Top 5 Conditions That Laser Therapy Can Help Treat in Dogs and Cats

Laser therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option in veterinary medicine, and for good reason. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free method of easing discomfort, supporting recovery, and promoting healing in pets dealing with a wide range of medical conditions. At Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, we use laser therapy as part of many treatment plans to support the health and comfort of our patients. Whether your dog or cat is recovering from surgery or living with a chronic condition, laser therapy may offer benefits worth considering. Below, we explore five conditions laser therapy can help treat, and how it supports your pet’s quality of life.

 

 

Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease

One of the most common conditions laser therapy can help treat is arthritis, especially in older dogs and cats. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, causes inflammation and deterioration of joint cartilage, which leads to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

How Laser Therapy Helps with Arthritis

• Delivers focused light energy deep into the joint tissues to stimulate cellular activity and reduce inflammation.
• Improves blood circulation, which helps carry oxygen and nutrients to damaged areas and supports tissue repair.
• Provides relief from joint discomfort, allowing pets to move more easily and comfortably.
• Offers a drug-free alternative or complement to anti-inflammatory medications, especially for pets with sensitivities.
• Helps slow the progression of cartilage deterioration when included in a long-term management plan.
• Encourages regular movement and activity, which supports joint health and overall well-being.
• May lead to visible improvement after just a few sessions, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual pet’s response.

Post-Surgical Healing and Recovery

Another condition laser therapy can help treat is surgical trauma. After a procedure, pets often deal with inflammation, discomfort, and a longer recovery time. Laser therapy supports the healing process, making recovery more efficient.

Supporting Tissue Repair After Surgery

Laser therapy increases cellular energy production, which accelerates tissue repair and cell regeneration. It also enhances circulation at the surgical site, helping to reduce swelling and encourage oxygen delivery to damaged tissues.

This type of treatment is often used immediately after surgery to manage discomfort and promote faster healing. It’s also a valuable tool for minimizing the risk of complications such as infections or delayed wound healing. Pets tend to feel more comfortable and often resume their normal behavior sooner when laser therapy is part of their post-operative care.

Types of Surgeries That May Benefit from Laser Therapy

At Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, we may recommend laser therapy after spay or neuter procedures, mass removals, orthopedic surgeries, and more. Our goal is to help your pet recover comfortably and safely.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Muscle Strains

Soft tissue injuries are another group of conditions laser therapy can help treat effectively. Pets can strain muscles or ligaments during play, exercise, or everyday activities. These injuries may not always be obvious at first but can lead to ongoing discomfort if left untreated.

Enhancing Recovery from Sprains and Strains

When treating muscle strains or ligament injuries, laser therapy supports recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. This reduces the discomfort pets may feel and helps them heal more quickly. Pets with soft tissue injuries may be limping, reluctant to play, or stiff after rest.

Laser therapy targets the affected area and delivers energy that reduces swelling, improves mobility, and stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It can be used in both acute cases, such as a recent injury, and in chronic situations where scar tissue or limited range of motion are concerns. This form of treatment can be especially beneficial for active dogs and senior pets who are more susceptible to strains and sprains. If your pet seems uncomfortable after activity, laser therapy might help them get back to feeling their best.

Chronic Ear Infections

Ear infections in pets are not just uncomfortable—they can also become a recurring issue. Dogs with floppy ears or pets with allergies are especially prone to ear infections, which can lead to inflammation, discharge, and long-term ear canal damage. Chronic otitis is one of the lesser-known conditions laser therapy can help treat.

Managing Inflammation and Discomfort in the Ears

Laser therapy reduces inflammation in the ear canal, which helps relieve discomfort and encourages healing of the delicate skin inside the ear. It also supports better circulation in the area, making it easier for the body to manage the infection.

How Laser Therapy Supports Chronic Ear Infection Treatment

For pets with chronic ear infections, laser therapy can be an effective addition to other treatments prescribed by your veterinarian. It helps reduce swelling, soothe the ear tissue, and may shorten the duration and frequency of infections over time. When used consistently, laser therapy may help reduce the need for repeated courses of medications or ear cleanings. If your pet is dealing with recurring ear infections, ask our team in Lake Villa about how laser therapy can be included in their care plan.

Wounds and Skin Conditions

Laser therapy is often used to treat wounds, abrasions, and skin conditions in pets. These injuries may result from accidents, surgical procedures, hot spots, or skin infections. Healing can take time—especially in pets that scratch or lick their wounds.

Promoting Skin Regeneration and Reducing Itching

Laser therapy improves circulation at the site of the wound, helping to bring oxygen and nutrients that support skin repair. It also reduces inflammation and discomfort, which can discourage licking and scratching.

How Laser Therapy Helps with Lick Granulomas and Chronic Skin Issues

For skin conditions such as lick granulomas, laser therapy can play a major role in recovery. It helps reduce the itch-lick cycle that often keeps these lesions from healing properly. Pets with chronic skin issues may also benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of laser therapy, particularly when paired with other treatments recommended by their veterinarian. The treatment is safe, painless, and can be repeated as needed to help wounds close more quickly and comfortably. If your dog or cat has a slow-healing wound or a recurring skin problem, laser therapy might be part of the solution.

How to Know If Laser Therapy Is Right for Your Pet

Because there are many conditions laser therapy can help treat, it’s worth discussing this option during your pet’s next visit. While it isn’t a cure for every health issue, it can support your pet’s recovery, improve comfort, and reduce reliance on medications in many cases. Laser therapy sessions are quick—usually just a few minutes—and well tolerated by most dogs and cats. There’s no sedation involved, and your pet can return home right after their appointment. Some pets even relax or fall asleep during treatment.

The team at Animal Hospital of Lake Villa is here to answer your questions and help determine whether laser therapy fits into your pet’s care plan. We base our recommendations on your pet’s specific needs, condition, and response to other treatments. If you’re wondering whether your dog or cat could benefit, give us a call at (847) 356-8387 to schedule a consultation today.