Dog owners have started looking for alternative methods to anti-inflammatory and pain medications because they can give some unwanted side effects. A safe alternative to these drugs is the laser treatment for dogs that you can perform yourself from the comfort of your home.
Class 4 lasers vs. cold lasers
Unlike some classic laser devices in veterinary clinics (class 4 laser devices) that use powerful light beams and require protective glasses for both you and your dog, cold laser devices for home do not need them because it uses a cold light. It is easy to use and has the same benefits as classic laser therapy.
Because class 4 lasers generate very strong laser beams, they cannot be used safely at home. They are dangerous both for you and your family and for your dog because they can burn and permanently damage the skin, especially if they are used too often or incorrectly.
Another benefit of these devices is that your pet will not feel a thing and will be relaxed. In this way, you and your pet will also get rid of the stress of going to the veterinary office for the treatment.
Cold laser treatment for dogs at home
Cold laser therapy is a treatment method that is used for both humans and animals. It uses laser light, which is a monochromatic and coherent light. The purpose of this treatment is to reduce pain, speed up the healing process, and fight inflammation.
The beneficial effects have been proven in over thousands of studies on human pathology, but also through veterinary studies on dogs with various ailments.
Cold laser treatment for dogs at home has multiple benefits:
- You no longer have to go to the vet for treatment, so you get rid of the stress of going to the doctor.
- Your dog will not feel anything and will stay relaxed.
- It is a non-invasive, non-painful treatment that does not involve surgery or drugs.
- It can be used for a wide range of medical conditions.
- It has no known side effects.
- It is considered safe and effective.
- The positive effects and improvement of symptoms are noticeable from the first sessions.
- It improves your dog’s quality of life.
In which medical conditions can you use cold laser therapy?
Cold laser treatment for dogs at home has many benefits and can be used to treat numerous medical conditions:
- Acute pain due to accidents, trauma, or surgery
- Anal and perianal fistulas
- Ear infections
- Facial nerve paralysis
- Gingivitis and stomatitis
- Inflammations
- Musculoskeletal conditions
- Nerve lesions
- Periodontal diseases
- Pododermatitis
- Skin wounds and burns
The most common musculoskeletal conditions in dogs that cold laser therapy can treat or remedy are:
- Arthritis
- Articular pain
- Back and neck pain
- Elbow osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Knee pain induced by torn ligaments, arthritis, or tendonitis
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Spinal problems, including pain
- Tendinitis and tendon weakness
Dogs that are suffering or are in discomfort will show a series of physical and behavioral changes. To realize if your dog is going through some changes, pay attention to the following modifications:
- It has an abnormal position when lying down or standing up.
- It is agitated when he goes to bed or more often.
- It is restless all the time.
- It cries, yelps, or moans when walking, lying down, getting up, eating, etc.
- It cannot stand up or lie down.
- It has difficulty getting in and out of the car or when climbing stairs.
- It is lethargic and without energy.
- It refuses to eat or eats very little.
- It loses or gains weight.
- It is shivering even though it is not cold in the environment.
Depending on the veterinarian’s recommendations, cold laser treatment for dogs at home can be used as a single treatment method or in combination with other therapies (drug and/or surgical) to speed up healing. Always follow the veterinarian’s instructions for quick and long-lasting effects.
If your dog suffers from an acute condition, expect to see improvements from the first sessions. The effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative, and chronic conditions can be controlled and remedied with regular treatments. Use the cold laser therapy device twice a day for optimal results.
