Dog in Snow

Cryotherapy (‘Cold’ Therapy) Benefits for your Pet’s Inflammation and Pain Management

Dr. Dawn
RehabPet.com is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking veterinary medical advice should consult with a licensed veterinarian. View Disclaimer.

Cryotherapy is ‘cold’ therapy or, more simply, utilizing an ice pack to treat certain conditions for your pet.

When to use Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy should be used:

  • as management for acute inflammation, post-operative swelling, and pain,
  • musculoskeletal trauma that is acute,
  • pain due to muscle spasms, and
  • after exercise to prevent edema (swelling) and pain.

Best Methods on Applying Cryotherapy to your Pet

When applying cryotherapy on your pet.

  • Always place a light towel or a pillowcase around the ice pack before placing it on your pet.
  • In addition, you should check every few minutes to make sure what you are cooling is not too cold.
  • I recommend sitting with your pet while you are icing them.

Cold Therapy Benefits

Cold Therapy has several benefits for your pet.

  • Cryotherapy causes vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure) and decreases cellular metabolism and histamine release, thus reducing inflammation.
  • Cryotherapy also has analgesic (analgesic = pain reducing) effects by slowing nerve conduction velocity and raising the threshold for nerve stimulation.
  • Several studies indicate that it can also decrease muscle spasm.
  • Finally, one of the most exciting aspects of cryotherapy is the fact that it inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes such as hyaluronidase and collagenase thereby providing a protective mechanism. Basically, the cryotherapy helps protect the joint to some extent!
Written by: Dr. Dawn

Dr. Dawn is a graduate of Colorado State University with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She is certified as a Canine Certified Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA).

related articles

Here are the latest articles from RehabPet!

Can't Find Something? Try a Search!

The Step-by-Step Guide to Draining a Cyst on Your Dog

Don’t be afraid of those lumps If you're a dog owner, there's a good chance you'll eventually have to deal with a cyst that develops on your pet. While cysts can be painful and unsightly, they're usually not too difficult to treat if you know what you're doing. In this step-by-step guide, PetRehab.com will walk…

Dr. Dawn
how to drain a cyst on a dog - image from pixabay by allymime

The Secrets to Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy in Recovery After Surgery

The road to recovery doesn’t have to be difficult  Learning your dog needs surgery can be a stressful time for dog owners. With so many different things to think about before and during the surgery, it can be easy to forget about the recovery process. After the surgery is complete, most vets will recommend keeping…

Dr. Dawn
how to confine a dog after surgery

Neutering Your Dog? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

While common, neutering can be a big decision for a pet owner If you're considering neutering your dog, you're not alone. Neutering is one of the most common surgeries performed on dogs. It's a safe and effective way to prevent certain health problems and can help control pet population growth. But, like any surgery, risks…

Dr. Dawn
how long will my dog be in pain after neutering