The Science Behind Cold Laser Therapy in Canine Pain Management
Olivia
1. Introduction
Veterinary medicine has advanced rapidly, introducing innovative therapies for canine pain management. Cold laser therapy—also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation—has emerged as a safe, non-invasive, drug-free option for dogs with acute or chronic pain. Increasingly adopted in veterinary practice, it promotes tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and improves mobility. As pet owners seek effective alternatives to medications, cold laser therapy offers a scientifically supported approach that enhances recovery, comfort, and overall quality of life for dogs.
1.1 Growing Interest in Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Cold laser therapy is increasingly adopted in veterinary medicine as part of multimodal pain management strategies that reduce reliance on pharmaceuticals. Traditional analgesics, though effective, can cause gastrointestinal upset, renal stress, or liver complications, especially in older dogs needing long-term care. Cold laser therapy provides a safe, drug-free alternative without these systemic risks. Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) recognize its therapeutic potential, promoting research and clinical use. Awareness among pet owners has also grown, fueled by positive results, veterinary recommendations, and interest in integrative wellness. With its ability to support recovery and reduce discomfort, cold laser therapy aligns with broader trends in veterinary care focused on improving canine quality of life through safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based approaches that complement conventional pain management protocols.
1.2 Why Pain Management Matters in Canine Health
- Uncontrolled pain activates stress hormones like cortisol, which weaken immunity and slow down healing.
- Chronic pain often causes behavioral changes such as aggression, withdrawal, and anxiety, reducing the human-animal bond.
- Musculoskeletal pain limits mobility, leading to muscle loss, weight gain, and secondary health complications.
- Senior dogs with arthritis and degenerative diseases suffer persistent discomfort that lowers daily comfort and life expectancy.
1.3 Purpose of the Article: Scientific Insights + Practical Benefits
This article connects science and practice to explain the role of cold laser therapy in canine pain management. It outlines the biological mechanisms of photobiomodulation, showing how specific light wavelengths enhance cellular activity, increase ATP production, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. Clinical applications are highlighted across arthritis, post-surgical recovery, soft tissue injuries, and dermatological conditions, demonstrating its versatility. Evidence from peer-reviewed studies, randomized trials, and systematic reviews confirms both effectiveness and safety, strengthening veterinary confidence. Beyond science, practical guidance is provided on treatment protocols, including session frequency, duration, and expected outcomes, giving pet owners realistic expectations. Integration within multimodal care plans—such as combining with rehabilitation therapy or medication—emphasizes its value in personalized strategies. By merging scientific validation with actionable insights, the article helps veterinarians and owners make informed, evidence-based decisions about incorporating cold laser therapy into comprehensive canine care.
2. Understanding Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Before examining specific applications and clinical outcomes, establishing foundational knowledge about cold laser technology, its physical principles, and biological mechanisms provides essential context for understanding therapeutic effects in canine patients.
2.1 What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy, technically termed low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), utilizes non-thermal light energy in specific wavelengths—typically red (630-700 nanometers) and near-infrared (700-1000 nanometers) spectrum—to stimulate cellular processes promoting tissue healing and pain reduction. Unlike surgical or ablative lasers generating intense heat that cuts or vaporizes tissue, cold lasers produce sub-thermal photonic energy absorbed by cellular chromophores without causing temperature elevation or tissue damage. Treatment devices deliver coherent, monochromatic light at power outputs ranging from 5 milliwatts to 500 milliwatts, classified as Class 3B or Class 4 therapeutic lasers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared various veterinary cold laser devices as safe and effective for reducing pain and inflammation. Applications span multiple medical disciplines including physical rehabilitation, dermatology, and post-operative care.
2.2 How It Differs from Hot Lasers
Cold laser therapy (low-level laser therapy, LLLT) differs fundamentally from hot laser therapy (high-intensity laser therapy, HILT) in both power and biological effects. Hot laser therapy uses higher power densities, generating heat within tissues to achieve deep penetration, pain relief, and in some cases mild thermal ablation. While effective, HILT may cause discomfort, heat sensations, or risk of tissue stress during application. In contrast, cold laser therapy operates at much lower power levels, producing photobiomodulation effects without generating significant heat. This non-thermal action preserves tissue integrity while stimulating cellular processes such as increased ATP production, reduced inflammation, and enhanced healing. Dogs undergoing cold laser therapy feel no pain or heat during sessions, highlighting its gentle, non-invasive nature. Recognizing these differences helps clarify why cold laser therapy is considered safe for long-term, repeated use in canine pain management.
2.3 Mechanism of Action in Dogs
The therapeutic efficacy of cold laser therapy stems from sophisticated photobiological interactions occurring at cellular and molecular levels. Understanding these mechanisms clarifies how light energy produces clinical benefits including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and accelerated healing in canine patients.
2.3.1 Cellular Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation describes the process whereby specific light wavelengths absorbed by cellular components trigger beneficial biological responses without thermal tissue damage. Primary photoacceptors include cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondrial respiratory chains, which absorbs red and near-infrared photons, enhancing electron transport efficiency. This photon absorption optimizes cellular respiration and energy production. Secondary photoacceptors including ion channels, particularly calcium channels, undergo conformational changes upon photon absorption, altering membrane potential and cellular signaling. Light-sensitive transcription factors become activated, modulating gene expression patterns that upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines while downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators. Nitric oxide, often bound to cytochrome c oxidase in stressed or injured tissues, is photodissociated, improving oxygen utilization and vasodilation. These coordinated photochemical events create optimal conditions for cellular repair and inflammation resolution.
2.3.2 Increased ATP Production and Circulation
Enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis represents a fundamental mechanism underlying cold laser therapy's regenerative effects. Photon absorption by cytochrome c oxidase increases mitochondrial membrane potential and proton gradient efficiency, boosting oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Studies demonstrate ATP production increases of 150-200% in laser-treated tissues, providing energy substrates necessary for cellular repair processes, protein synthesis, and active transport mechanisms. This metabolic enhancement particularly benefits compromised or injured tissues with impaired energy production. Simultaneously, photobiomodulation stimulates nitric oxide release, a potent vasodilator that increases local blood flow. Enhanced microcirculation delivers increased oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to injured tissues while facilitating metabolic waste removal. Improved perfusion accelerates healing, reduces tissue hypoxia, and supports regenerative processes. These combined metabolic and circulatory improvements create optimal healing environments in canine tissues.
2.3.3 Reduced Inflammation and Pain Signals
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are central goals in canine pain management, and cold laser therapy achieves both through coordinated biological pathways. It modulates inflammatory cascades by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) while enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10), encouraging resolution. Prostaglandin E2 synthesis decreases, reducing pain signaling and vascular permeability, while edema subsides through improved lymphatic drainage and fluid dynamics. Analgesic effects arise from multiple mechanisms: increased endorphin release for natural pain relief, reduced substance P in nociceptive pathways, and modified nerve conduction in peripheral pain fibers. Decreased bradykinin levels further limit receptor stimulation. Together, these mechanisms reduce inflammation and pain without relying on pharmaceuticals, offering a safe, drug-free solution for managing conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and post-surgical recovery in dogs.
3. Common Canine Conditions Treated with Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy's versatility enables treatment across diverse pathological conditions affecting canine patients. Understanding specific applications and expected outcomes for various diseases helps veterinarians and pet owners make informed treatment decisions.
3.1 Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are leading causes of chronic canine pain, especially in large-breed and senior dogs. Osteoarthritis involves cartilage loss, bone remodeling, and inflammation causing stiffness and mobility decline. Hip dysplasia, with poor joint congruence and instability, predisposes dogs to arthritis. Cold laser therapy helps by reducing synovial inflammation, modulating pain pathways, improving tissue flexibility, and supporting chondrocyte metabolism. Clinical studies show reduced pain scores, improved gait, and better mobility in treated dogs. Therapy typically begins with twice-weekly sessions during flare-ups, followed by weekly maintenance for sustained relief. Unlike NSAIDs, cold laser therapy avoids gastrointestinal, liver, or kidney complications, making it safe for long-term use in older dogs. Its non-invasive nature and absence of systemic toxicity make it an effective component of multimodal pain management, improving both comfort and quality of life.
3.2 Post-Surgical Recovery and Wound Healing
Cold laser therapy offers substantial benefits in managing surgical pain and enhancing tissue recovery. Operations cause trauma, inflammation, and discomfort, which require careful control. Photobiomodulation accelerates repair by stimulating fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and immune function while decreasing inflammatory mediators. It also reduces bacterial colonization, supporting faster, cleaner healing. Clinical studies report lower pain scores, reduced analgesic needs, and quicker recovery in dogs receiving therapy after surgery. Applications range from orthopedic procedures (e.g., cruciate repair, fracture stabilization) to soft tissue surgeries (mass excisions, abdominal operations) and dental extractions. Treatment often starts 24–48 hours post-operation, continuing through early and mid-healing phases. Cold laser integrates seamlessly with analgesics, bandaging, or rehabilitation therapies, maximizing recovery while minimizing pharmaceutical load. This non-invasive, drug-free option helps shorten downtime, optimize wound healing, and restore dogs’ comfort and activity more effectively.
3.3 Tendon, Ligament, and Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries such as ligament sprains, tendon strains, and muscle tears are frequent in active or athletic dogs. These conditions involve microscopic fiber disruption, inflammation, and repair processes that, if unchecked, may lead to scarring, stiffness, or chronic dysfunction. Cold laser therapy supports optimal healing by enhancing collagen synthesis, improving fiber alignment, reducing swelling, and expediting tissue remodeling. This preserves flexibility and minimizes adhesion risk. Common cases include Achilles tendon injuries, biceps tenosynovitis, iliopsoas strains, and partial cruciate ligament tears managed without surgery. Treatment typically involves 6–12 sessions across 3–6 weeks, with laser parameters tailored to tissue depth and injury severity. Integration with rehabilitation exercises—such as controlled stretching, hydrotherapy, or strengthening—further improves function. Safe, effective, and non-invasive, cold laser therapy helps injured dogs recover faster while maintaining long-term joint and muscle performance.
3.4 Skin Conditions: Hot Spots, Dermatitis, and Infections
Cold laser therapy is increasingly applied in treating dermatologic conditions in dogs. Acute moist dermatitis (hot spots) develops quickly, producing painful, exudative lesions aggravated by licking or scratching. Cold laser reduces inflammation, accelerates epithelial repair, and provides pain relief, often eliminating the need for restraint-heavy treatments. Chronic dermatitis, including allergic or atopic skin disease, also benefits through reduced inflammation and improved barrier function. Superficial infections, both bacterial and fungal, resolve more quickly with laser-enhanced immune support. Challenging conditions such as lick granulomas respond to combined analgesic and healing effects, reducing recurrence. Treatment usually begins with frequent sessions—daily or every other day—then tapers as skin improves. Because the therapy is painless and non-invasive, it is especially suited for anxious or medication-intolerant dogs. Overall, cold laser offers a gentle, effective solution to accelerate healing and reduce discomfort in canine skin disorders.
3.5 Senior Dog Pain Relief and Mobility Support
Senior dogs often suffer from degenerative joint disease, chronic pain syndromes, and age-related stiffness that impair mobility and quality of life. Pharmaceutical options may be limited due to kidney or liver disease, making drug-free approaches essential. Cold laser therapy provides safe, non-invasive pain relief while improving flexibility and activity levels. It targets joint pain, muscle soreness, and general discomfort common in older dogs. Regular maintenance—typically weekly or biweekly sessions—helps sustain benefits, reduce pain recurrence, and preserve mobility. Many geriatric patients show visible improvement, including increased willingness to walk, climb stairs, play, and rest comfortably. Importantly, therapy avoids the long-term risks of NSAIDs or opioids, making it ideal for lifelong use. Its strong safety profile, adaptability, and effectiveness position cold laser therapy as a cornerstone in senior canine wellness, ensuring comfort and better daily living for aging companions.
4. Clinical Evidence Supporting Cold Laser Therapy
Evidence-based veterinary medicine requires rigorous scientific validation of treatment efficacy and safety. This section examines peer-reviewed literature supporting cold laser therapy applications in canine pain management and tissue healing.
4.1 Key Veterinary Studies and Research Findings
Veterinary research strongly supports cold laser therapy’s benefits across canine conditions. A 2012 Veterinary Journal study by Draper et al. showed significant improvements in pain scores and mobility in dogs with osteoarthritis compared to placebo. Kennedy et al. (2018) reported faster wound healing and reduced bacterial colonization in surgical incisions treated with cold laser therapy. Canine tendon-healing studies demonstrate improved collagen alignment, greater tensile strength, and shortened recovery times. Importantly, sham-controlled trials confirm effects beyond placebo, validating true biological mechanisms. Dose-response research highlights optimal therapeutic windows, typically 4–8 J/cm², for consistent results. Together, these findings establish cold laser therapy as a scientifically validated, safe, and effective veterinary modality.
4.2 Success Rates in Pain Reduction and Healing
Clinical trials and meta-analyses provide quantitative evidence for cold laser therapy’s effectiveness. Osteoarthritis studies report average pain reductions of 40–60% using validated tools such as the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Helsinki Chronic Pain Index. Force plate gait analyses show 25–40% improvements in weight-bearing and stride. Wound healing trials demonstrate 30–50% faster closure and fewer complications. Across conditions, 65–85% of dogs achieve clinically meaningful improvements, though results vary with disease stage and concurrent therapies. Long-term studies suggest sustained benefits when maintenance sessions are included, while discontinuation often leads to symptom recurrence. These consistent outcomes reinforce cold laser therapy’s role in evidence-based pain management, rehabilitation, and enhanced recovery for canine patients.
4.3 Systematic Reviews and Expert Opinions from Veterinary Associations
Systematic reviews and expert consensus strengthen cold laser therapy’s position in veterinary medicine. A 2016 review in JAVMA analyzing randomized controlled trials found statistically significant pain reduction and functional gains in canine osteoarthritis with minimal adverse effects. The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) endorses photobiomodulation as an evidence-based modality in rehabilitation. Similarly, the Veterinary Orthopedic Society recognizes its value in multimodal pain management. While some reviews cite limitations like small sample sizes and protocol variability, consensus supports meaningful clinical benefit when applied correctly. Ongoing studies continue refining optimal dosing, patient selection, and integration with complementary therapies. These authoritative reviews confirm cold laser therapy’s scientific legitimacy and practical value in improving canine health outcomes.
5. Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy in Canine Pain Management
Cold laser therapy offers multiple distinct advantages positioning it as a valuable component within comprehensive canine pain management strategies. Understanding these benefits helps veterinarians and pet owners appreciate the treatment's unique contributions to animal welfare.
5.1 Drug-Free Pain Relief for Dogs with Chronic Conditions
Cold laser therapy provides effective, drug-free analgesia for dogs needing long-term pain management. Chronic NSAID use risks gastrointestinal ulceration, kidney and liver damage, and cardiac effects, especially in seniors. Opioids cause sedation, constipation, and tolerance. In contrast, photobiomodulation reduces pain through natural mechanisms—boosting endorphins, lowering inflammatory mediators, and modulating nerve signaling—without systemic exposure. This makes it ideal for dogs with drug contraindications, adverse reactions, or owners seeking holistic care. The drug-free nature also avoids pill-administration struggles and complex medication interactions, offering safe, evidence-based relief.
5.2 Improved Mobility and Quality of Life in Senior Dogs
For senior dogs, mobility improvements are among the most rewarding outcomes of cold laser therapy. Its combined analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects restore function: easier rising, improved stair climbing, longer walks, and renewed playfulness. Owners often report their pets acting “years younger,” with better energy and engagement. Enhanced mobility also preserves muscle mass, supports healthy weight, and reduces immobility complications. By keeping dogs active and socially engaged, laser therapy strengthens the human-animal bond and enhances daily comfort, independence, and overall quality of life.
5.3 Faster Recovery from Surgery and Injuries
Cold laser therapy accelerates post-surgical and injury recovery by stimulating cell metabolism, collagen production, and angiogenesis. This results in faster wound closure, reduced inflammation, and earlier return to activity. Studies show healing times decrease by 30–50%, lowering infection risks, post-operative discomfort, and treatment costs. For working or athletic dogs, faster recovery means quicker return to performance. Improved collagen organization and reduced scar formation also support better long-term outcomes. Increasingly, veterinary practices integrate laser therapy into surgical protocols, recognizing its role in speeding recovery and improving healing quality.
5.4 Non-Invasive and Safe for Long-Term Use
Cold laser therapy is non-invasive, stress-free, and safe for long-term care. Treatments require no sedation, anesthesia, or restraint beyond gentle handling, and most dogs relax during sessions. Properly applied, the therapy causes no heat, pain, or tissue damage. Contraindications are minimal—primarily avoiding eye exposure and cancerous areas. Unlike drugs, there are no concerns about systemic absorption, organ toxicity, or cumulative side effects. This excellent safety profile allows both intensive short-term treatments and ongoing maintenance for chronic conditions, providing effective, repeatable relief without the monitoring required for pharmaceuticals.
5.5 Reduction in Inflammation Without Side Effects
Cold laser therapy delivers strong anti-inflammatory effects without the risks linked to drugs like NSAIDs or corticosteroids. By reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins while supporting resolution pathways, it decreases pain and swelling naturally. Unlike steroids that broadly suppress immunity or NSAIDs that cause gastrointestinal, kidney, or cardiac issues, laser therapy avoids systemic harm. Its localized action targets problem areas without disrupting overall physiology. This makes it especially valuable for dogs with health conditions that limit medication use, or those on complex treatment regimens. Photobiomodulation’s physiologic approach supports healing while safely managing inflammation.
6. What to Expect During a Cold Laser Therapy Session
Understanding practical treatment aspects helps pet owners prepare for veterinary visits and set appropriate expectations regarding protocols, patient experience, and post-treatment care responsibilities.
6.1 Typical Veterinary Treatment Protocols: Frequency, Duration, Number of Sessions
Cold laser therapy protocols vary depending on the condition’s type, severity, and chronicity. Acute injuries often start with 3–5 sessions per week for 2–3 weeks, then taper to weekly or bi-weekly maintenance as healing progresses. Chronic cases usually begin with 2 sessions per week for 4–6 weeks, followed by customized long-term schedules. Each session lasts 3–10 minutes per site, with full appointments lasting 15–30 minutes when multiple areas are treated. Typical treatment courses include 6–12 sessions for acute cases, while chronic conditions may require ongoing maintenance. Key parameters—such as wavelength (808–980 nm for deep penetration), power, and energy density—are adjusted to match tissue depth, pathology, and patient size. Veterinarians refine protocols based on individual response, combining cold laser therapy with medications, rehabilitation, or supplements for optimal outcomes.
6.2 What Dogs Experience During Treatment (Comfort and Relaxation)
Cold laser therapy is one of the most comfortable veterinary treatments, with most dogs showing no discomfort and many appearing deeply relaxed. During sessions, dogs feel nothing or a mild soothing warmth—never pain or irritation. The gentle handling, quiet setting, and absence of needles or restraint create a positive experience. Many dogs visibly relax, lying calmly, breathing slowly, or even dozing, which may reflect endorphin release and nervous system calming. Some veterinary teams use this effect therapeutically for anxious or stressed patients. Unlike some rehabilitation techniques, there is no post-session soreness, so dogs can resume normal activities immediately. Over time, dogs often recognize and welcome treatment, willingly entering the therapy area and cooperating with positioning, in contrast to stressful veterinary procedures. This comfort factor makes cold laser therapy highly practical for long-term care.
6.3 How Owners Can Support Post-Treatment Recovery
Owners play a key role in maximizing cold laser therapy results. Moderate exercise is important—gentle walks and controlled activity promote circulation and tissue remodeling, but overexertion risks setbacks. Following veterinary advice on exercise restrictions and gradual return-to-activity ensures tissues heal properly. Adequate hydration supports cellular metabolism and circulation, enhancing therapy’s effects. Adhering to prescribed medications, supplements, or physical therapy helps create synergistic benefits. Owners should observe and record changes such as improved mobility, reduced pain behaviors, or increased playfulness, as this feedback helps veterinarians refine protocols. Simple logs or short videos can provide valuable progress tracking. Keeping appointments consistent is crucial, since skipped sessions may delay progress. Open communication with veterinary staff about improvements or concerns ensures individualized care adjustments. By working in partnership, owners help maximize both short-term results and long-term quality of life.
7. Real-Life Case Studies and Testimonials
Clinical case examples and client testimonials provide valuable perspectives on cold laser therapy's practical impact on canine patients and their families, complementing scientific data with real-world experiences.
7.1 Senior Dogs with Arthritis Improvement
Representative case: "Max," a 12-year-old Labrador Retriever with severe hip and elbow osteoarthritis, presented with significant mobility impairment, reluctance to rise, and visible discomfort during movement despite maximum-dose NSAID therapy. Following twice-weekly cold laser treatments for six weeks, Max demonstrated remarkable improvement—rising more easily, walking without obvious lameness, resuming short play sessions with family members, and showing renewed interest in activities he'd abandoned. His owner reported, "I couldn't believe the difference. Max acts like he's five years younger. He's playing again and even attempted stairs he'd avoided for a year." Concurrent gradual NSAID dose reduction was achieved without pain recurrence. Maintenance monthly treatments have sustained improvements for over 18 months, maintaining Max's quality of life and activity participation well into his senior years.
7.2 Post-Surgical Recovery Success Stories
Representative case: "Bella," a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, underwent tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Cold laser therapy initiated 48 hours post-operatively continued three times weekly for four weeks, then weekly for four additional weeks. Bella demonstrated faster-than-average return to weight-bearing, minimal post-operative swelling, excellent incisional healing without complications, and early return to controlled activity. Her surgeon commented on the exceptional healing quality and ahead-of-schedule rehabilitation progress. Bella returned to full agility competition at four months post-surgery—earlier than typical six-month timelines. Her owner stated, "The laser therapy made such a difference in her recovery. She was comfortable throughout the healing process and got back to competing faster than expected. I'm convinced it made the critical difference."
7.3 Owner Testimonials on Mobility and Lifestyle Enhancements
Pet owner testimonials consistently emphasize quality of life improvements and enhanced human-animal bond benefits. Common themes include: "I got my dog back—he's playing and happy again instead of just lying around." "She can jump into the car again without help, which she hadn't done in two years." "The laser therapy gave us more quality time together. He's comfortable on our walks instead of struggling." "I was skeptical at first, but seeing the difference in his movement and happiness convinced me completely." "No more constant medications and worrying about side effects, yet he's more comfortable than he's been in years." "Our vet recommended trying laser therapy before considering euthanasia for his severe arthritis. I'm so grateful—it saved his life and gave us another wonderful year together." These testimonials reflect the profound impact effective pain management has on canine welfare and family relationships.
8. Conclusion: Why Science Supports Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Cold laser therapy has emerged as an evidence-based modality for canine pain management and rehabilitation, supported by both science and clinical practice. Its photobiological mechanisms—cellular photobiomodulation, enhanced ATP production, inflammation reduction, and direct analgesic effects—explain the consistent therapeutic outcomes observed. Clinical research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, demonstrates significant improvements in pain scores, mobility, healing rates, and overall quality of life, with success rates averaging 65–85% across conditions such as osteoarthritis, surgical recovery, soft tissue injuries, and dermatological issues. Unlike pharmaceuticals, cold laser therapy is drug-free, non-invasive, and safe for long-term use, making it ideal for senior dogs or patients with contraindications. Its growing adoption by veterinarians, alongside strong owner-reported benefits, underscores its value in multimodal care. With ongoing research refining protocols, cold laser therapy stands as a scientifically validated, practical, and compassionate option for canine pain relief.
9. References
A Systematic Literature Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Laser Therapy
