Give Your Pet’s Body More of What It Needs to Heal
Ozone therapy has been studied for roughly 150 years, and it is now used to support pets with infections, inflammation and damaged tissue. At Sarasota Animal Medical Center in Sarasota, FL , we use it alongside conventional and holistic care to help dogs and cats feel better and recover more comfortably.
Request an AppointmentHow Ozone Therapy Works
Ozone is made of three oxygen atoms. Once it reaches the tissue, it breaks down into ordinary oxygen (O2) and releases a reactive singlet oxygen molecule that can interact with other molecules in the body. Together with hyperbaric-style oxygen delivery, ozone brings easily absorbed oxygen to the tissues. That is helpful any time inflammation or tissue damage is present.
Ozone therapy is used to:
Decrease inflammation
Swelling, bruising, infection, cancer and trauma all raise the level of carbon dioxide in the affected tissue, which adds to inflammation and pain. Delivering more oxygen in the form of reactive ozone can reduce pain and swelling and speed healing.
Activate the immune system
Ozone has been shown to stimulate the production of cytokines, such as interferons and interleukins. These are the body’s “messenger” molecules, and they set off a cascade of positive changes in the immune system. Ozone also promotes enzymes such as peroxidase, catalase, reductase and superoxide dismutase, which help protect cells and strengthen cellular immunity.
Inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa
Healthy cells are protected by an enzyme coating that ozone does not penetrate. Bacteria and viruses have no such coating. In bacteria, ozone oxidizes the phospholipids and lipoproteins in the cell envelope and breaks down its integrity. In viruses, this oxidation disrupts the reproductive cycle and damages the viral capsid. In fungi, ozone inhibits cell growth. Chronic ear infections are a good example, since they often involve several organisms as primary or secondary invaders.
How Ozone Is Given and What It Can Treat
How is ozone administered?
There are several ways to deliver ozone. The most common are ozone-infused subcutaneous fluids and rectal insufflation. Ozone can also be given intravenously or injected directly into a joint. We choose the method that fits your pet’s condition, comfort and temperament.
What does ozone treat?
Ozone can support treatment, conventional or holistic, whenever there is infection, inflammation, tissue damage or abnormal cellular growth.
A few examples include
- Skin: wounds, especially deep abrasions, plus hot spots, pyodermas, allergic dermatitis and abscesses
- GI tract: constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel issues, where ozone helps decrease inflammation
- Cancer and autoimmune problems, as supportive care
- Mouth: stomatitis, gingivitis and dental abscesses (see our pet dental care services)
- Ears: chronic and acute otitis from bacteria or yeast, and aural hematomas
- Chronic and acute Lyme disease
- Neurological issues: ozone and oxygen cross the blood-brain barrier, so ozone is an excellent way to support treatment of head trauma and spinal cord inflammation
- Enhancing other therapies: it brings more oxygen to the body, which potentiates acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic treatments
Ozone therapy fits naturally into a whole-pet approach. To see how it works with our other integrative options, visit our holistic medicine page.
Ozone Therapy Questions Pet Owners Ask
What is ozone therapy for pets?
Ozone therapy delivers a medical-grade form of oxygen to your pet’s tissues. It is used to reduce inflammation, support the immune system and inactivate certain bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast. We use it to complement other treatments for dogs and cats.
Is ozone therapy safe for dogs and cats?
When trained veterinary professionals give it using appropriate methods and doses, ozone therapy is generally well tolerated. We review your pet’s history and current health before recommending it, and we adjust the plan if anything changes.
How is ozone given to my pet?
The most common methods are ozone-infused subcutaneous fluids and rectal insufflation. Ozone can also be given intravenously or injected directly into a joint. We choose the method based on your pet’s condition and comfort.
What conditions can ozone therapy help with?
Ozone is used to support pets with skin wounds, hot spots, allergic dermatitis, ear infections, gum and mouth problems, digestive upset, Lyme disease, and neurological or inflammatory conditions. It can also be part of supportive care for cancer and autoimmune problems.
Can ozone therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Ozone works well alongside conventional medicine and holistic care. It brings more oxygen to the body, which can enhance the effects of acupuncture, homeopathy and chiropractic treatments.
How many ozone treatments will my pet need?
It depends on the condition being treated and how your pet responds. Some pets benefit from a short series of treatments, while chronic conditions may need ongoing sessions. We will outline a plan at your visit and adjust it as your pet improves.
How do I know if my pet is a candidate for ozone therapy?
The best way to find out is to schedule an exam at Sarasota Animal Medical Center. We will talk through your pet’s symptoms and history and let you know whether ozone therapy is a good fit.
Ready to See if Ozone Therapy Could Help Your Pet?
Call (941) 954-4771 or request a visit online, and our team at Sarasota Animal Medical Center will help you decide on the right next step for your pet.