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Is your kitty slowing down or showing signs of their age? Has your agility dog suffered a performance injury? It’s possible that laser therapy could help them regain that spring in their step and even get back to doing the activities you both enjoy the most.

Not sure what laser therapy is? Your friends at Ten West Bird and Animal Hospital are here to share the basics with you!

What is Laser Therapy and How Does it Work?

Used for years in human medicine, laser therapy uses Class IV laser light to stimulate healthy cell growth, repair damaged cells, and stimulate healing in damaged tissues. The laser light is delivered using a hand piece that’s moved rhythmically over the areas of your pet’s body that are experiencing pain, discomfort, or need healing.

Laser light penetrates your pet’s skin painlessly and is absorbed by injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in accelerated healing, pain relief, and decreased inflammation and swelling.

How Do We Use Laser Therapy?

There are numerous conditions that can be helped with this non-invasive option, including:

• Post surgical recovery — Following surgery, laser therapy can help relieve discomfort and pain, and it’s been proven to speed up recovery.
• Reduces arthritis pain and restores mobility — For pets with arthritis, laser therapy can provide relief. Cats often suffer from arthritis, but their owners are not aware. If your cat used to jump up and cuddle with you but isn’t anymore, please talk to us about this possibility.
• Muscle and joint rehabilitation —  If your pet has had an injury that causes muscle soreness, pain, limping, or decreased activity, laser therapy can provide pain relief and help them feel like their old selves again.
• Pain management — Older pets sometimes experience soreness that’s not caused by injury or arthritis. In these pets, laser therapy can help them feel better in their golden years.
• Reduces the need for pain medication — Although every pet is different, there is good evidence to show that laser therapy can replace or enhance pain relief from medications.
• Wound care and healing — Laser therapy can speed wound healing and help your pet regain function more quickly than traditional wound care methods alone.

Whether it’s an agility competition, running at the park, or playing ball with the kids in the backyard, we want to see your special friend get back to doing the activities they love the most. Please give us a call to learn more about laser therapy and how it can help your best friend feel their best.