The field of integrative veterinary medicine is always exploring new ways to improve comfort and quality of life for aging pets. One area of growing interest is medical ozone therapy. Brazilian veterinarian and researcher Dr. Jean Joachim, DVM, shared his experience as a pioneer of the treatment at the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) conference.
“Dr. Joachim’s demonstration of his work in this field is both fascinating and promising,” says Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and member of the IAAHPC. “This gentle approach may one day prove to enhance quality of life and reduce reliance on medication in pets with low tolerance.”
What Is Ozone Therapy?
Medical ozone therapy uses a carefully controlled blend of medical-grade oxygen and ozone (O₃) delivered through specialized veterinary techniques. Unlike environmental ozone, medical ozone is administered in precise concentrations by trained professionals. Rather than acting as a medication itself, it is believed to stimulate natural biological responses that may support circulation, oxygen utilization, immune regulation, and tissue repair.
Researchers believe these effects may help reduce inflammation, improve how tissues use oxygen, and support healthy circulation.
How Is It Used?
Veterinary ozone therapy can be delivered in several ways, including ozonated blood treatments, targeted injections, topical applications, wound-care protocols, and other techniques selected based on a pet’s condition and treatment goals.
In veterinary practice, ozone is rarely used as a stand-alone therapy. Instead, practitioners often incorporate it into a broader treatment plan that may include rehabilitation therapy, therapeutic exercise, acupuncture, nutritional support, laser therapy, and conventional pain management.
This multimodal approach is often beneficial because different therapies can address different aspects of pain, mobility, and overall well-being.
What Does the Research Show?
Early veterinary studies suggest ozone therapy may offer benefits for certain painful conditions commonly seen in senior pets, including osteoarthritis and some chronic spinal disorders. However, larger controlled studies are still needed to better understand its effectiveness and ideal applications.
Research has explored its use in dogs with osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia, where ozone was linked to improvements in some measures of mobility and pain. Other studies have reported encouraging results in dogs with chronic spinal conditions, including intervertebral disc disease, when ozone was used alongside conventional medical management.
For pet owners caring for aging companions, the goal is to help pets enjoy their remaining time with greater comfort, mobility, and dignity. While ozone therapy remains an emerging area of integrative veterinary medicine, early findings and clinical experience suggest it may become another valuable tool for supporting pain management and quality of life in some senior pets.