September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, and it’s a good excuse to talk about something Dr. Delynn Gordzelik gets asked about more each year: laser therapy. It’s quiet, it’s quick, and most pets seem to genuinely enjoy it, which is more than you can say for most vet visits.
What Actually Happens During a Session
Laser therapy uses focused light to reach tissue below the skin and stimulate healing at the cellular level. There’s no sedation, no needles, and no recovery time. Sessions usually run just a few minutes, and it’s common for dogs to doze off partway through.
When our doctors reach for the Laser
It comes up most often for:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Recovery after surgery
- Soft tissue injuries and sprains
- Slow-healing wounds
- General stiffness and inflammation
Is My Pet a Good Candidate for Laser Therapy?
A few types of patients tend to benefit the most:
- Senior pets dealing with arthritis or general stiffness
- Working ranch dogs putting in long days on uneven ground
- Pets recovering from surgery or an injury
- Owners looking for something to use alongside other treatment, not necessarily instead of it
It’s rarely used on its own. Dr. Delynn Gordzelik usually works it into a broader plan depending on what’s going on with your pet, so if you’re not sure whether it fits, that’s a conversation worth having at an exam rather than guessing from home.
Pets Are Good at Hiding This
That’s really the point of Animal Pain Awareness Month. Dogs and cats don’t make it obvious when something hurts. Watch for:
- Not wanting to jump, climb stairs, or get up from lying down
- Moving stiffer than usual, especially after resting
- Less interest in walks or play
- Licking or chewing at one spot
- Appetite or mood that’s a little off
If any of that sounds familiar, it’s worth getting checked out rather than chalking it up to age.
Want to Talk It Through?
If you think laser therapy might help your pet, or you just want to know more about what it involves, give us a call.
Call (806) 665-7197 or request an appointment online. We’re at 1901 N Price Rd, Pampa, TX 79065, and see pets from Pampa, White Deer, Lefors, McLean, Miami, and the rest of the Panhandle.