Laser therapy for dogs and cats is an innovative pain relief option for your companion. It is painless, drug-free, non-invasive, and incredibly versatile. Our veterinarians are proud to be able to offer pet laser therapy for our patients.
This therapy uses a handheld device that emits concentrated light energy to your pet’s affected area. The light energy penetrates deep into their tissue, stimulating cells production. In turn, your pet experiences a reduction in pain and inflammation. The energized cells also contribute to a faster healing process, so your pet is back to their old selves sooner.
Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy
Laser therapy for dogs and cats is useful for many different conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Arthritis
- Wound healing
- Acute injuries such as bone fractures
- Chronic otitis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Hot spots
- Lick granulomas
- Gingivitis
- Post-surgical recovery
- And more
Timeline for Treatment
Laser therapy is cumulative meaning that each session builds off of the last, to create a lasting effect. With chronic conditions, pets generally require two to three sessions per week, but this decreases once we see improvement. For acute conditions, only one or two sessions are usually needed to see results.
Do you think your pet would benefit from laser therapy? Call us at (703) 273-2110 to make an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Therapy for Pets
What conditions does laser therapy treat?
Laser therapy is most commonly used for arthritis and joint pain, post-surgical recovery, soft tissue injuries, wound healing, and chronic inflammatory conditions. It can also help with nerve pain and skin conditions. We use it as part of a broader pain management plan — often alongside medication — rather than as a standalone treatment, which generally produces better results.
Does laser therapy hurt? Will my pet need sedation?
No and no. Most pets find it relaxing. The laser produces a warm, gentle sensation at the treatment site, and many animals visibly relax or even fall asleep during a session. No needles, no sedation, no recovery time. Sessions typically run 5 to 20 minutes depending on the area being treated.
How many sessions does my pet need before we see results?
Many pet owners notice improvement after the first two or three sessions, though the full benefit builds over a series of treatments. We typically start with a series of sessions over two to three weeks, then reassess. Some pets move to a maintenance schedule — once a month, for example — while others need more frequent ongoing treatment. We will set realistic expectations based on what we are treating and how your pet responds.