Can Laser Therapy Help Your Dogs’ Joint Pain and Mobility?

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Joint pain is, sadly, a major issue that a lot of our pets have to deal with. Fortunately, safe, non-invasive treatment options are now available – like cold laser therapy for dogs. Cold laser therapy is safe, painless, and highly effective – and you can do it in the comfort of your own home!

4 minute read

We love our pets, and we never want to see them in pain. Sadly, joint pain and mobility issues are a part of many dogs’ lives. In fact, nearly 25% of pet parents surveyed said their dog has joint pain!

It’s not limited to older dogs, either. Even though it’s most commonly seen in senior pups, joint issues can start even while they’re still puppies.

It affects our pets’ quality of life and mobility, so it’s really important to get it treated. But what’s the best way to do that?

Traditional Therapies for Joint Pain Relief for Dogs

The most common traditional therapies for joint pain relief for dogs include anti-inflammatory drugs like Rimadyl (carprofen), physical therapy, and topical treatment. One survey reported as many as 15% of pet parents have treated their dogs’ joint pain with traditional medication, such as Rimadyl.

My late dog, Buck, was a beautiful adopted yellow lab who suffered from osteoarthritis for the last five years of his life. At the time, my veterinarian prescribed Rimadyl, and it definitely helped Buck live a more active life.

However, a lot of progress has been made in recent years in helping pups with chronic or acute joint pain. That means many more natural and non-invasive methods to consider. This is great news for pet parents looking for a layered approach to treating their canine companion’s joint pain.

Many turn to treatments like CBD, herbs, or vitamins, but there’s a more recent invention that can do a lot of good for our poor pups: cold laser therapy.

Some recent studies show only 3% of pet parents have tried laser therapy for dogs, and 57% have never even heard of it!

So I want to shine some light on this innovative tool that can bring much-needed relief to dogs who suffer from joint pain and many other ailments.

What is Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs?

Cold laser therapy is also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). It’s called “cold” because, even though it’s a laser, it doesn’t heat up your pet’s skin or damage it in any way. 

Cold laser therapy for dogs can be done in a vet’s office with a medical laser or at home with a lower intensity version. The light safely and painlessly penetrates your pup’s skin and gets to work helping her feel better. It can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, knee, back or neck pain, gingivitis, wounds – even ear infections! 

Does Laser Therapy for Dogs’ Joint Pain Really Work?

Yes, it does! There have been multiple studies like this one that show how well laser therapy for dogs works for treating many different conditions. As mentioned above, these run the gamut from easing joint issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia to helping heal wounds and ear infections!

How can it help with so many different issues? When your pup’s cells absorb the low-level laser light, it causes a cascade of therapeutic effects. Some of them are:

• Increased collagen production.
• Improved lymphatic flow and drainage.
• Lowered inflammation.
• Increased enzyme and protein synthesis.
• Higher levels of ATP production.
• Better blood and lymphatic flow.

For problems like arthritis or hip dysplasia, the lowered inflammation provides pain relief while the higher production of ATP and collagen helps the body’s natural healing processes.

Cold laser therapy helps with chronic pain in your pup’s back, neck, or knees in similar ways.

For gingivitis, the low level laser therapy reduces and halts gum inflammation while encouraging the body’s natural healing process.

Low level laser therapy is also often prescribed for burns or when your dog has a wound that just won’t heal. It speeds up healing by increasing your dog’s production of collagen and elastin and anti-inflammatory enzymes.

Cold laser treatment won’t cause your dog any pain either – quite the opposite! Many dogs experience pain relief as soon as their session starts. Some even get so relaxed they fall asleep. 

I love that it’s non-invasive and pain-free while still helping our furry friends in so many ways.

The Cost of At Home Laser Therapy for Dogs

When asked about laser therapy for dogs, 54% of pet parents said they thought laser therapy could only be given at a vet’s office. However, you can actually purchase a cold laser for use at home!

When you’re trying to decide whether vet visits or at-home treatment are right for your furry family members, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

What Are the Cost Benefits?

A cold laser therapy session at a vet’s office averages about $50 (though it could range from $25 – $100 depending on where you live). Veterinarians usually recommend two sessions a week to start, and the treatment can take 2-3 months depending on your pup’s condition. Also, regular maintenance visits are often recommended after the main treatment ends.

All those sessions can add up quickly! You could pay as much as $2000 for 3 months of treatments – and that’s not to mention any maintenance sessions later. And don’t forget the time and money it takes to drive to the vet and attend all those sessions.

A home system like B-Cure Laser Therapy equates to a fraction of the cost of a full course of veterinary office laser therapy. That means it definitely pays for itself over time – and even quicker if you have multiple pets.

Other Benefits of Home Treatments

Many pet parents find they can decrease their pup’s dosage of pain medications and anti-inflammatories after starting cold laser therapy.

You don’t have to shave your dog, and you don’t have to wear any special protective gear, either. 

Plus, you don’t have to worry about transporting them across town to the veterinary clinic. Being able to treat your pets yourself in your own home where they feel safe and comfortable is a huge plus.

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How to Use the B-Cure Cold Laser Therapy Device for Dogs

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Richard Kane from the Care Animal Hospital in Brandon, FL about the B-Cure Cold Laser Therapy Device for Dogs. He uses it on his own Jack Russell Terrier, Raisin, to help with her back pain.

He showed me how to use the lightweight handheld device (with Raisin being his adorable volunteer). It really is as easy as holding a flashlight! You set the timer, then hold the cold laser over whichever of your dog’s joints or muscles is ailing them.

He said sessions usually run about 6 minutes long, and in most cases, it’s recommended that you treat your pup twice a day. It doesn’t have to be on a table or counter like in a vet’s office, either. You can treat him while he’s lying on your lap or in his favorite bed.

How to Get Your Own Cold Laser Therapy Device

You can get your own B-Cure Cold Laser Therapy device for dogs here. It is a clinically proven device backed by industry-leading veterinarians.

To make it even easier to get your pup feeling better and get that joint pain relief fast, B-Cure offers low or no-interest payment plans through Affirm.  Also, be sure to use my code KRISTEN50OFF to get $50 off your purchase!

If you’re still unsure if cold laser therapy is right for your pup, B-Cure offers a 30-day trial with a full money-back guarantee and prepaid return shipping. They also back up their product with a 2-year warranty.

You can watch me discussing the B-Cure Cold Laser Therapy device with Dr. Kane below:

Would you like to know more about how to make your senior dog’s years their best years? Then download your FREE copy of my ebook How to Care for Your Senior Dog.