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Benefits of At Home Laser Therapy for Dogs
When someone you love is hurting, you’ll do anything to help them feel better. In 2012, that was me with Dexter. I was navigating his Chiari malformation diagnosis and searching for ways to ease his pain. That’s when his holistic veterinarian introduced us to cold laser therapy as part of his care plan.
His veterinarian suggested we add it to his care plan to help manage inflammation and discomfort without relying entirely on medication. At the time, I was trying to do everything I could to keep him comfortable. The laser sessions quickly became part of his regular routine. Whenever Dexter had more than one tough day in a row, we would go in for a treatment, and he often felt better almost immediately.
In 2016, his vet recommended that I consider getting an at-home cold laser device so I could continue his treatments more consistently. That was when I purchased the one I still use today. With her guidance, I began incorporating it into his care several times a week. Over time, I was even able to reduce some of his medications. It became a meaningful and gentle way to support Dexter’s comfort, especially on the harder days when his symptoms flared up.
As Dexter aged, I continued using the laser to help manage arthritis, stiffness, and the soreness that comes with getting older. Even after his passing, I’ve kept that same laser in my dog first aid kit. I used it again with Stewart after his neuter, and it is still one of the most helpful tools I keep on hand for natural support.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs and How Does It Work?
Cold laser therapy, sometimes called low level laser therapy, is a noninvasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support healing in the body. When the light reaches below the surface of your dog’s skin, it interacts with the cells involved in tissue repair and inflammation. This gentle stimulation helps those cells function more efficiently, which can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and ease discomfort.
The process behind this is called photobiomodulation. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria, which are the parts of the cell responsible for producing energy. Once activated, the mitochondria begin producing more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which gives the cells the energy they need to repair and work more effectively.
This increase in cellular energy helps speed up tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. The improved blood flow also helps bring oxygen and nutrients to the area, while carrying away waste products that may be contributing to soreness. It is not a heat-based therapy, so the treatment is gentle and noninvasive. The body is doing the healing, cold laser just gives the cells the support they need to do their job more efficiently.
Learn More About At Home Laser Therapy for Dogs
Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
- Reduces joint pain and inflammation
- Eases stiffness and discomfort from arthritis
- Speeds up healing after injury or surgery
- Supports soft tissue recovery
- May offer cognitive support in senior dogs
Veterinarians often use cold laser therapy to treat arthritis, joint problems, spinal sensitivity, and soft tissue injuries. It is also commonly used after surgery to help reduce swelling and encourage healing. In veterinary settings, you’ll typically see a Class 4 laser. These are more powerful and penetrate deeper into the tissue, but they also tend to come with a much higher price tag and require professional supervision.
The cold laser I use at home is a Class 3R unit, which falls just below a Class 4 in terms of strength. It uses 808nm and 650nm wavelengths to deliver light into the tissues. These wavelengths are what allow the laser to penetrate and support healing. While Class 4 lasers are stronger and often used in veterinary settings, Class 3R devices like mine are still effective and are more practical for home use. They offer targeted support without the high cost or need for professional supervision.
These days, I don’t use the laser regularly with Stewart, but I like knowing it’s there if he ever needs a little extra support. It’s something I can reach for after a procedure, during recovery, or if he’s just feeling a bit off. It doesn’t replace veterinary care, but it’s a helpful tool to have at home when he could use a little comfort.
My Experience Using Cold Laser Therapy with Dexter
Cold laser therapy became part of how I helped Dexter feel better, especially as he got older. I used it at home to ease the pain from his Chiari malformation and the stiffness that came with aging. Most of our sessions focused on his spine, head and neck, which was where he needed the most relief. It gave me a quiet way to care for him, just sitting together while I moved the laser slowly from spot to spot.
As he reached his senior years and started showing signs of cognitive decline, I continued those gentle sessions around his head and neck. I had read that it might also help with brain function in aging dogs. I didn’t see any big changes, but it felt like something I could do, one more way to support him as things changed.
Our sessions usually lasted about ten minutes. I would start near the base of his neck, place the laser flat against his fur, and hold it there for around thirty seconds before moving to the next area. I worked my way along his spine and returned to any spots that felt a little tight. Some days, I gave more attention to his hips or shoulders, depending on how he was moving.
One thing our vet taught me early on was to go slow. The laser needs time in each spot to do its job. If you move too quickly, it may not reach the deeper tissue. So I kept it calm and steady. Dexter would relax on his blanket, and we’d go through the session together, in our own quiet rhythm.
Watch Dexter’s Session
Using the Cold Laser with Stewart After His Neuter
The only time I have used the cold laser with Stewart so far was after his neuter. I wanted to help ease any soreness and encourage healing during his recovery. Before using it, I checked in with our veterinarian to make sure it was safe and appropriate for his situation.
When it came time to use it after surgery, I was careful to avoid the incision site completely. I only applied the laser to areas nearby, never directly over the wound. His sessions were short and sweet, and it gave me a quiet way to help him feel a little better during those first few days of healing.
Can Cold Laser Therapy Help with Cognitive Function or Dog Anxiety?
While cold laser therapy is most commonly used for physical issues like joint pain and inflammation, there’s growing interest in how it might support brain health too. In senior dogs, laser therapy has been explored for its potential to help with cognitive dysfunction, including symptoms like confusion, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. As I mentioned earlier, I tried it with Dexter. I did not see big changes, but it was easy to include, and I felt it was worth trying.
There’s also some early research suggesting that laser therapy might have calming effects, especially when used around the head and neck. Some believe this is related to how it influences blood flow and cellular activity in the nervous system. I have not used it specifically for anxiety cases with my clients, but I can see how it could be a helpful option, especially after a procedure or during recovery when a dog might be feeling unsettled.
As always, it is important to talk to your veterinarian before trying something new. But it is encouraging to know that this simple, quiet tool might offer benefits beyond just easing pain. For dogs who are aging, anxious, or recovering from health challenges, even small comforts can make a meaningful difference.
Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for Every Dog?
Before using a cold laser at home, it’s important to check in with your veterinarian. They can help you decide whether this type of therapy is a good option for your dog’s specific needs. Not every dog or situation is the same. It’s meant to be part of a care plan, not a replacement for medical treatment.
There are also a few situations where laser therapy might not be appropriate:
- If your dog has certain types of cancer, especially near the area you want to treat
- If there’s an open wound or active infection
- If your dog is extremely sensitive to touch or nervous about new handling
- If it’s being used in place of necessary treatment or diagnosis
Like any tool, it works best when used with care. Go slowly, keep an eye on how your dog responds, and do not be afraid to ask your vet questions along the way.
Final Thoughts on Using Cold Laser Therapy at Home
Cold laser therapy was one of the most useful tools I added to Dexter’s wellness routine. I started using it for Dexter in 2012 to support his Chiari malformation, and later used it to help ease the aches and stiffness that came with aging. Now I keep the same device on hand for Stewart, and it has already been helpful during his recovery after neuter surgery.
It is not a cure-all, and it is not the right fit for every dog or condition. But when used thoughtfully and with guidance from your dog’s holistic veterinarian, it can be a gentle way to support your dog’s comfort and healing. I always recommend going slowly, staying consistent, and listening to what your dog is telling you along the way.
If you enjoy learning about natural ways to support your dog’s health and want to see more videos and tips like this, I’d love to have you join me over on Patreon. Members get early access to new content, behind-the-scenes updates, and exclusive downloads to support your dog’s wellbeing at home.
