Laser therapy for dogs is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option in veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs suffering from various acute and chronic conditions. This non-invasive procedure utilises specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, promoting healing and pain relief. As more dog owners seek complementary treatments in addition to standard vet care, therapeutic laser therapy stands out for its ability to enhance the quality of life for dogs, particularly those dealing with acute and chronic pain and inflammation.

How Therapeutic Laser Therapy Works

Therapeutic laser therapy works by emitting photons (light) that penetrate the skin and reach targeted tissues such as muscles, bones, nerves, joint capsules, tendons and ligaments. One common misconception about laser therapy is that it works by producing heat. In reality, therapeutic laser therapy induces a photochemical rather than a thermal reaction within the tissues. The primary mechanism behind laser therapy is based on the absorption of photons by photoreceptive molecules, known as chromophores, at a sub-cellular level. These photons, which are delivered through specific wavelengths of light, stimulate cellular activity in a process known as photobiomodulation.

When these photons penetrate the skin and reach the targeted tissue, they are absorbed by mitochondria, which are essential organelles within cells. Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell and are responsible for producing energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. ATP is critical for driving many of the body’s repair and regeneration processes.

The Difference Between Red Light Therapy and Laser Therapy

While both red light therapy and laser therapy use light to stimulate healing processes, they differ in their mechanisms, wavelengths, and intensity. As you increase the wavelength of light, you also increase its depth of penetration into the body. Red light therapy typically uses low-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light within the red spectrum, usually between 630 and 700 nanometers (nm). Red wavelengths benefit the skin and systems within the skin tissue, such as the circulatory system, peripheral nervous system, and hair follicles, making it ideal for more superficial treatments.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Dogs: Cellular Stimulation and ATP

Therapeutic laser therapy offers a wide range of benefits for dogs, especially in promoting faster healing, reducing pain, and regenerating damaged tissue at a deeper level. For dogs suffering from injuries or chronic conditions, the boost in ATP supports vital biological functions that are essential for tissue repair. For example, laser therapy enhances protein synthesis, helping your dog’s body create the necessary proteins to rebuild damaged tissues. Additionally, ATP fuels the production of collagen, an important structural protein that helps maintain the integrity of tissues, including the skin, tendons, and ligaments. This means that laser therapy can help dogs recover more quickly from cuts, abrasions, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries. Increased ATP levels also promote cell proliferation, encouraging the growth of new cells to replace damaged or dead ones, further aiding in your dog’s recovery.

Another important benefit of laser therapy for dogs is its ability to promote angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. By improving blood circulation, laser therapy ensures that injured or healing tissues receive an ample supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are crucial for speeding up recovery. This improved circulation also helps remove waste products from the tissue, allowing your dog to heal faster and more efficiently.

Laser therapy is especially effective for dogs dealing with nerve injuries or conditions that affect nerve function. Nerve cells, or neurons, can be slow to regenerate, leading to pain, mobility issues, or even paralysis. By increasing ATP production in the mitochondria of nerve cells, laser therapy provides the energy necessary for nerve regeneration. This includes neurite outgrowth, where nerve fibres (axons) extend and reconnect with damaged tissues, allowing nerves to heal and regain function. Additionally, laser therapy stimulates the release of nerve growth factors, proteins that are vital for neuron survival and regeneration. For dogs with sciatic nerve pain, peripheral neuropathy, or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), this means a faster return to normal function, improved mobility, and a reduction in pain.

Beyond helping with tissue repair and nerve regeneration, laser therapy provides significant relief from pain and inflammation, which can dramatically improve your dog’s quality of life. The therapy reduces inflammation by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping your dog feel more comfortable by minimising swelling in the affected area. Additionally, laser therapy increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which reduces your dog’s discomfort without the need for pharmaceuticals. This is particularly important for older dogs or those with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, allowing them to stay active and happy.

The benefits of laser therapy for dogs extend to many acute and chronic conditions, and the therapy’s ability to accelerate cellular activity and enhance mitochondrial function is well-supported by scientific research (Alves et al., 2022; Bruno et al. 2020; Byrnes et al., 2005; Escudero et al., 2019; Langella et al., 2018; Looney et al., 2018; Rosso et al., 2018; Sasso et al. 2020).

Key Orthopaedic and Neurological Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy

1. Neurological Conditions

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) often called herniated, bulged, ruptured or ‘slipped’ disc
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
• Lumbosacral Disease (Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis)
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Sciatic Nerve Pain/Inflammation
• Brachial Plexus Injury

2. Orthopaedic Conditions

• Arthritis (hip, knee, elbow, spinal, carpal and tarsal osteoarthritis)
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Disease
• Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP)
• Iliopsoas Muscle Injury
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
• Patellar Luxation
• Sacroiliac Joint Pain
• Tendonitis (i.e. biceps tendonitis, supraspinatus tendonitis, achilles tendonitis, patella tendonitis, digital flexor tendonitis, long digital extensor tensor tendonitis)
• Contractures (i.e. quadriceps contracture, infraspinatus contracture, gracilis contracture, semitendinosus contracture, semitendinosus contracture)

3. Post-Surgical Applications

• Post-Operative Wound Healing
• Bone Fracture Healing
• Soft Tissue Surgery Recovery
• Spinal Surgery Recovery (i.e. hemilaminectomy, dorsal laminectomy, fenestration, vetral slot, vertebral stabilisation)
• Joint Surgery Bone Healing (i.e. cruciate ligament surgeries such as TPLO, TTA, extra-capsular repair; hip surgeries such as THR, FHO, TPO, JPS, DPO; patella surgeries such as TTT, TTA, trochleoplasty, corrective osteotomy).

When Laser Therapy is Not the Right Choice

While laser therapy is generally safe for most dogs, there are certain contraindications to be aware of. Laser therapy should be avoided or applied with caution in the following situations:

• Cancerous Tumours: Direct application over known cancerous areas is contraindicated, as stimulating cellular activity may promote tumour growth.
• Pregnancy: Laser therapy should not be applied to the abdomen of pregnant dogs, as the effects on foetal development are unknown.
• Active Infections: Laser therapy on areas with active infections are contraindicated unless prescribed by a veterinarian, as it could potentially worsen bacterial or viral growth.
• Seizure-Prone Dogs: Dogs prone to seizures may require extra care, as certain light frequencies could theoretically trigger a seizure.

Practitioner Education and Certification

In Australia, there are currently no formal regulations governing the administration of laser therapy for animals, making it the responsibility of each practitioner to seek out proper education and training. As part of our ongoing Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) training, we have received foundational education on laser therapy, equipping us with essential knowledge to provide this treatment safely and effectively.

To further expand our expertise, we have completed Dr. Laurie McCauley’s Laser Therapy Course, a 19-hour RACE-approved course¹ designed for canine rehabilitation professionals. This course provides in-depth instruction on the application of laser therapy for a variety of neurological and orthopaedic conditions, offering insights into the most current research and best practices. By pursuing this additional education, we ensure that we are fully prepared to deliver the highest standard of care, guided by up-to-date knowledge of laser therapy techniques.

What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Session?

As a mobile canine rehabilitation service, we provide laser therapy treatments in the comfort of your dog’s home, ensuring a familiar and stress-free environment. During the initial home consultation, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your dog’s condition, identify the areas requiring therapy, and discuss the treatment objectives. We will explain how laser therapy can contribute to your dog’s recovery and answer any questions you may have.

Once your dog is settled comfortably, either sitting or lying down, we will apply the handheld laser device to the targeted areas. This device emits photons (light) that penetrate the skin to reach deeper tissues such as muscles, joints, and nerves, promoting cellular regeneration, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief.

The session is non-invasive and well-tolerated, typically lasting between 5 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated and the severity of the condition. Laser therapy is painless and dogs often find the process relaxing and may remain calm throughout the session.

How Often Should My Dog Receive Laser Therapy for Best Results?

The appropriate frequency of laser therapy for dogs is dependent upon the nature, severity, and chronicity of the condition being treated. For acute conditions, such as recent injuries or post-surgical recovery, more frequent sessions—typically two to three times per week—may be necessary to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and expedite healing. As clinical improvements are observed, the frequency of sessions is gradually reduced.

In the case of chronic conditions like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or neuropathic disorders, laser therapy may be integrated into a long-term maintenance plan. Initially, sessions may be scheduled more frequently, with ongoing treatments at weekly or biweekly intervals to manage pain and maintain function over time.

Enhancing Your Dog’s Quality of Life

Laser therapy offers a powerful, non-invasive solution for managing pain, promoting healing, and improving mobility in dogs suffering from a variety of orthopaedic and neurological conditions. If you would like to know more about how laser therapy can benefit your dog, or if you’re considering it as part of their rehabilitation plan, feel free to contact us through our contact form or email us directly at sandra@paws4paws.com.au. We will be in touch to discuss how we can assist you.

1. RACE-approved refers to a program that has been accredited by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE), which is part of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). RACE ensures that continuing education (CE) programs for veterinary professionals meet high standards for quality and relevance. When a course is RACE-approved, it means it has been evaluated and approved for continuing education credit, and it’s recognised by various veterinary licensing boards, particularly in the U.S. It’s a trusted standard for professional development in veterinary medicine, including fields like canine rehabilitation. ↩︎

References

Alves, J.C., Santos, A., Jorge, P. and Carreira, L.M. 2022. A randomized double-blinded controlled trial on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis. American Journal of Veterinary Research 83(8): 1-8.

Bruno, E., Canal, S. Antonucci, M., Bernardini, M., Balducci, F., Musella, V., Mussoni, M. and Spinella G. 2020. Perilesional photobiomodulation therapy and physical rehabilitation in post-operative recovery of dogs surgically treated for thoracolumbar disc extrusion. BMC Vet Res (2020)16: 1-8.

Byrnes, K.R., Waynant, R.W. , Ilev, I.K., Wu, X., Barna, L., Smith, K. Heckert, R., Gerst, H. and Anders, J.J. 2005. Light promotes regeneration and functional recovery and alters the immune response after spinal cord injury. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 36: 171-185.

Escudero, J.S.B., Perez, M.G.B., de Oliveira Rosso, M.P., Buchaim, D.V., Pomini, K.R., Campos, L.M.G., Audi, M. and Buchaim, R.L. 2019. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in bone repair: A systematic review. Injury 50(11): 1853-1867.

Langella, L.G. Caselechi, H.L., Tomazoni, S.S., Johnson, D. S., Albertini, R., Pallotta, R.C., Marcos, R.L., de Tarso, P., de Carvalho, C. and Leal-Junior, E.C.P. 2018. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on acute pain and inflammation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty – a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers in Med Sci 33: 1933-1940.

Looney, A.L., Huntingford, J.L., Baeser L.L. and Mann, S. 2018. A randomized blind placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PMNT) on canine elbow osteoarthritis. The Canadian Veterinary Journal 59(9): 959-966.

Rosso, M.P.d.O., Buchaim, D.V., Kawano, N., Furlanette, G., Pomini, K.R. and Buchaim, R.L. 2018. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in peripheral nerve regeneration: A Systemic Review. Bioengineering 5(2): 1-12.

Sasso, L.L., de Souza, L.G., Girasol, C.E., Marcolino, A.M., de Jesus Fuirro, R.R. and Barbosa, R.I. 2020. Photobiomodulation in Sciatic Nerve Crush Injuries in Rodents: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Perspectives for Clinical Treatment. J Lasers Med Sci 11(3): 332-344.