Laser therapy for dogs: what it does
What photobiomodulation is used for in canine rehab, what the evidence supports, and what a course costs.
Updated July 28, 2026 · 7 min read
The short version
- Therapeutic laser is used for pain, inflammation, and wound healing, it is not surgical laser.
- Sessions are short, painless, and usually delivered in a course rather than singly.
- Evidence is strongest for post-surgical recovery and osteoarthritis pain as an adjunct.
- It supplements medication and rehab rather than replacing either.
What it is
Therapeutic (Class III or IV) laser delivers light at wavelengths absorbed by tissue, a process usually called photobiomodulation. The stated aims are reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and faster tissue repair.
It is not the cutting laser used in surgery, and the dog feels warmth at most.
What it is used for
Osteoarthritis pain, post-surgical incisions and joints, soft-tissue injury, chronic wounds, and lick granulomas are the common indications in canine practice.
In rehab it is normally one component of a session that also includes manual therapy and exercise.
What a course looks like
Typical protocols run several sessions in the first two weeks, then taper to maintenance. Sessions last a few minutes per site.
Ask the practitioner how many sessions before they expect to reassess, and what they will measure. A course with no defined endpoint is a warning sign.
Honest limits
Study quality varies and protocols differ between devices, so results are not uniform. Treat it as a low-risk adjunct with reasonable support, not a primary treatment.
Laser is generally avoided over tumours, over the gravid uterus, and directly on the eyes; protective goggles are standard for everyone in the room.
Common questions
- Does laser therapy hurt?
- No. Most dogs settle during the session; some feel mild warmth.
- How soon will I see a change?
- Owners who see benefit usually report it within the first three to six sessions.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Diagnosis and treatment decisions belong with your veterinarian.