Laser Therapy for Dogs & Cats: A Little Light Can Go a Long Way

What if a little light could help your pet feel better, move more comfortably, and heal faster? 

It may sound a little futuristic, but laser therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain and inflammation while supporting your pet’s natural healing process. And perhaps best of all, there are no needles, no anesthesia, and no recovery time!

At Concord Animal Hospital, we use Laser Therapy as part of treatment plans for a variety of conditions in both dogs and cats.

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How Does a Laser Help a Pet Heal?
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Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of therapeutic light to reach tissues beneath the skin. This light energy stimulates cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—essentially giving cells more energy to do their jobs.

The result? A little help for your pet’s body as it works to heal itself.
Laser therapy may help:

• Reduce pain
• Decrease inflammation and swelling
• Improve circulation
• Promote tissue repair
• Speed up the healing process
• Improve comfort and mobility

And don't worry, this isn't the kind of laser that hurts! Laser therapy is painless and non-invasive, and most pets tolerate it extremely well. In fact, some pets become so relaxed during their treatment that they take a little nap!

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What Can Laser Therapy Treat?

Laser therapy can be helpful for many different conditions, including:

• Joint & mobility problems such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, chronic pain and mobility issues, and back and neck pain
• Injuries like sprains and strains as well as muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
• Post-surgical pain, swelling and inflammation, and supporting the healing process
• Skin & wound care such as wounds and skin injuries, hot spots, and lick granulomas
• Other conditions such as selected cases of ear inflammation and gingivitis and inflammation following dental procedures

​Of course, every pet is different. Your veterinarian will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate and create a treatment plan based on your pet’s individual needs.

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What Happens During a Laser Therapy Session?

The good news? There isn't much to it! A typical session takes just 5–15 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Your pet simply gets comfortable while one of our trained team members applies the therapeutic laser to the affected area. Your pet will wear protective eye coverings (aka doggles)  during treatment, and we'll make sure they're comfortable and relaxed throughout the session.

There are no injections, no sedation, and no downtime. Once the session is finished, your pet can go right back to their normal activities unless your veterinarian has recommended otherwise.

Will My Pet Feel Better After One Treatment?

Some pets do feel an improvement after their very first session, which is always exciting to see! However, conditions such as arthritis and other chronic problems generally benefit from a series of treatments. Depending on your pet’s condition and response to therapy, your veterinarian may also recommend periodic maintenance treatments. Think of it less like a one-time fix and more like giving your pet’s body a little extra support as it works toward feeling its best.

What Are the Benefits?

One of the things we love about laser therapy is how easy it can be on both pets and their families.
Laser therapy:

• Is drug-free
• Is painless and non-invasive
• Can help reduce pain and inflammation
• May help speed healing after surgery or injury
• Can improve comfort and mobility
• May reduce the need for pain medication in some pets
• Takes only a few minutes
• Requires no recovery period

​And because many pets find the treatment relaxing, it's often a surprisingly pleasant experience!

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Is Laser Therapy Safe?

Laser therapy has an excellent safety record when performed by trained veterinary professionals. Side effects are uncommon, although some pets may experience mild, temporary soreness after their first treatment. Occasionally, pets may seem a little tired - or, surprisingly, a little more energetic - after a session.
For safety, the laser is never used directly over the eyes, and your pet will wear protective eye coverings during treatment.

Could Laser Therapy Be Right for Your Pet?

Whether your dog is slowing down because of arthritis, your cat is dealing with chronic pain, your pet is recovering from surgery, or they're healing from an injury, laser therapy may be a helpful addition to their treatment plan. Our goal isn't simply to treat a condition—it's to help your pet feel more comfortable, move more easily, and enjoy a better quality of life.
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And sometimes, a little light can go a long way. 💛

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Interested in learning more? Ask the Concord Animal Hospital team if laser therapy could benefit your pet. And be sure to ask us about our laser therapy packages—a great way to save while giving your pet the opportunity to benefit from a full course of treatment.
We're always happy to answer your questions and help you determine whether laser therapy is a good fit for your dog or cat!

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