Often referred to as low level laser therapy (LLLT), or less accurately as “cold” laser therapy, these lasers are different from surgical lasers. Whereas high-power surgical lasers are used to cut or destroy tissue using a very concentrated beam, low level laser therapy is used to relieve pain and enhance cell function.
How does low level laser therapy work?
Low level lasers penetrate tissues on a cellular level, triggering a reaction that stimulates cell regeneration and boosts the cell’s energy. Increased energy means faster tissue repair and cell growth, leading to desirable results such as pain relief, decreased swelling, and faster healing of wounds and injuries.
Essentially, laser therapy initiates the body’s own healing process. This means that the anti-inflammatory response can continue even after the treatment is over – up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Pets and their owners usually find laser therapy to be an easy, simple and effective treatment. There is no need to sedate your dog or cat before laser therapy, as most pets find the process to be relaxing. Additionally, the area being treated does not need to be shaved or trimmed.
What are the benefits of laser therapy?
Low level laser therapy is a non-invasive, quick and essentially painless treatment for a wide variety of conditions. Even chronic patients can experience improvement after just a few treatments.
Lasers can be used to treat acute conditions such as
- Soft tissue injury
- Surgery recovery
- Wounds
- Bone fractures
- Muscular-skeletal abnormalities
Laser therapy may also be used to treat chronic conditions like:
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Chronic ear infections and skin infections
- Tendon and ligament conditions
- Some neurological issues
The frequency and duration of treatments will depend on the condition being treated, but most treatments take less than 15 minutes. Additionally, most patients can decrease or stop laser treatments over time and still achieve the same results as their body begins to heal itself.
Pet owners may notice signs that their dog or cat is feeling better after laser therapy, such as regaining some mobility, going up the stairs more easily, or acting more playful at home.
If your pet is suffering from an injury or chronic pain, it may be worth incorporating low level laser therapy into their treatment plan. Schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss the possibility of laser therapy for your pet.
Unfortunately, some pet owners are not concerned about their dog or cat being overweight. Some families even find heavy pets to be cute, funny or charming – for instance, chubby dogs and cats are seen as having “character” or “personality.”
But any veterinarian will tell you that being overweight is a serious health concern for pets. Animals are loveable at any size and weight, but carrying too much body fat can be very detrimental to their lifespan and quality of life.
What are the health risks for overweight pets?
Excess weight may put stress on your pet’s joints, ligaments and bones, which can lead to an increased risk for joint disease, chronic pain and limited mobility.
Overweight pets may have difficulty breathing (especially flat-faced or brachycephalic breeds), heat intolerance, hygiene issues, skin problems, and increased surgical and anesthetic risk. High body fat may also lead to diabetes and heart disease.
Any of these conditions can result in a shorter lifespan and a poorer quality of life for your pet. For further discussion of the effects of excess weight on your pet, visit the Veterinary Partner website and search “Obesity.”
The Body Condition Score can determine if your pet is overweight.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has developed a method for measuring dogs’ and cats’ body composition known as the Body Condition Score (BCS).
The Body Condition Score can be measured on either a 5-point scale or a 9-point scale. If using the 5-point scale, the goal BCS for most pets is between 2.5 to 3. If using the 9-point scale, aim for a BCS of 4 to 5.
Disease risk associations with higher BCS in adult animals appear to increase above 3.5 of 5, or above 6 of 9. If your pet falls within this range, they likely need to lose body fat.
Note that a healthy BCS may appear “too thin” to some pet owners, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian and bring your dog or cat in for a full evaluation.
How to evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score at home:
First, review the AAHA diagram for the Body Condition Score system. Then, evaluate your pet based on the characteristics outlined in the diagram.
Below are a few traits that pets within a healthy weight range have in common:
- When viewing your pet from above, they have an hourglass shape with a tapered waist after the ribs. They should NOT have an egg shape.
- When viewing your pet from the side, you should see an abdominal tuck behind the last ribs. You should NOT see a rounding or distension of the abdomen.
- Ribs are palpable with a minimal or slight fat covering. When lightly running your hands along the rib cage, you can feel the ribs, but not see them. If you have to push your fingers in to find the ribs, you are pushing through excess fat.
- Fat pads over the hips, but not a heavy amount of fat cover.
Conversely, you do not want your pet to be underweight. You do not want to see individual ribs, protruding hip bones or prominent spine.
Your veterinarian can evaluate your pet’s Body Condition Score and offer guidance on weight loss or maintenance.
We want your pets to be as healthy as possible and a long, happy, active life with you. Contact your vet today if you have questions about your pet’s weight or Body Condition Score!
1. Ensure your pet’s shelter is warm and cozy
When the temperatures drop, it’s important to keep your pets inside the house with you. If you would be too cold spending all day outside, it’s too cold for your pets as well. This is especially true if your pet is not yet fully grown, or is sick.
If your dog house has been specifically outfitted for winter, it may be sufficient for keeping your pet warm. This means it should be big enough to be comfortable, but small enough to retain heat. The floor should be raised and covered with cedar shavings or straw, and the door should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
But again, we highly recommend keeping your pets indoors. If it’s more comfortable for you inside, it’s more comfortable for your pet inside too.
2. Bundle up!
Small pets and short-haired pets will appreciate an extra layer this winter, even for short walks. If they do not like walking in the snow, try booties! Fur can only go so far in keeping your pet warm.
Additionally, be sure to keep them dry, which will help with their heat retention. There are lightweight jackets perfect for your fluffy dog to keep him dry while he plays in the snow.
3. Keep an eye out for common winter hazards
Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it has a very sweet taste they’re highly attracted to. Keep antifreeze stored in a safe place, away from children and pets. Clean any spills immediately!
Likewise, rock salt is great at keeping us from slipping on ice, but it’s very bad for dogs. Be sure to wipe down your pet’s paws after each walk to avoid them licking it off themselves later. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
4. Protect your pet’s feet
Booties can minimize contact with painful salt crystals, poisonous antifreeze, and chemical ice-melting agents. Booties can also help prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes, which may cause irritation.
Alternatively, massaging petroleum jelly into your pet’s paw pads before going outside can help to protect against salt and chemical agents. Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws.
After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet to remove any ice, salt or chemicals. Check for cracks in the paw pads, redness between the toes, or other signs of irritation. Moisturizing after a good toweling off can help to heal chapped paws.
5. Stay vigilant about fleas and ticks
As the temperatures drop, many pet owners believe that using flea control is no longer necessary, as the fleas will die off in the cold weather. But this is a common misconception!
A warm heated home provides the ideal environment for fleas to breed, which means flea control is a year-round commitment. Pets should be treated each and every month – even in the heart of winter – to ensure they remain protected from fleas and ticks 365 days a year.
By following these helpful tips, you can ensure your pet stays cozy, healthy and happy all winter long. In the meantime, contact us if you have ANY questions at all about keeping your pet safe this winter.
This is how every great story begins…until your dog ends up sick!
As tempting as it may be to include your pet in your Thanksgiving festivities, feeding them human foods from the table is usually a very bad idea. Dogs and cats have sensitive stomachs that can easily become irritated and upset from common Thanksgiving foods.
In the worst scenarios, these foods can actually be toxic – even deadly – for your pets. Below, we’ve covered everything pet owners need to know about Thanksgiving foods and their pets.
Thanksgiving foods that are toxic to dogs and cats include:
- Chocolate – contains theobromine, which causes seizures and even death.
- Grapes or Raisins – can cause kidney failure
- Onions and Garlic – can destroy blood cells leading to anemia.
- Milk and Dairy Products – can cause diarrhea and digestive issues
- Alcohol – can cause comas, death and intoxication
- Xylitol (candy/gum, sweetener) can cause liver failure, hypoglycemia and death
- Avocado – contains a chemical called persin, which in large amounts can make your dog very sick
- Mushrooms – can cause shock or death
- Caffeine – can cause vomiting, diarrhea and is toxic to the nervous system and heart.
- Walnuts and Macadamias – can cause nervous system and muscle damage
- Cooked bones – can cause stomach lacerations resulting in surgery
Additionally, many Thanksgiving foods (such as turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and casseroles) are very heavy on the spices, oils and butters, which can seriously upset your pet’s stomach.
If your dog or cat consumes any of these foods, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you could be looking at a veterinary bill in the hundreds or thousands. Believe us, this is a situation you and your pet will both be thankful to avoid!
How to keep your pet safe and healthy on Thanksgiving
The best way to protect your pet from these toxic Thanksgiving foods is by limiting their access to the cooking and dining areas. Consider creating a quiet, safe space where your pet can chill out and relax in the midst of all the chaos. This is especially important if your pet is able to access kitchen countertops while you are cooking or serving food.
Be sure to instruct all guests to avoid feeding your pet scraps from the table during dinner. We know it’s difficult to say no to those puppy dog eyes, but it’s truly in your pet’s best interest.
You can always include your pet in the Thanksgiving festivities by giving them a special treat or toy designed specifically for cats or dogs. This will ensure that your furry family member is safe, happy and healthy throughout the holiday.
If your pet ingests any of these toxic foods on Thanksgiving day, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the ingredient and quantity they consumed, this may be an emergency situation where time is of the essence!
You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the National Pet Poison Helpline at 800-214-6680 (note, there is a fee for their services).