Laser Pointer Syndrome

Caryn Self Sullivan, PhD
Sep 8
2 min read

by Dr. Caryn Self Sullivan

Laser Pointer Syndrome (LPS) is a behavioral condition that can develop in dogs and cats when they are exposed to laser pointer play. I have worked with dozens of clients whose dogs were displaying obsessive behaviors related to chasing shadows, light rays, and other "un-catchable" stimuli. In all cases, when questioned, they admitted they had used a laser pointer for play when the dogs were puppies. I reached out to one of my mentors, Dr. Nicholas Dodman at Tufts, who confirmed he has seen the same correlation over many years of practice. While no experimental studies have been done (and probably won't be due to the potential harm to puppies), the fact that all my clients' dogs with shadow/light obsessive behavior had been exposed to laser-light-play provides evidence of a connection. Why take the chance? There are many other enrichment and play options available!

Source: https://www.livescience.com/34093-dogs-laser-beams.html

Causes:

Any use of a laser pointer with dogs or cats with a genetic predisposition to obsessive behaviors: Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to developing the compulsive behaviors associated with laser pointer syndrome. These are generally breeds with a high prey drive and an intense focus on movement, stemming from their original purpose as working dogs such as herders, terriers, retrievers, dobermans.
Prolonged use of laser pointer play with any dog or cat will stimulate the animal's prey drive without providing a tangible reward (e.g., chasing the laser dot but never catching it): While certain breeds are more predisposed, any dog or cat can develop laser pointer syndrome. Environmental factors like stress, a chaotic environment, or a lack of enrichment can also trigger the behavior. For this reason, it's generally recommended to avoid using laser pointers for play with any dog or cat.

Symptoms:

Obsessive chasing of shadows or any light source (sun beam coming the window, light reflected off watch or glass, flashlight beam)
Staring intently at reflections or shadows
Scratching at shadows: stationary and moving (shadow of leaves as the wind blows)
Generalized Anxiety and Frustration
Pouncing or lunging at the laser dot, light beam, or shadow
Neglecting other activities, such as eating or sleeping

Treatment:

Avoid using laser pointers: This is the most important step to prevent laser pointer syndrome.
Provide alternative stimulation: Engage your pet in other activities that stimulate their senses and reward them, such as teaser pole/wand, fetch, feeder puzzles, hide-and-seek, or just regular +R training
Desensitize to the stimulus using Classical and Operant Counter-Conditioning
Seek professional help: If your pet exhibits severe symptoms or their behavior is not improving with home management, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent LPS is to AVOID using a laser pointer with your pet!
If you ignore my advise and feel like your MUST do laser pointer play, PLEASE limit the use of laser pointer play to very short periods AND always end play with the laser dot landing on a tangible reward that your pet can actually catch!
Never point the laser at the animal's eyes.

It's important to note that laser pointer syndrome is a real and potentially harmful condition for pets.

Sources & Additional Information