Laser Therapy

Laser therapy—also called photobiomodulation—is a gentle, non-invasive treatment we use to help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and support tissue healing. Sessions are calm and comfortable, and most pets relax during treatment.

How Laser Therapy Works

Our therapeutic laser delivers specific wavelengths of light to targeted tissues. That light energy is absorbed by cells and helps “turn up” normal healing processes, including:

• Improved cellular energy production (supports repair)
• Reduced inflammatory signaling (helps swelling and soreness)
• Better local circulation and oxygen delivery
• Pain modulation (many pets feel relief quickly)

Because PBMT supports the body’s own recovery pathways, it’s commonly used alongside medications, rehabilitation, or post-operative care—and in some cases may help reduce reliance on higher medication doses (depending on the condition and the patient).

Conditions We Commonly Treat with Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be helpful for many dogs and cats, including:

• Osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain
• Back pain and some soft tissue injuries
• Decreasing discomfort and inflammation after surgery
• Targeting painful gingivitis during dental procedures
• Supporting wound healing after infections

What a Session Looks Like

• Your pet gets settled comfortably (most stay on a cozy mat or bed)
• We apply the laser over the targeted area(s)
• Treatments typically take 5–15 minutes
• No shaving, no sedation, no downtime—your pet can return to normal activity afterward (unless otherwise instructed for orthopedic or post-op restrictions)
• Often combined with acupuncture when appropriate

Many conditions do best with a series of treatments (for example, 2–3 times weekly at first, then tapering to 2-4 week maintenance as needed).

Is Laser Therapy Safe?

When performed with proper training and eye protection, PBMT is considered very safe. We tailor settings to your pet’s size, coat, condition, and comfort. We’ll also review whether laser therapy is appropriate if your pet has certain conditions (for example, some tumors or sensitive areas may require avoidance or special caution).

Why Class IV Veterinary Lasers Are Different

Not all laser therapy is the same. The Class IV medical laser we use in a veterinary setting is fundamentally different from over-the-counter devices or products offered without a veterinary degree or medical oversight.

Class IV veterinary lasers

• Operate at much higher power outputs
• Deliver therapeutic energy deep into muscle, joints, ligaments, and bone
• Designed to reach tissues affected by arthritis, post-operative inflammation, and chronic pain
• Based on precision dosing that will change based on the patient’s hair coat, body condition and size

Over-the-counter or non-medical devices

• Are usually low-level (Class I–III) or LED-based
• Limited to very superficial tissue effects
• Often cannot deliver enough energy to impact joints or deep inflammation

Think of this difference as the contrast between a heating pad vs. targeted physical therapy equipment—both may feel warm, but only one reaches the problem tissue.