LASER Therapy for Dogs & Cats | Veterinary Physiotherapy at Wag Rehab

Helping pets recover faster, move more comfortably, and live happier lives through gentle, evidence-informed rehabilitation.

If your dog or cat is recovering from surgery, struggling with arthritis, or showing signs of pain or stiffness, LASER therapy for dogs and cats may be an excellent option to support their physiotherapy treatment. At Wag Rehab, therapeutic LASER treatment is a core part of our veterinary physiotherapy toolkit, helping reduce pain, optimise healing, and help pets regain comfort in movement.

This safe, non-invasive treatment is suitable for both dogs and cats and is often used alongside targeted physiotherapy exercises and manual therapy for the best results.

What Is LASER Therapy for Dogs and Cats?

Therapeutic LASER therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) uses specific wavelengths of light to affect cellular activity and optimise healing. Unlike surgical lasers, physiotherapy LASER devices do not cut or heat tissue — they encourage the body’s natural repair processes, comfortably.

Benefits of LASER therapy include:

• Reduced inflammation and swelling

• Drug-free pain relief

• Optimised circulation &cellular activity

• Efficient tissue healing

• Support for long-term mobility and comfort

Most pets find sessions calm and relaxing, making LASER therapy ideal for anxious or sensitive patients.

What Conditions Can LASER Therapy Help Treat?

At Wag Rehab, LASER therapy is tailored to each patient and commonly used to support:

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

Following procedures such as cruciate ligament repair or fracture surgery, LASER therapy can help reduce swelling, ease discomfort, and support healing.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Older dogs and cats often experience stiffness and reduced mobility. LASER therapy helps calm inflammation associated with arthritis, improving day-to-day comfort.

Muscle Injuries and Soft Tissue Strains

Sprains and strains benefit from optimised cellular activity, blood flow and reduced inflammation, helping tissues recover more efficiently.

Back Pain

LASER therapy can be used to reduce discomfort around spinal structures as part of a wider rehabilitation plan.

Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

By stimulating cell activity, LASER treatment can support healthy healing in soft tissues.

What Happens During a LASER Therapy Session?

Every treatment begins with a veterinary physiotherapy assessment so we can tailor care to your pet’s needs.

A typical session includes:

1. Your pet settling comfortably in a calm environment

2. Protective eyewear used for safety

3. A handheld LASER is used point-by-point moving gradually over the treatment area

4. A treatment lasting approximately 5–15 minutes

There is no shaving, sedation, or recovery time required — pets can go straight back to normal activity afterwards.

Why LASER Therapy Is Part of the Wag Rehab Physiotherapy Toolkit

LASER therapy works best when combined with other evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. At Wag Rehab, treatment plans may include:

• Manual therapy and massage

• Strengthening and core recruitment exercises

• Movement retraining

• Home adaptation and exercise guidance for owners

This multimodal approach helps address the root cause of mobility problems instead of simply masking symptoms.

Is LASER Therapy Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Yes. When performed by a trained Veterinary Physiotherapist, LASER therapy is considered very safe. It is non-invasive, painless, and drug-free, making it suitable for many pets, including those with acute injuries and those managing chronic conditions.

Signs Your Pet May Benefit From LASER Therapy

You may want to consider a physiotherapy assessment if your pet:

• Is slowing down or reluctant to exercise

• Shows stiffness after resting

• Has recently had surgery or sustained an injury

• Finds stairs or jumping difficult

• Has been diagnosed with arthritis or another chronically painful condition

Early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Not sure if your pet needs physiotherapy yet? We’re happy to offer guidance and help you decide whether LASER therapy is the right step. Just get in touch via our contact us page

Frequently Asked Questions About LASER Therapy

Does LASER therapy hurt?

No — treatment is painless, and many pets relax during sessions.

How many sessions are needed?

This depends on the condition. Acute injuries may need only a few sessions, while chronic issues often benefit from ongoing support.

Can cats have LASER therapy?

Yes. LASER therapy is safe and commonly used for cats experiencing pain or injury.

Is LASER therapy a replacement for medication?

It can reduce reliance on medication for some pets, but it is usually part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Helping Pets Move Better, Feel Better

At Wag Rehab, we believe every dog and cat deserves to move comfortably and confidently. LASER therapy is one of the many ways we support healing through personalised veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

If you’d like to find out whether LASER therapy could help your pet, we’d be happy to guide you through the next steps. Just get in touch via our contact us page