A Gentle Way to Ease Pain: Cat and Dog Laser Therapy in Oakdale, CA

When your dog seems hesitant to jump, your cat feels stiff after resting, or your pet is moving slower than usual, pain may be the reason. Our Oakdale team offers cat and dog laser therapy to help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and support healing in a gentle way.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused light energy to stimulate cells in injured or inflamed tissue. This treatment option may benefit pets recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, healing from wounds, or dealing with certain injuries.

Find out if your pet is a good candidate for laser therapy by giving us a call at (209) 847-9077 or requesting an appointment online.

Pet Laser Therapy

How Does Pet Laser Therapy Work?

Laser therapy uses a process called photobiomodulation. In simple terms, specific wavelengths of light are directed into tissue to help cells work more efficiently during healing.

This light energy can help improve circulation, support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and ease discomfort. Many pets tolerate laser therapy very well because it does not involve needles, sedation, or medication during the session.

Laser therapy is often used alongside other veterinary treatments. Depending on your pet’s condition, it may be part of a pain management plan, post-surgical recovery plan, arthritis care plan, or wound healing plan.

When Might My Pet Benefit from Laser Therapy?

Your pet may benefit from laser therapy if they have pain, inflammation, stiffness, slow healing, or certain injuries. A veterinary exam helps us determine whether laser therapy is appropriate and how it should fit into your pet’s treatment plan.

Our veterinarians may recommend laser therapy for conditions such as:

  • Arthritis or joint stiffness

  • Back or spinal discomfort

  • Nerve-related pain or injury

  • Bone or joint injuries

  • Surgical incisions 

  • Wounds

  • Skin conditions

  • Soft tissue injuries

  • Inflammation-related discomfort

Laser therapy can be especially helpful for pets who need added comfort during recovery or long-term support for mobility. It is not the right treatment for every condition, so our team will review your pet’s health history before making a recommendation.

Signs Your Dog or Cat May Be in Pain

Pets often hide pain, especially cats. Instead of crying or limping dramatically, they may change how they move, rest, eat, or interact with the family.

You should schedule a veterinary visit if you notice:

  • Limping or favoring one leg

  • Trouble standing, jumping, or using stairs

  • Stiffness after rest

  • Less interest in walks or play

  • Hiding or acting withdrawn

  • Sensitivity when touched

  • Licking or chewing at one area

  • Slower recovery after activity

  • Changes in appetite or mood

These signs do not always mean your pet needs laser therapy, but they do mean your pet should be evaluated. Once we understand the cause, we can recommend care that fits their needs.

Cat Laser Therapy

What Happens During a Laser Therapy Session?

During a laser therapy session, your pet relaxes while a trained team member moves the laser probe over the treatment area. Most pets feel only a gentle warming sensation.

For safety, your pet, our team member, and anyone nearby will wear protective goggles during the treatment. The session is performed on an outpatient basis, so your pet can typically return home afterward.

Most sessions take about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the area being treated and your pet’s condition. Some pets need several treatments close together at first, followed by less frequent maintenance visits as they improve.

Give Your Pet a Healing Boost

You do not have to wait until your pet’s pain becomes severe to ask for help. If your dog or cat is limping, slowing down, healing from surgery, or showing signs of discomfort, Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale can help you explore safe, supportive options.

Request an appointment today by calling (209) 847-9077 to talk with our veterinary team about laser therapy and whether it may help your pet feel more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Laser Therapy

Is laser therapy painful for pets?
How long does a pet laser therapy session take?
What conditions can laser therapy help treat?
How soon will I see results from laser therapy?
Does laser therapy replace medication or other treatments?
Is laser therapy safe for senior pets?