If your once-energetic dog now hesitates to jump into the car or your cat avoids the windowsill they used to love, they could have arthritis. Just like humans, pets experience joint pain and stiffness as they get older. And while arthritis is common, it doesn’t have to mean the end of comfort or mobility. Lyon Veterinary Clinic offers a modern, non-invasive treatment option that many pet owners haven’t considered: laser therapy. Therapeutic lasers are a gentle, drug-free way to relieve pain and reduce inflammation for those cats and dogs managing chronic pet arthritis.

Why Do Pets Experience Arthritis Pain?

Pet arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that develops over time. It can affect dogs and cats of all ages, but it’s most frequently seen in seniors and those with previous injuries or joint abnormalities. The most common form of arthritis seen in pets is osteoarthritis, which causes pain due to breakdown in the cartilage, inflammation, and friction between joint parts. If your pet is suffering from arthritis, symptoms can come from or be made worse by: 

• Joint wear and tear due to age
• Hip dysplasia
• Obesity-related joint strain
• Previous surgeries or trauma
• Congenital joint conditions

How to Know if a Pet Might Have Arthritis

Many pet owners chalk up arthritis symptoms to “slowing down” in old age, but stiffness and pain should never be ignored. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the sooner your pet can find relief. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice your pet:

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Hesitating to jump, run, or climb stairs
• Has difficulty rising after rest
• Shows reduced interest in walks or play
• Visually displays muscle loss in limbs or hips
• Changes in behavior, like irritability or withdrawal

How Laser Therapy Helps Pets with Arthritis

Laser therapy, aka photobiomodulation, uses focused light energy to penetrate deep into the tissue. This light stimulates cellular activity and reduces inflammation in cats and dogs. Pet laser technology is completely painless, non-invasive, and requires no sedation, making it ideal for companions of all ages, including senior pets and those with other health conditions.

For pets with arthritis, a laser therapy session can:

• Reduce joint inflammation and swelling
• Ease stiffness 
• Increase mobility
• Improve comfort without relying solely on medications
• Provide long-term pain relief with routine sessions

Laser therapy is also a safe option for most pets who can’t tolerate daily arthritis medication due to kidney, liver, or digestive concerns.

What to Expect from This Pet Arthritis Treatment

Every laser therapy plan will depend on your pet’s condition. Most pets receive an initial series of laser treatments, often 1-2 sessions per week for the first few weeks, and then move to a maintenance schedule. Laser therapy sessions are stress-free, often lasting just 5-30 minutes. Many pets even find the treatment relaxing!

Get Experienced Treatment for Pet Arthritis in South Lyon, MI

Arthritis may be a part of aging for some pets, but chronic pain doesn’t have to be. With tools like laser therapy, your pet can regain mobility and a better quality of life. Lyon Veterinary Clinic supports cats and dogs with arthritis in South Lyon and from nearby areas like Northville, New Hudson, and Brighton. Ready to give your pet a more comfortable life? Contact us to learn more about laser therapy for arthritis.