Magnetic Therapy in Dogs

Magnetic therapy is a long-used but little-understood use of magnetic fields for treatment of various medical conditions. It has been used in human medicine for a long time and has recently become more popular in treating animals. 

Magnetic therapies are created through pulsed electromagnetic fields or permanent magnets. These magnets come in many sizes and strengths based on the size of the dog, the condition being treated, and the length of the treatment. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy relies on different electromagnetic pulses directed to the problem area in a series of treatments to influence cell behavior with electrical changes around and within the cells.

Magnetic therapies heal the body by restoring effective circulation and eliminating inflammation. Increased blood flow to a diseased part of the body encourages an increase in nutrients to that location, speeding up the healing process. While magnetic therapies cannot cure all medical problems, they are an inexpensive, non-invasive, and safe option to use in healing.

There are two primary modes of magnetic therapy: use of magnets themselves, and the use of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF).

Permanent or static magnets come in many sizes and are available in the shapes of bars, beads, and strips. These magnets are affixed with glue or tape to the affected area for a specific amount of time. Permanent magnets are often implemented in popular canine supplies like dog collars, jackets, mats, and beds.

PEMF therapy uses a pulsing current that flows through a coiled wire to create a magnetic field. It is imperative that PEMF therapy is administered daily in consecutive sessions. Many veterinarians will place the dog in a pulsed signal therapy device where the pulse signal is emitted. It is a safe, painless process that, over time, may improve your dog’s health.

The effectiveness of magnetic therapy is hard to gauge. Some veterinarians and canine owners have seen positive results from this therapy, but no literature or double blind studies offer substantial evidence that magnetic therapy works. This uncertainty is, in part, because the impact that magnetic therapy has on the body is still not entirely understood. Magnets cause an increase in blood flow, which is one possible explanation for why it may help alleviate some painful medical conditions. Until scientific studies can show a physiological effect, magnetic therapies will have their fair share of skeptics.

There is little to no recovery time associated with magnetic therapy. For some canines, the application of permanent magnets results in an almost immediate difference in pain loss and ease of movement. PEMF has no side effects and will not interfere with any implants or medications. Some chronic conditions will require several rounds of PEMF, and results may not be evident for a week or two after treatment begins. 

Magnetic therapy is a cost-effective approach to healing the canine body. Magnetic therapy products, from collars to beds, can range in price anywhere from $15 to $150. PEMF tends to be more costly, with individual sessions running hundreds of dollars. Both of these magnetic therapy costs pale in comparison to the prices for surgery and physical therapy, making them a more viable option for some dog owners.

Magnetic treatments tend to be risk-free and safe pain management and healing options. There are, however, some exceptions based on canines with high sensitivities and certain pre-existing health conditions. Magnetic therapies can initially cause some level of mild discomfort when treatment has just begun, especially in dogs who are sensitive. This discomfort is temporary, and the veterinarian can make the adjustments necessary to eliminate the pain altogether. 

Magnetic therapy should not be used on canines who are pregnant, who have recent injuries, or who have pacemakers. 

Magnetic therapy is associated with a variety of health conditions, so prevention will depend on the nature of the condition. Taking basic precautions to keep dogs safe and in good overall health is important to prevent illness and injury.