Laser therapy — sometimes referred to as cold laser therapy — is a procedure that's been available to treat humans for decades. Only in recent years has it begun to be used to treat various conditions in dogs. But what is it, and is it safe for your dog? Read on to learn about cold laser therapy for dogs and how it might help ease your pooch's pain.
Laser therapy is a procedure that uses a laser to promote tissue healing by stimulating cell regeneration and increasing blood flow, explained the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF). The word "laser" is actually an acronym that stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation," which means that a laser is a concentrated beam of photon radiation in the form of light, said Innovative Veterinary Care (IVC).
This type of laser therapy is sometimes referred to as cold laser therapy to distinguish it from surgical lasers, which use much higher frequencies to penetrate and reach deeper tissue. Laser therapy is non-invasive, which means there's no need to cut into your pet. Instead, veterinarians simply shine a low-frequency laser beam over the surface of the skin and fur to treat the tissue beneath the surface.
Laser therapy helps promote healing of tissue and relieve pain through a process called photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is a photochemical process where light interacts with cells to cause biochemical reactions, said IVC. These reactions include increasing circulation at the cellular level, stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen production and the development of muscle tissue, all of which aid in the repair of damaged tissue.
Laser therapy for dogs is primarily used to treat the following conditions:
Cold laser therapy is a safe procedure. The frequency of light energy that's used has no risk of burning your dog. The biggest danger is retinal damage to anyone who looks directly at the laser beam. In order to prevent this, the laser operator wears protective glasses. Typically, dogs are either provided with protective goggles as well or their eyes are covered or directed away from the beam during the procedure.
Laser therapy is a low-stress form of treatment for dogs. In fact, AKCCHF noted that many dogs find it relaxing and enjoyable. Dogs are typically allowed to either stand or lie down, and they may also be held by a family member during the procedure, whichever makes them the most comfortable. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of the tissue damage, and no sedation or shaving of the affected area are necessary. Not only do dogs often feel better immediately after the procedure, but it also tends to release endorphins that cause dogs to form positive associations with their laser treatments.
Laser therapy has no known adverse side effects, and your dog won't need any time to recover. While some dogs need multiple sessions before results can be seen, many dogs show signs of reduced pain and discomfort and increased mobility and activity after only one or two treatments.
Prices vary by region so be sure to contact your veterinarian for the cost of a laser therapy session. Typically, your dog will start out with two or three sessions a week, depending on the type and severity of the issue being treated, and eventually decrease to once a week, and then once every two weeks.
Unfortunately, the laser equipment involved is expensive, which is why laser therapy for dogs is not yet widely available. However, as this type of treatment becomes more popular with vets and dog parents, the price of the equipment is expected to drop, which will make it more accessible to more vets. If your vet doesn't offer laser therapy, they should be able to refer you to a clinic that does. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian to see if laser treatment would be a good course of action for your dog.
While laser therapy is a fairly new form of treatment for dogs, it's already stood the test of time in human medicine. As a low-stress treatment that's been proven safe and effective, hopefully more dogs will be able to enjoy the benefits of laser therapy in the future.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat.
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
A delicious complement to the superior nutrition of Science Diet dry dog food
Supports energy level & luxurious coat in Small & Mini dogs. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy.
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Learn how to recognize the signs of facial paralysis in dogs, understand its causes and how the condition can be managed with the help of your vet.
If your dog regularly scoots on the carpet, the cause may be their anal glands. Learn how to recognize issues and how you can help relieve the itch.
Discover some of the common reasons why your dog might be throwing up after eating, and what you can do to help them overcome this issue.
Concerned about a heart murmur in dogs? Learn more about what might be causing it and what you can do to help your dog.
Learn important pool safety tips for your dog, including how to get them familiar with the pool, and supplies like life vests and ramps that can help.
Wondering why your dog is constipated? Or why he has diarrhea? Learn more about these common gastro issues in dogs, and tips for managing them at home.
Learn how reading & understanding your puppy's body language, barking, and whining can help with his obedience training.
Learn how to tell if your dog is getting to be overweight and discover helpful advice on how to help him get down to a manageable, healthier weight.
Learn how to help senior dogs navigate cold winters and snowy weather, including how long to leave them outside & walking tips.
Learn when braces can be an option for dogs, like when a dog has severe bite or teeth alignment issues, and how they can help dogs chew & eat normally.
While service dogs play a huge role in helping people, they can also help other dogs with special needs. Read two true stories of these remarkable dogs.
Learn how to recognize signs of depression in your dog, the underlying reasons he might be feeling down, and what you can do to help lift his spirits.
Get helpful advice on basic care requirements to keep your aging dog healthy and happy in his golden years.
Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of pet food allergies and food intolerance in dogs and the affect on your pet's health and well-being.
Learn why scientific research is important in formulating quality dog food, especially for things like taste, size, texture and nutritional ingredients.
Wondering if your dog's play is too aggressive? Learn to spot differences between two dogs having fun & dogs showing aggression toward each other.
Using sticks to play fetch with your dog might seem harmless, but learn tips that might make you reconsider and safer alternatives for your pup to fetch.
Learn everything you need to know about dog goggles, including when your dog might need them, the difference between goggles and sunglasses, and more.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool