Pets often find a visit to the veterinarian distressing, which is compounded if pain or injury is the reason for their visit. Unfamiliar surroundings and being handled by strangers can make veterinary patients fearful, anxious, and stressed, can have lasting negative impacts on their physical and mental wellbeing, and can make future veterinary visits more challenging. 

Under the guidance of University of Arizona researchers, the Palisades Veterinary Hospital team now offers a groundbreaking new approach to reducing pain and anxiety during veterinary visits. Light therapy has proven safe and effective for humans with similar medical issues, and we have adapted this novel, non-invasive, innovative treatment modality for use on dogs and cats.

Anxiety and pain in pets

Anxiety and pain are closely related and can present in similar ways. Pets can experience generalized anxiety all the time, or may respond in fear only to specific stimuli or situations. Most pets feel fear, anxiety, or stress during veterinary visits, because they have developed a conditioned negative response—they previously felt pain from a needle or fear during restraint, their brain remembers the situation, and they automatically kick into fight or flight mode when they enter the building. In addition, pain, especially chronic pain, can lead to chronic anxiety and brain changes.

Acute anxiety can cause physiological changes, such as increased heart and breathing rate or temperature, that can mask underlying conditions and make evaluating overall health more difficult. Like humans, pets’ ongoing anxiety, pain, or stress can also lead to the development of new medical issues, including urinary disease in cats or phobias in dogs. Our goal as veterinarians is to reduce this stress as much as possible and to create a more positive experience that pets will remember going forward.

The promise of light therapy for pets

Light therapy was initially met with skepticism, but has shown remarkable potential in early studies and likely will revolutionize veterinary medicine. Multiple large university studies exploring different light frequencies and their impact on human fibromyalgia pain have shown promising results, including significant reduction in pain and anxiety. Fibromyalgia symptoms can be debilitating and difficult to treat, so an effective, drug-free solution that impacts patients’ lives is a major breakthrough. With our research partners’ help, we can adapt this human medical discovery to relieve pain and anxiety in our four-legged friends—without drugs or other harsh treatments.

Leading the way in light therapy for pets

Palisades Veterinary Hospital is leading the way in developing a standardized treatment protocol for pets based on extensive light therapy research. This treatment is truly remarkable because of its non-invasive nature, with none of the pharmaceutical interventions that often lead to side effects.

However, to offer pets this innovative, drug-free treatment, we had to think outside the box. We adapted the same tools that university researchers use to devise treatment methods for the busy veterinary hospital environment, and have successfully integrated therapeutic light treatment without compromising our patients’ quality of care. 

A holistic approach for pets

While light therapy represents a significant breakthrough in veterinary care, we recognize that a multi-modal approach is crucial to address pain and anxiety comprehensively. Our veterinarians may combine light therapy with other anxiety or pain management treatments that they tailor to each patient’s individual needs. Multimodal therapy allows multiple treatments to work synergistically, while keeping drug doses low and minimizing the side effects caused by each individual treatment. 

Our goal with our holistic approach is minimizing pain and anxiety, so we enhance the overall veterinary experience for pets and their devoted owners. Our veterinarians may recommend the following treatments in combination with light therapy for pain or anxiety:

  • Anti-inflammatory or pain medications
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Natural or herbal supplements
  • Alternative and complementary medicine
  • Rehabilitation therapy
  • Individualized nutrition
  • Behavioral modification programs
  • Anxiety pressure wraps

Our ongoing commitment to pet health advancements

Our hospital team is dedicated to seeking new and effective treatments for our valued clients and their beloved pets. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we stay at the forefront of veterinary medical advancements, and enables us to provide our patients with the highest standard of care. 

Light therapy for pain and anxiety during veterinary visits holds tremendous promise for improving the wellbeing of pets in our care. The Palisades Veterinary Hospital team has embraced this innovative approach and, by employing light therapy alongside other treatment modalities, we can optimize the veterinary experience and enhance your pet’s health and happiness. 

As pioneers in this field, we remain committed to leading the way in providing cutting-edge and compassionate care to all our clients and their cherished companions. Contact our team to learn how we can integrate light therapy into your pet’s treatment plan or to schedule your pet’s next low-stress veterinary visit.