Online Pharmacy
One day, your dog stops jumping into the car.
Your cat stops jumping onto their favorite perch.
Walks get shorter. Stairs become a struggle. They hesitate before getting up from a nap.
Many pet owners assume it's simply "old age." But growing older doesn't have to mean living with pain.
At Onalaska Animal Hospital, one of the most rewarding moments we see is when a senior pet begins doing things their family thought they had given up forever. That's why therapeutic laser therapy has become such an important part of how we care for aging dogs and cats.
Therapeutic laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level.
The treatment is painless, noninvasive, and doesn't require sedation. During a session, the laser light penetrates the affected tissues, where it helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and encourage the body's natural healing processes. The result is often less pain and better mobility.
The American Animal Hospital Association notes that therapeutic laser therapy can decrease inflammation, reduce pain, and improve healing for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and post-surgical recovery.
One of the biggest health challenges many senior pets face is arthritis.
In fact, studies estimate that osteoarthritis affects as many as 80% of dogs over the age of 8, although many owners don't recognize the signs until the disease has progressed.
Instead of limping dramatically, pets often show subtle changes, such as:
Because these changes develop gradually, they're often mistaken for "just getting older." Pain, however, is never a normal part of aging.
Laser therapy isn't simply a wellness trend. It has been studied in dogs with naturally occurring arthritis.
In one randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, dogs receiving laser therapy showed significantly greater improvement in lameness than dogs receiving a placebo. Nine of the 11 dogs receiving laser therapy were also able to reduce their anti-inflammatory medication during the study.
Another clinical study found that dogs with osteoarthritis became more active after beginning laser therapy. Researchers measured increased daily activity using wearable accelerometers, and half of the dogs were able to reduce their pain medications during treatment.
While laser therapy isn't a cure for arthritis, growing evidence suggests it can be an effective part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Senior pets aren't the only ones who benefit.
Laser therapy is also commonly used to support healing after surgery, treat soft tissue injuries, reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and help pets recover more comfortably from orthopedic procedures.
Because it's drug-free and noninvasive, laser therapy can be especially valuable for pets that cannot tolerate certain medications or need additional pain relief alongside other treatments.
Most pets tolerate laser therapy extremely well.
Treatments typically last just a few minutes. Your pet remains awake the entire time, and many relax enough to lie down or even fall asleep during the session.
Depending on your pet's condition, we may recommend a series of treatments initially, followed by maintenance visits to help keep them comfortable.
Our goal isn't simply to add years to your pet's life. It's to help them enjoy those years.
Whether that means climbing the stairs without hesitation, greeting you at the door again, going for longer walks, or curling up comfortably with your family at the end of the day, small improvements can make a remarkable difference in your pet's quality of life.
If you've noticed your dog slowing down or your cat becoming less active, it may be worth starting a conversation with your veterinarian.
Every pet is different, and laser therapy isn't the right solution for every situation. But for many pets, it can be an important part of a personalized care plan that also includes weight management, medications, rehabilitation, nutritional support, or other therapies.
If you're wondering whether laser therapy could benefit your pet, we'd be happy to talk with you about your pet's needs and whether it's an option worth considering.
