If your dog is dealing with canine arthritis, recovering from surgery, or living with chronic pain and inflammation, cold laser therapy may be worth discussing with your veterinarian. This physical therapy modality is non-invasive, drug-free, and used to support comfort, healing, and mobility for various canine conditions.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we discuss how cold laser therapy for dogs works, when it may help, and what to expect.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs?
Cold laser therapy for dogs is a treatment (commonly associated with physical therapy) that uses low-level light energy to stimulate cells and support natural healing. It’s also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or Class IV laser therapy.
Cold laser therapy uses a low-intensity laser, with a 600 to 1000 nm wavelength, to release pain-relieving endorphins and increase blood flow to targeted areas, which helps reduce inflammation and supports cellular repair—all without surgery or sedation. It’s painless and completely drug-free.
Note: Veterinarians adjust the laser settings based on how deep the treatment needs to go. A more shallow setting may be used for a surgical incision, while deeper settings may be used for arthritis in dogs or soft tissue injuries.
How Cold Laser for Pets Works
The device used for cold laser therapy emits red and near-infrared light that penetrates skin and soft tissue. This light is absorbed by cells, which triggers a cascade of biological responses: improved circulation, reduced inflammation, increased ATP (cellular energy) production, , and accelerated tissue repair.¹
Is Cold Laser Safe for Dogs?
Yes, cold laser therapy is considered safe for dogs when performed by a trained veterinarian. Cold laser therapy is non-invasive, drug-free, and well-tolerated by most dogs. There's no anesthesia, no recovery time, and no discomfort during treatment.
That said, it's not the right fit for every pet. Veterinarians will avoid applying laser therapy over active cancerous tumors, pregnant pets, or directly over the eyes. A thorough exam will help determine whether your dog is a good candidate for this treatment.
Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs
Cold laser therapy for dogs is used across a wide range of conditions. Peer-reviewed research supports its ability to:
- Reduce inflammation and swelling in joints and soft tissue
- Accelerate wound healing following injury or surgery
- Relieve chronic pain associated with arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Improve mobility in dogs with musculoskeletal conditions
- Stimulate nerve regeneration after neurological injury
- Decrease healing time for post-surgical incisions and lacerations
Most dogs show visible improvement in comfort and mobility within a few sessions, though results vary based on the condition and its severity.
What Conditions Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat In Dogs?
Cold laser therapy is commonly used as an adjunct treatment for the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis in dogs
- Hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Fractures
- Muscle and ligament injuries
- Surgical wounds
- Inflammatory conditions like IBD
- Skin lesions and lick granulomas
- Gingivitis and oral inflammation
- Chronic ear infections
→If your dog is showing signs of pain, such as vocalizing, limping, reluctance to move, increased sensitivity, or changes in activity level, consult a veterinarian for next steps!
How Cold Laser Fits Into Your Dog's Wellness Plan
There are various ways that veterinarians can incorporate cold laser therapy for dogs in your canine companion’s treatment plan. Vets may recommend cold laser therapy as part of a preventive, rehabilitative, or post-surgical care plan, depending on your dog’s needs. It’s often used alongside other treatments to help reduce pain, support healing, and improve mobility.
For example, if a dog is recovering from orthopedic surgery, they can get prescribed with laser treatments alongside other compatible canine physical therapy modality such as hydrotherapy and range-of-motion exercises...
Cold laser therapy can also complement your senior dog’s care by helping maintain mobility and comfort with carefully scheduled treatment sessions.
→ Wondering if cold laser therapy is right for your dog? Book an appointment at Sploot today—our experienced veterinarians will evaluate your dog's condition and walk you through your options. Cold laser therapy for dogs is available in select Sploot vet clinics.
What to Expect During Cold Laser Treatment for Dogs
This is one of the most common questions we hear from pet parents: “What actually happens during a session?” Here's what you and your canine companion can expect:.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
During a cold laser therapy session, your dog will be fitted with sanitized, protective goggles by our vet care team and positioned comfortably on an exam table. Most dogs lie flat, and many relax completely. For nervous dogs, our team will use Fear Free techniques to help your dog feel at ease.
Next, our veterinarian or nurse will use a handheld wand to deliver the laser directly over the treatment area, moving it slowly across the skin. There's no sedation required. Most dogs show no reaction at all; some even fall asleep.
Treatment times vary, but a single session typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the condition.
How Many Sessions Will Your Dog Need?
Most dogs need a series of treatments. Your veterinarian will design a treatment plan based on:
- The type and severity of the condition
- Your dog's age, size, and overall health
- How well they respond after initial sessions
For acute conditions, many dogs will receive 3-6 sessions over several days or weeks. For chronic conditions like arthritis, your veterinarian may recommend 2-3 sessions per week for a few weeks, followed by maintenance treatments spaced further apart. Your vet will reassess and adjust the plan, depending on your dog’s improvements.
How Much Does Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs Cost?
Pricing for cold laser therapy varies by clinic, location, the severity of the dog’s condition, and the number of sessions recommended. At Sploot Veterinary Care, the cost is around $65 to $99, depending on the size or number of treatment sites.
In addition, SplootPack™ members receive savings on services including cold laser therapy, which can make ongoing or maintenance treatment more manageable for pet parents committed to long-term comfort care.
→ Wondering what cold laser therapy costs at Sploot? Book an appointment today; our team will walk you through what's included and what to budget for your dog's treatment.
Does Laser Therapy Have Side Effects for Dogs?
Cold laser therapy has a strong safety record, and serious side effects are rare. Most dogs tolerate it without any reaction. Occasionally, pet parents notice mild, temporary sleepiness or increased relaxation after a session. This is normal and typically resolves within a day.
The following are situations where cold laser therapy is typically not recommended:
- Suspected cancerous tumors (laser energy can stimulate cell growth)
- During pregnancy
- Directly over the eyes, open fontanelles, or growth plates in young dogs
- Over areas with acute hemorrhage or infection that haven't been properly evaluated
This is why a veterinary exam is always the starting point. Before recommending cold laser therapy, a vet will review your dog's full health history and will identify any potential contraindications.³
Research supports cold laser therapy's safety and efficacy. Sploot's veterinarians stay current on the evidence base and will give you an honest assessment of what laser therapy can and can't do for your dog’s specific condition.⁴
Cold Laser Therapy at Sploot Veterinary Care
Cold laser therapy for dogs is available in select Sploot vet clinics. At Sploot Vets, cold laser is just one tool in a full-service approach to your dog's health. Our veterinarians evaluate your dog's condition first and recommend laser therapy only when it fits their specific needs.
1. Full-Service, Tech-Enabled Care for Dogs
Cold laser therapy at Sploot is integrated into a broader care model that covers everything from preventive wellness to urgent visits and in-house diagnostics. If your dog needs additional support, such as X-rays, bloodwork, or a physical rehabilitation referral, we can coordinate that care without sending you to multiple providers.
Our modern clinics in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City are designed to be calm, welcoming spaces where your dog feels at ease. Digital medical records, easy online booking, and real-time tele-triage keep you connected to your veterinary team between visits.
2. Same-Day Appointments, 7 Days a Week
Sploot Vets is open 7 days a week with same-day availability for consultations and evaluations. Whether you're coming in to discuss your dog's arthritis management or scheduling a follow-up laser session, you won't be waiting weeks for an opening.
→ Learn more about cold laser therapy at Sploot! Book an appointment or speak with our team today. Cold laser therapy is available in select vet clinics. In any case, our veterinarians in Denver, Colorado Springs, Chicago, and Salt Lake City are ready to build a plan that works for your dog.
