Pets

No pet parent wants their four-legged friends to suffer, and making sure they are receiving adequate pain relief and are being given the best possible chance at healing following an injury is an important part of pet ownership. At Bayside Animal Hospital, helping patients recover quickly, efficiently, and with as little pain as possible is important to us, too. Laser therapy is part of that equation.

Laser therapy for pets is growing in popularity as a safe and effective way to promote healing and reduce pain, and we are excited to share the news about this wonderful technology with our readers!

How Veterinary Laser Therapy Works

Lasers are essentially beams of light that travel at a specific frequency, which allows it to penetrate tissues. The light energy particles within the laser beam, called photons, are targeted at a wound, suture site, or painful/swollen area of the body. The photons are absorbed into the cells where they stimulate positive changes in the tissue, including:

• • Decreased inflammation and swelling

• • Reduction in pain

• • Increased blood flow to the target area

• • Increased healing

• • Relaxation of muscles

• • Increased oxygenation of the tissue

• Reduction of harmful bacteria

Laser Therapy for Pets

Because there are no known side effects of laser therapy for pets, it can be of benefit to almost any pet who has pain, inflammation, or is healing from an injury or from surgery. Some of the many conditions that can be benefited by laser therapy for pets include:

• • Wounds and fractures

• • Sprains and ligament tears

• • Postoperative recovery

• • Arthritis/joint issue

• • Hip dysplasia

• • Intervertebral disc disease

• • Allergies

• • Ear and sinus infections

• Skin conditions

This non-invasive treatment can also be used on exotic pets who may not be able (or willing) to take medication, such as birds, lizards, guinea pigs, and more. Laser therapy is regularly used for birds of prey and other wildlife.

The Next Steps 

Depending on your pet’s needs, we will establish a pain management and healing plan that includes laser therapy and any other appropriate therapeutic approaches. Most sessions last roughly 5-15 minutes, with healing and pain reducing effects continuing over the next 24-48 hours. The number of treatments your pet will need depend on the situation, but many pets derive significant benefits within the first few sessions.

If your pet is struggling with chronic pain or discomfort, or recovering from an injury, please contact the team at Bayside to learn more about the benefits of laser therapy for pets. We would love to help your pet heal faster and feel better.