Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs: Benefits, Cost, and More

Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissue, stimulate healing, and relieve pain and inflammation. When used properly, it’s considered a safe and effective treatment for dogs with acute (sudden) and chronic (ongoing) conditions, such as arthritis, soft tissue injuries, wounds, and post-surgical pain. 

Cold laser therapy uses special wavelengths of light that aren’t visible to the human eye. When this light is applied to your dog’s body, it helps “wake up” their cells and get natural healing processes moving.  

This energy can help boost blood flow, help remove waste from the tissues, and support the body as it repairs itself. In simple terms, it helps your dog’s body heal itself. 

The result? Cold laser therapy for dogs can help reduce swelling, ease inflammation and pain, and support fast healing.  

Cold laser therapy can be used for a variety of conditions in dogs. Some of the most common uses include: 

• Arthritis and chronic pain 
• Surgical incisions 
• Ligament and tendon injuries  
• Wounds and abscesses 
• Chronic ear infections 
• Certain oral conditions 
• Soft tissue strains 
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) 
• Dogs who cannot take traditional pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)  

While there’s still limited published research on the full benefits of cold laser therapy in dogs, many veterinarians—and pet parents—report positive results. Commonly observed benefits include: 

• Decreased pain  
• Reduced swelling and inflammation 
• Improved mobility and comfort 
• Faster healing of incisions and wounds 
• Gentle therapy that most dogs tolerate well 

Cold laser therapy is perhaps most often used to help maintain a better quality of life. Many pet parents report that their dogs seem more comfortable after treatment, and some are able to reduce daily medications with their veterinarian’s guidance. 

Although cold laser therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs, there are a few risks to be aware of: 

• Improper use can cause burns. You should always keep the laser moving in a steady, controlled pattern and never held in one place. 
• Eye protection is required. During treatment, the dog—and anyone in the room—must wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injury. 
• It’s not suitable for some dogs. Cold laser therapy is not recommended for dogs with cancer or suspected cancer.  

Depending on your dog’s condition and overall health, their pain management plan may include one or several approaches. Cold laser therapy can be combined with other therapies, used in place of certain pain medications, or used on its own—especially for dogs who are difficult to handle or medicate. 

How much does cold laser therapy for dogs cost? A single session typically ranges from $40–$100, while a six-session bundle may cost around $250–$300. Prices can vary by clinic, so be sure to check with your veterinarian for an accurate estimate. 

What you’ll pay can depend on a few factors, such as: 

• Your location 
• The condition being treated 
• Number and size of body areas treated 

What does a typical treatment schedule look like? It often happens in phases: 

• Loading phase: Two to three treatments per week to get things started 
• Improvement phase: Sessions are gradually spaced farther apart as your dog begins to feel better 
• Maintenance phase (for chronic conditions): Treatments may continue weekly, every two weeks, or once a month to help keep symptoms under control

Your veterinarian may recommend at-home cold laser therapy for dogs in certain situations or conditions. However, at-home devices use lower power than in-clinic units, so while they may help with mild issues, they might not provide the same therapeutic benefits.   

When shopping for the best cold laser therapy device for dogs, consider the following factors: 

• Cost: At-home unit pricing can range from around $100 to several thousand dollars. 
• Wavelength: Look for a device that emits red light (600–800 nanometers) and near-infrared light (800–900 nanometers ) for superficial and deep treatments. 
• Adjustability: Different presets and programs provide treatment options. 
• Size and weight: Handheld devices should be comfortable for the operator to handle and use. 
• Convenience: Portable units should feature long battery life, simple controls, fast charging, and reliable customer support. 

A couple of cold laser therapy devices your vet might recommend include: 

• LumaSoothe 2 
• Pupca Cold Laser Therapy Device 

Is cold laser therapy safe for dogs? 

Yes. Cold laser therapy is considered safe for dogs when used according to your veterinarian’s directions. 

Does cold laser therapy work for dogs? 

While research remains limited, many veterinarians and pet parents report positive results, including reduced pain, inflammation, and improved mobility, as well as a better quality of life.   

Is cold laser therapy painful for dogs? 

No. When used properly, laser therapy for pets is not painful. Most dogs only feel a gentle warmth in the treated area.