Veterinary Laser Therapy: The Science, Uses, and Benefits for Dogs
Veterinary Laser Therapy Health Tips
by Robert Nachum

For us humans, laser therapy has become common , but did you know they can also help our dogs feel better? One of the most popular treatments for various dog conditions is laser therapy, an emerging field of veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Laser therapy: science and technology
Basically, a laser is a source of light and energy. Lasers, or more specifically optical amplifiers, produce electromagnetic radiation by amplification of light. The word “laser” stands for light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has four classes of lasers based on wavelength and energy output. In other words, lasers are classified based on how powerful they are and their intended use:
- Among the lasers, class 1 emits the least power and is the safest for everyday use. An example would be a barcode scanner at a store.
- Class 2 lasers produce visible light beams and are more powerful than class 1 lasers. Examples include laser pointers and some therapeutic lasers.
- When used inappropriately, class 3 lasers pose moderate ocular safety risks. The majority of therapeutic lasers fall into this category.
- Lasers of class 4 are extremely powerful and can cause severe eye damage and skin damage. It is used to cut or cauterize tissue during surgical procedures.
Many aspects of everyday life are influenced by laser technology. From shopping to DVD viewing to document printing, lasers benefit us in many ways. Veterinary and human medicine both use lasers to treat a variety of conditions. Laser therapy is an emerging treatment modality for a variety of conditions.
Laser therapy has many uses
Cold laser therapy is the application of light to a biologic system to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.”1 LLLT affects body tissues at a cellular level, stimulating benefits like increased blood flow, lymphatic drainage, collagen and enzyme production, and endorphin release. As a result, healing, nerve regeneration, and pain relief are enhanced.
Dermatologists, veterinarians, dentists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals are using laser therapy to treat painful, inflammatory conditions and wounds.
Laser therapy for dogs has many benefits
As part of a multi-modal approach to treating certain diseases in dogs, veterinarians often recommend laser therapy treatments, including laser therapy for dogs at home. Laser therapy is commonly recommended for the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries
- Surgical wounds
- Lick granulomas
- Allergic skin disease
Laser therapy may benefit many other canine conditions, according to its healing and regenerative effects. Research into this field is still ongoing. We know laser therapy has been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, increase patient comfort, and improve healing.
Veterinary Laser therapy offers medical benefits and sessions that can be completed on an outpatient basis. Depending on your pet’s condition and your veterinarian’s recommendations, laser therapy may help your pet achieve results in just a few sessions.
Chronic issues may require a longer period of time before benefits are observed. Additionally, laser therapy has an excellent safety profile when used properly and with appropriate eye protection. There are some laser products that can be purchased and utilized safely at home.
To learn more about low-level Veterinary laser therapy or to see if your dog is a good candidate for treatment, contact your family veterinarian or use different cold laser therapy devices for dogs.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291815/
- https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/uses-evidence-and-safety-of-laser-therapy/
- https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/laser-therapy/