Prevent Costly Vet Bills: The Essential Therapy Most Dog Owners Don't Know About
- erin4609
- Feb 16
- 7 min read
Introduction
Most dog owners don’t just love their dogs—they consider them family. But what many don’t realize is that almost every dog will face
painful and costly health problems in their lifetime. From arthritis to CCL ruptures, hip dysplasia, and post-surgical healing, these conditions don’t just affect your dog’s quality of life—they can lead to thousands in vet bills and long recovery periods.
At Soul Paws, we never claim to replace veterinary care. On the contrary, I won't work on a mystery condition unless there's been a diagnosis. Prevention of issues of course needs only your approval and taking the action to book a session. What if I told you there was a proven, non-invasive therapy that could speed up healing, prevent unnecessary suffering, and even help you avoid surgery?
Stay with me through some of the academic language—we’ll get to the good stuff soon! Hang in there, and we’ll break it all down into simpler terms so you can see how NIR therapy can transform your dog’s health. 🐾
What Is Near-Infrared Laser Therapy?
Near-Infrared (NIR) light, which falls between 700-1,400 nanometers (nm) on the electromagnetic spectrum; can penetrate deep into biological tissues—far deeper than visible or red light. This means it reaches muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, and even bones, promoting healing from within. Moreso, it works with the active lymphocytes that keep our immune system working.
How It Works at a Cellular Level
NIR light is absorbed by mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, particularly by cytochrome c oxidase. This absorption leads to:
✅ Increased ATP production (cellular energy for healing)
✅ Reduced oxidative stress (which contributes to aging and disease)
✅ Modulated inflammation (critical for pain relief and tissue repair)
✅ Accelerated cell regeneration (leading to faster healing)
What the Research Says: Evidence-Based Benefits of NIR Therapy
1. Pain Management & Inflammation Reduction
🐾 Veterinary Study: A double-blind, controlled trial found that photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) significantly reduced pain and inflammation in dogs with hip osteoarthritis, performing better than NSAIDs (AVMA, 2022).
🏥 Human Parallel: NIR therapy has been proven to improve muscle recovery, reduce joint pain, and lower inflammation levels in chronic conditions (PMC, 2015).
2. Tissue Repair & Wound Healing
🐶 Veterinary Study: A study on Dachshunds recovering from spinal surgery found that daily NIR treatments sped up wound healing, reduced scar tissue, and improved mobility (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018).
3. Neurological Benefits
🐶 Veterinary Application: NIR has shown potential cognitive benefits for senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia) and may support nerve regeneration in spinal injuries (Open Veterinary Journal, 2023).
🏥 Human Parallel: Studies have explored NIR therapy for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injuries, showing promising results in neuroprotection and inflammation reduction.
In fact if you want your mind blown, read the book "Red Light Therapy Miracle Medicine" by Mark Sloan. You can even jump ahead to chapter 4 to read the top 10 benefits, all based on scientific studies and peer reviewed.
The Most Common (and Costly) Conditions NIR Therapy Can Help
Most dog owners will experience one or more of these health concerns with their pet:
🐕 Arthritis & Joint Pain – Reduces inflammation and stiffness, improving mobility.
🐾 Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Ruptures & Recovery – Speeds up healing and prevents secondary injuries on the compensatory limb (the other leg) by reducing compensatory strain.
🐶 Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Helps with pain relief and nerve healing post-surgery or as part of conservative management.
🦴 Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) – Supports cartilage repair and decreases joint inflammation.
🔵 Cyst & Fibrosis Reduction – Breaks down cysts and abnormal tissue growth (something Soul Paws has successfully done!).
🐾 Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – Reduces joint pressure and improves range of motion.
🐕 Soft Tissue & Post-Surgical Healing – Prevents excessive scar tissue formation, making recovery smoother and faster.
Why One or Two Sessions Won’t Cut It
NIR therapy works cumulatively—meaning a structured treatment plan yields the best results. One session may provide some relief, but a 5- or 10-pack ensures long-term benefits. Just like physiotherapy in humans, consistent treatments allow the body to build on previous progress, leading to:
✅ Stronger cellular healing
✅ Sustained pain relief
✅ Increased joint mobility
✅ Reduced likelihood of future injuries
How to Book a 5- or 10-Session NIR Therapy Package with Soul Paws
🎯 At Soul Paws, we specialize in using Near-Infrared Laser Therapy primarily for canine recovery, pain relief, and longevity. It takes times to get the word out how we can help prevent issues before they become issues.
How should you book Soul Paws Infrared sessions for your dog depending on their current or past issue?
Ensuring your dog receives the appropriate Near-Infrared (NIR) therapy sessions can significantly enhance their health and well-being. Here's a tailored guide to help you determine the optimal booking schedule based on your dog's specific needs:
1. Post-Surgical Recovery:
Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Weeks 1 & 2): To accelerate healing and reduce discomfort, it's beneficial to schedule NIR therapy sessions 2 to 3 times per week during the initial recovery period. This frequency aids in minimizing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
2. Addressing Old Injuries and Scar Tissue:
Chronic Conditions: For dogs with previous surgeries, such as TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), lingering scar tissue can lead to stiffness and potential arthritis. Implementing 1 to 2 NIR therapy sessions per week, complemented by therapeutic massage, can help break down existing scar tissue and enhance mobility.
3. Compensatory Strain in Uninjured Limbs:
Prolonged Limb Injuries or Amputations: Dogs favoring an injured limb or those with amputations often place additional stress on their other legs. This compensation can result in muscle fatigue and joint discomfort. Regular NIR therapy, combined with massage, can alleviate this strain, reduce inflammation, and prevent secondary issues.
4. Preventative Care for Senior Dogs:
Aging Canines (Typically 7 Years and Older): Even in the absence of visible issues, senior dogs may harbor underlying muscle tightness or joint restrictions. Scheduling a monthly comprehensive massage session that includes NIR therapy can proactively address these concerns, enhancing flexibility and reducing the risk of injuries.
By tailoring NIR therapy sessions to your dog's specific circumstances, you can effectively support their health, expedite recovery, and potentially avoid costly veterinary interventions in the future.
Our 5- and 10-session packages are designed to ensure your dog gets the full benefits of NIR therapy.
📍 Ready to see how infrared therapy can help your dog?
🔗 Book a 5 pack now as it will be the best money you'll spend on your loved one.
🐾 Questions? Respond to this email or DM us on Instagram and I'll call you at a time that works for both.
Final Thoughts: Keeping It Simple
So, what does all this science mean in plain English? 🤔
💡 NIR therapy works by helping cells heal themselves faster. It boosts energy, reduces inflammation, and prevents long-term damage—without drugs, surgery, or side effects.
And when it comes to keeping your dog happy, mobile, and pain-free for years, prevention is everything. That’s why committing to a structured therapy plan is the key to results.
🐶 Because when you invest in their health, you invest in their happiness. 🐾
We understand that some of our readers are keen to explore the scientific mechanisms underpinning Near-Infrared Therapy. For those interested in a deeper dive into how NIR interacts with immune cells to reduce inflammation and promote healing, we've prepared an in-depth addendum that starts below the next image. To read the more scientific based information simply scroll below the image or click here:
To deepen the understanding of how Near-Infrared (NIR) Therapy interacts with the immune system to reduce inflammation and promote healing, let's delve into the specific immune cells involved and the mechanisms at play.
Key Immune Cells in Inflammation and Healing:
Macrophages: These versatile cells are pivotal in orchestrating the immune response. They can adopt different functional states:
Pro-inflammatory (M1): Release cytokines that promote inflammation to combat pathogens.
Anti-inflammatory (M2): Facilitate tissue repair and resolution of inflammation.
Neutrophils: As first responders to injury, they ingest pathogens and release enzymes that, while combating invaders, can also cause tissue damage if not regulated.
Lymphocytes: Including T cells and B cells, they are crucial for adaptive immunity, targeting specific pathogens and retaining memory for quicker future responses.
NIR Therapy's Impact on Immune Cells:
NIR therapy, a form of photobiomodulation, employs light wavelengths between 700 and 1,400 nanometers to penetrate deep into tissues. This interaction influences immune cells in several ways:
Modulation of Macrophage Activity: NIR exposure encourages a shift from the pro-inflammatory M1 state to the anti-inflammatory M2 state, aiding in tissue repair and reducing chronic inflammation.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Neutrophil Function Regulation: By reducing excessive neutrophil infiltration and activity, NIR therapy minimizes collateral tissue damage during inflammatory responses.
Enhancement of Lymphocyte Response: NIR light has been observed to improve lymphocyte proliferation and function, bolstering the body's ability to fend off infections and facilitating efficient healing.
Mechanistic Insights:
At the cellular level, NIR light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, leading to:
Increased ATP Production: Elevated energy availability accelerates cellular repair processes.
Controlled Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation: A moderate increase in ROS acts as a signaling mechanism, prompting protective and reparative pathways.
Nitric Oxide Release: This molecule aids in vasodilation, improving blood flow and facilitating the delivery of immune cells to affected areas.
By comprehending these interactions, it's evident that NIR therapy offers a scientifically grounded, non-invasive approach to managing inflammation and promoting healing in both humans and dogs.
I look forward to helping your dog feel its best. Book or call today for a session or adding infrared sessions to your dog's weekly or monthly massage treatments!
Comments