Graber's Animal Hospital Logo
Call now
A yellow Labrador Retriever wears protective goggles while getting a laser therapy treatment for pain relief at Graber's Animal Hospital in Toledo Ohio.

Pet Laser Therapy for Pain

If your dog struggles to get up in the morning or your cat isn't jumping like they used to, laser therapy might be a great option. It is a simple and fast treatment that uses light to help heal deep tissues. We often recommend it for older pets with arthritis or for pets recovering from a recent surgery. The best part is that it feels good for your pet. They usually just lay back and enjoy a warm sensation while we move the laser over the sore spot. Each session is quick and we do it right here in our clinic. There are no needles and we do not have to shave any hair. It is just a focused light that tells your pet's body to start healing itself and stop the pain. We see a lot of success using this for "hot spots" and ear infections too. It is a great way to provide relief when a pet is too sore to be touched or if they have trouble taking traditional pain medication. For older dogs and cats with sensitive stomachs, kidney disease, or elevated liver enzymes, traditional anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often aren't an option. Laser therapy provides a 100% drug-free way to manage pain and inflammation without placing extra stress on internal organs.

Why we recommend laser therapy

It helps pets move better without needing more daily medication

It speeds up the healing process after a surgery or an injury

It is a relaxing experience that does not require any sedation

Still Unsure of your Pet's Condition?

If something doesn't feel right, its always better to ask. Our team is here to listen, assess your pets symptoms and guide you on the next best steps. Whether its a sudden change in behavior or a visible injury, we’ll help you decide the appropriate level of care

Contact us
Calm dog resting on floor — Toledo OH veterinary care at Graber's Animal Hospital

Common Questions

Most pets start with a few visits a week for the first month. Once they start feeling better we can usually move to just one visit every few weeks to keep them comfortable.

Not at all. It can feel like a warm massage. Many pets actually lay down and are quite relaxed while we are working on them.

Yes. It is actually one of the safest things we can do for seniors because it does not put any stress on their liver or kidneys like some medication and supplements can.

Yes! Veterinary laser therapy is often called cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation. The word "cold" simply means the laser uses non-thermal light waves that heal tissue without cutting or burning the skin.

Most individual sessions last between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. Because there are no needles, shaving, or sedation involved, your pet is in and out quickly with zero downtime. Fast treatment and low stress on your pet.

Most pets find the experience deeply comforting. As the handheld laser wand glides over the painful area, it produces a gentle, soothing warmth.

Patient safety is our top priority. Because direct laser light should never enter the eyes, our veterinary staff wear protective eyewear during every session. The protective glasses for your pet are called "doggles," sorry cats.

You Might Also Need

Dog & Cat Surgery

Senior Dog & Cat Care