Low Level Laser therapy and senior pets

The past couple weeks in the office have been emotional. Senior pets definitely hold a special place in my heart. Oftentimes, chiropractic care combined with low level laser therapy can help improve a senior pet’s quality of life. This week I’ve seen several cases where senior pets have lost function of either their front or back limbs. These cases involving the intervertebral discs can cause quite the array of symptoms and pain. Even though back problems in pets are thought to be a concern for older pets— the icy weather, trekking through deep snow, jumping on and off furniture, and even training for agility can lead to disc injuries in younger pets too. 
Low level laser therapy (LLLT)  helps human and animal patients with pain relief. Low level laser treatments are also known as cold laser therapy. LLLT decreases inflammation and pain while promoting the body’s natural healing response. Unlike high-intensity class three or class four lasers, cold lasers do not generate enough heat to warm the skin and are very effective with decreasing inflammation from disc injuries. Laser therapy paired with chiropractic care is an effective treatment option that can manage pain levels, stimulate decreased healing times, and ease inflammation to help patients heal from injuries or chronic pain. LLLT can aid in strains, sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis for both humans and animals. 


The combination of chiropractic care and low level laser therapy does a great job of decreasing inflammation and increasing movement to specific joints which can lead to a pet being more comfortable at home. By utilizing chiropractic care and laser therapy, pets have gone from not being able to walk, to wobbling while standing, to pulling themselves around with their stronger limbs, to going through their normal daily routine. Days after treatment, senior pet owners have mentioned their furry friends doing things they haven’t done in years like jumping onto their spot on the couch or bed, chasing after their ball, or begging for treats on their back legs. Sometimes, improvement may only be a pet experiencing less pain at home. The most difficult part is that sometimes no matter how much we love our furry friends all we can do is love them in that moment.   


Utilizing these therapies often adds weeks, months, and even years to senior pets’ lives and giving these senior pets some extra love is why I love doing what I do. For pets that have a difficult time getting in and out of the car, I'll happily arrange a house call. ​