Laser pointers may initially seem like a great way to exercise your dog. Unfortunately, they can cause serious problems for their future. We’ve all seen the videos of dogs (and cats) chasing that elusive red dot. You may have even done it with your pup. While we’re providing a few minutes of entertainment, they meet with an enormous amount of frustration. They can never be successful.
Why are laser pointers unhealthy?
After playing like this, dogs can easily become obsessed over lights, reflections, and even shadows. This type of OCD behavior is based on their frustration. It also seems to change the neurology of the brain. Dogs become obsessed over reflections. They may chase everything from your watch on the wall or light shining through glass doors. They are constantly on the lookout for anything that is similarly reflective.
The constant watchfulness becomes a neurotic and obsessive behavior, and a very unhappy way of being. I have also found that it is difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. Something gets switched on in the brain and becomes perpetual.
High-energy dogs and dogs with high prey drive are more susceptible to this condition. However, it can happen in all dogs. I once performed a home consultation with five dogs in the household. The family had been using a laser pointer as an outlet for perceived exercise for the entire pack. Four of the five dogs were suffering from the syndrome.
Laser Pointer Alternatives
Instead of relying on artificial stimulation by using a toy made for humans as an outlet for exercise, try walking, running, and hiking to both mentally and physically exercise your dog. You might enjoy it too. High-energy dogs will especially benefit from the great outdoors and the natural stimulation and relaxation that comes with it.
While there has not been an official or medical study done on this type of syndrome in dogs, I have years of experience telling me that there is almost always an adverse effect after prolonged use of the laser pointer. If you’re curious to hear other perspectives, Google “laser pointer syndrome in dogs” and read through many of the other observations and opinions of other professionals.
Good useful post ..
I added your website into my favourites.
Keep up good work! Excited for future updates!
Best regards,
William
Thanks so much!
Found out the hard way with out corgi/kerr mix. He absolutely went crazy after a few days of playing with this. Agitated, anxious, barking all night, looking at every ones hands to see if they had the light! Took about a week for him to calm down and not search for it. Never using one again, can’t believe their isn’t more info out there on this topic, thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome Ronda, thank you for your reply. It can become a quite serious behavioral issue!
I have a dog that, before hearing how bad these things are, had been played with one for a while. Is there a way to reverse, what I think are extreme, problems from being exposed to a laser light. She has everything mentioned here and after months of not using one, has not changed her desire to chase any flash of light.
Hello Dianne, the only solution to this problem is consistently interrupting her behavior when she is chasing flashes of lights. It can be very difficult to reverse this problem, but with continuous interruption of her fixation, things will begin to get easier and the constant light chasing will subside.
My 6 year old son found a laser light on a Nerf gun and played with our 11 month old German Shepherd puppy using it. The session went on for about 20 minutes while I took a shower and started a load of laundry. It has been 3 days and she is still chasing every shadow, pacing, and panting. I had taken away the laser toys (past sessions when she was younger would cause a few hours of distressed behavior), but I missed this one. Gosh I hope she will relax soon! For now we are redirecting with a tennis ball or chew, walks, and massage/cuddles. My son fully understands now and we won’t be repeating this mistake.
Hi Carla, we’re very pleased that you came across this information and now understand the behavior a bit better. Redirecting and interrupting the behavior is indeed the best way to help reverse it. Things will get easier, just be consistent and keep the laser pointers away! Thanks for your reply!
Nice Post. Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by!