Laser therapy for dogs, also known as photobiomodulation, is emerging as a promising alternative treatment to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing in our canine companions. This innovative therapy utilizes light of specific wavelengths, typically ranging from visible red to infrared, to interact with tissues at a cellular level, promoting natural healing processes. In the realm of pet care, “Helio Pet” can be understood as a focus on light-based therapies like laser therapy, aiming to harness the power of light for therapeutic benefits in animals.
When your dog undergoes a “helio pet” laser therapy session, they are receiving what is often referred to as low-level or cold laser therapy. This non-invasive approach works by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms through several key actions:
- Endorphin Release: Laser therapy encourages the body to release endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
- Inflammation Reduction: It helps decrease the release of inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Lymphatic Drainage Improvement: By causing lymphatic vessels to dilate, laser therapy facilitates the removal of excess fluid from tissues, further reducing swelling.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Increased blood flow to the treated area delivers essential oxygen and nutrients, promoting faster healing.
The majority of dogs remain relaxed and comfortable during “helio pet” laser treatments, often without the need for sedation. A typical session can last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, though shorter treatments may be sufficient for small wounds, while addressing multiple joints might require closer to an hour.
For acute conditions like wounds, daily “helio pet” laser therapy sessions may be recommended. Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, usually begin with more frequent treatments several times a week, gradually spacing out as the dog progresses and transitions into a maintenance plan.
While “helio pet” laser therapy for dogs is not yet universally available, it’s gaining considerable traction within veterinary medicine. You’re increasingly likely to find this therapy offered at specialty veterinary clinics, rehabilitation centers, and even some general veterinary practices committed to providing advanced care options.
A dog gets laser therapy.
Why Might Your Dog Benefit from Helio Pet Laser Therapy?
“Helio pet” laser therapy can be a valuable tool for managing a wide array of conditions in dogs. Some of the most common applications include:
- Arthritis and Joint Pain: Reducing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and other joint conditions.
- Post-Surgical Pain and Healing: Accelerating healing and managing pain following surgical procedures.
- Wound Care: Promoting faster closure and reducing infection risk in various types of wounds.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Reducing inflammation and pain, and speeding up recovery.
- Back Pain and Disc Issues: Alleviating pain and inflammation related to intervertebral disc disease and other back problems.
- Hip Dysplasia: Managing pain and improving mobility in dogs with hip dysplasia.
For some dogs, “helio pet” laser therapy offers a crucial alternative for pain management, particularly when conventional pain medications are not suitable. This is often the case for pets with conditions like severe liver disease, where traditional pain relievers might pose risks. In such situations, alternative therapies like “helio pet” laser therapy can be essential in providing comfort and improving quality of life.
The Advantages of Helio Pet Laser Therapy for Dogs
Choosing “helio pet” laser therapy for your dog comes with several notable benefits:
- Pain Reduction: A primary benefit is effective pain relief, helping dogs experience greater comfort and mobility.
- Inflammation Control: Laser therapy significantly reduces inflammation, a key factor in many painful conditions.
- Accelerated Healing: It encourages the body’s natural healing processes, leading to faster recovery from injuries and wounds.
- Non-Sedative Treatment: Dogs typically do not require sedation, making it a stress-free experience for most.
- Non-Invasive and Gentle: The procedure is non-invasive and does not require shaving or clipping of the treatment area.
- Well-Tolerated: Dogs generally respond very well to laser therapy, finding it comfortable and relaxing.
- Minimal Side Effects: Negative side effects are rare when laser therapy is administered correctly.
How Effective is Helio Pet Laser Therapy?
Clinical studies support the effectiveness of “helio pet” laser therapy for dogs. A notable 2020 study demonstrated that dogs suffering from arthritis showed significant pain reduction after receiving laser therapy, as assessed by both veterinarians and their owners.
Pet owners in this study reported noticeable improvements in their dogs’ quality of life even after the first “helio pet” laser session, with continued improvement observed throughout the eight-week study. These findings are supported by other research, although further high-quality studies are still needed to solidify these conclusions and explore the full potential of laser therapy in veterinary care.
Overall, this is an easy treatment to give, dogs tend to respond well, and negative side effects are unlikely.
In wound healing, while some studies have shown remarkable progress in dogs treated with laser therapy, others have not found significant differences. Importantly, “helio pet” laser therapy for dogs is considered to have very few, if any, significant negative consequences.
Understanding the Cost of Helio Pet Laser Therapy
The cost of “helio pet” laser therapy for dogs can vary based on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the duration of treatment (short-term vs. long-term), and your geographical location.
On average, you can expect to pay between $40 to $100 per “helio pet” laser therapy session. Many veterinary practices offer package deals for a series of treatments, which can be more cost-effective for ongoing therapy needs. It’s best to discuss pricing directly with your veterinarian to get a clear understanding of the costs involved for your dog’s specific treatment plan.
Preparing Your Dog for Helio Pet Laser Therapy Sessions
In most cases, dogs readily accept “helio pet” laser therapy, and minimal preparation is needed.
If your dog tends to be anxious, consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of administering anti-anxiety medication one to two hours prior to their session. Medications like trazodone, gabapentin, acepromazine, or melatonin might be recommended to help your dog relax and remain still during the treatment.
During the “helio pet” laser therapy session, your dog will likely rest comfortably on a padded surface. To protect their eyes from the laser light, they will be fitted with dog goggles.
You can proactively prepare your dog by training them to lie down on command and gradually acclimating them to wearing dog goggles. This preparation can help make the “helio pet” laser therapy sessions smoother and more efficient.
Safety Considerations and Potential Complications
When performed correctly, using appropriate settings and treatment durations, “helio pet” laser therapy for dogs is considered a safe procedure. However, if not used properly, there is a potential risk of laser burns.
“Helio pet” laser therapy is contraindicated in certain situations and should not be used on:
- Tumors: It should not be applied to cancerous growths.
- Eyes: Direct laser exposure to the eyes is harmful.
- Testicles: Treatment of the testicles is not recommended.
- Growth Plates: Laser therapy should be avoided over growth plates in young, growing animals.
- Pregnant Uterus: It is not safe to use laser therapy on a pregnant uterus.
Recovery After Helio Pet Laser Therapy
“Helio pet” laser therapy for dogs does not involve a specific recovery period. Most dogs tolerate the treatments extremely well and experience no adverse effects afterward.
Your veterinarian will provide any specific aftercare instructions tailored to your dog’s individual health condition and treatment plan.
Alternatives to Helio Pet Laser Therapy
“Helio pet” laser therapy is often integrated into a multimodal treatment strategy, meaning it’s used in conjunction with other therapies to maximize pain relief and inflammation reduction. Many of the following treatments can be used alongside laser therapy:
- Pain Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and other pain relievers.
- Joint Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health.
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Exercises, hydrotherapy, and other techniques to improve mobility and strength.
- Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine technique for pain management.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
Because “helio pet” laser therapy is frequently used to manage pain and inflammation, consider discussing these alternative and complementary treatments with your veterinarian to create a comprehensive care plan for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helio Pet Laser Therapy for Dogs
Is Helio Pet Laser Therapy Actually Effective for Dogs?
“Helio pet” laser therapy is recognized as an effective approach for reducing pain and inflammation, and it can be beneficial in promoting wound healing. It’s important to remember that laser therapy is typically recommended as part of a broader treatment plan, rather than as a standalone cure.
Can Helio Pet Laser Therapy Help My Dog Walk Again?
“Helio pet” laser therapy can be incorporated into treatment plans for various conditions that may impair a dog’s ability to walk, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or osteoarthritis.
However, the likelihood of regaining walking ability depends on the underlying cause, the severity and duration of the condition, and the combination of treatments used. Unfortunately, not all dogs who have lost the ability to walk, especially those with paralysis from neurological issues, will fully recover their mobility.
Rhiannon Koehler, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Rhiannon Koehler is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public…
