Laser Therapy
Conditions We Treat with Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is used at Animal Medical Center to address a wide range of conditions in both dogs and cats:
- Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia — one of the most common uses, particularly in older dogs
- Post-surgical recovery — accelerates tissue healing and reduces pain after procedures
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — helps manage pain and inflammation associated with spinal conditions
- Soft tissue injuries — sprains, strains, and muscle soreness
- Wounds and hot spots — promotes faster healing and reduces infection risk
- Lick granulomas — chronic skin lesions that are difficult to resolve with medication alone
- Ear infections — reduces inflammation and supports healing in the ear canal
- Chronic pain in senior pets — ongoing maintenance sessions can significantly improve quality of life
What to Expect During Treatment
Laser therapy sessions are calm and comfortable—many pets relax completely during treatment, and some even fall asleep. A handheld device is moved slowly over the treatment area, delivering light energy through the skin to the underlying tissue. Sessions typically last between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. Staff wear protective eyewear during the session, which is standard safety protocol for laser equipment.
No shaving, sedation, or special preparation is needed in most cases. Your pet can go home immediately after each session with no recovery period required.
How Many Sessions Are Needed
Treatment plans vary depending on the condition. Acute injuries—a recent sprain or post-surgical recovery—may show significant improvement in 3 to 6 sessions. Chronic conditions like arthritis are typically managed with an initial series of more frequent sessions, followed by ongoing maintenance visits spaced further apart. Our veterinarians will recommend a treatment plan after evaluating your pet and will adjust it based on how they respond.
For a deeper look at how laser therapy works and what to expect, see our guide to laser therapy for dogs.
Animal Medical Center offers laser therapy for dogs and cats in Foley, AL, serving pet owners throughout Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Elberta, and South Baldwin County. If your pet is dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic condition, ask our team whether laser therapy might be a good fit, we’re happy to talk through the options at your pet’s next wellness care visit—or contact us now for more information.
FAQ: Laser Therapy for Pets
No, laser therapy is gentle and non-invasive. Most pets find it comfortable and relaxing. Many lie still throughout the session and some fall asleep. The light energy used is carefully calibrated to penetrate tissue without causing heat or damage at the skin’s surface. If your pet has a particularly sensitive or inflamed area, they may feel mild warmth, but the treatment should not cause pain.
It depends on the condition being treated. Acute injuries or post-surgical recovery often show meaningful improvement in 3 to 6 sessions. Chronic conditions like arthritis typically start with a more frequent series—often 2 to 3 times per week—then taper to monthly or as-needed maintenance sessions. Our veterinarians will recommend a treatment plan after evaluating your pet and adjust it based on how they respond.
Laser therapy is particularly effective for arthritis, hip dysplasia, post-surgical recovery, soft tissue injuries, chronic wounds, hot spots, and inflammatory conditions. It’s also used to help manage pain in senior pets with chronic conditions. Our veterinarians can advise whether laser therapy is a good fit for your pet’s specific situation after an evaluation.
Yes—laser therapy is often used as part of a broader treatment plan. It works well in combination with pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical rehabilitation, and is frequently used before and after surgical procedures to support recovery. It’s complementary to other treatments, not a replacement for them in every case.
Most sessions last between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the size and number of areas being treated. Your pet can go home immediately after each session—there’s no recovery period and no restrictions on activity following treatment.
Yes, laser therapy is safe and effective for both dogs and cats. Cats often respond particularly well to laser therapy for conditions like arthritis, wounds, and inflammatory issues. The treatment parameters can be adjusted for a cat’s smaller body size and coat thickness.