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As pet owners, nothing is more distressing than seeing your dog in pain or struggling to recover from an injury. Whether your canine companion suffers from chronic arthritis, a recent surgery, or an acute injury, you may have heard about cold laser therapy as a treatment option. But is this non-invasive approach right for your dog? Let’s explore what cold laser therapy is, how it works, and when it can help.
 

What Is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing in targeted tissues. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers do not cut or heat tissue. Instead, the laser’s light penetrates deep into the affected area, encouraging cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and promoting pain relief.
 

Veterinarians have increasingly turned to cold laser therapy as an adjunct treatment for various conditions, from joint pain to wound healing. Sessions are typically quick and painless, with many dogs even relaxing during the procedure.
 

How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Dogs?

The light energy from cold lasers interacts with cells in a process known as photobiomodulation. This process enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, accelerates tissue repair, and stimulates the release of endorphins - your dog’s natural painkillers. As a result, dogs often experience reduced pain, increased mobility, and a faster recovery.
 

Conditions That May Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy:

•          Arthritis and joint pain

•          Hip dysplasia

•          Muscle strains and sprains

•          Back pain or intervertebral disc disease

•          Post-surgical recovery

•          Wound and incision healing

•          Lick granulomas

•          Soft tissue injuries

What to Expect During a Session

Cold laser therapy sessions at Bergen County Veterinary Center are gentle and stress-free. Your dog will be comfortably positioned while the veterinarian or technician applies the laser device to the affected area. Sessions typically last from a few minutes to about 30 minutes, depending on your dog’s needs and the size of the treatment area.
 

Most dogs require a series of treatments to see the best results. Your veterinarian will develop a customized plan based on your dog’s specific condition and response to therapy.
 

Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for Your Dog?

If your dog is dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or facing a slow-healing injury, cold laser therapy may offer a path to improved comfort and mobility. This treatment can be used alone or alongside other therapies, including medications and physical rehabilitation.
 

Each dog is unique, and the best way to determine whether cold laser therapy is appropriate is to schedule an evaluation with your veterinarian. Our team will assess your pet’s specific needs and develop a tailored treatment plan to help them feel their best.
 

Ready to See if Cold Laser Therapy is Right for Your Pet?

Cold laser therapy is a modern, effective, and gentle option for managing pain and supporting recovery in dogs. Whether your pet suffers from chronic arthritis or a recent injury, this non-invasive approach could provide the relief they need to live more comfortably.
 

Contact Bergen County Veterinary Center to schedule a wellness exam and discover if cold laser therapy is right for your dog. Visit our office in Waldwick, New Jersey, or call (201) 205-2500 today.