The Red Dot Dilemma: Laser Pointers

The Red Dot Dilemma: Laser Pointers

We’ve probably all seen cats chase shadows on the floor, or light when it reflects from our phones onto the wall. Laser pointers are often marketed as fun, easy-to-use toys to entertain pets. They’re inexpensive and capture attention right away. While it can seem harmless and even funny, to watch a cat jump for a tiny red dot or a dog run across the room after it, this type of play can have serious consequences on physical and emotional well-being. 

It’s important to understand why animals chase. Cats and dogs are natural-born predators. Hunting is an instinct that is triggered by quick, unpredictable movement. Laser pointers simulate this well, but light is a form of prey that can never be caught. When your dog chases a ball or a cat pounces on a string, the capture comes with a physical reward to satisfy the end of the hunt. The hunt cycle is often described as stalk–chase–catch–relax. Lasers will never yield a real result, so the ‘catch’ never happens. Without the catch, many pets will struggle to reach the ‘relax’ conclusion, and they become frustrated and confused.

This kind of frustration in both dogs and cats causes obsessive behaviors (like chasing lights that aren’t there), an inability to settle or focus, and heightened stress, which can result in more complex issues that last months or more. Dogs and pets prone to anxiety are more susceptible to obsessive light-chasing and can develop “Laser Point Syndrome”. “Laser Point Syndrome” is more common in herding breeds, like Border Collies, and hunting breeds, like terriers. These breeds have more intense prey drives, and the inability to catch a light can severely damage their emotional well-being. Once these compulsive behaviors set in, they are very difficult to reverse. 

In addition to emotional stress, lasers can be physically dangerous. The light will cause vision problems if accidentally aimed in a pet’s eyes. Oftentimes, pets will overexert themselves in their desperation to catch their target. They might even lose track of their surroundings in a frenzy and run into walls, furniture, or slip and hurt themselves. 

So, should you ever use a laser? If play is moderated carefully, there are safe ways to use these tools. Keep sessions short and end by placing the laser on a toy or treat so that your pet can complete their hunt. Never shine the light directly into their eyes. However, many experts recommend avoiding lasers altogether, especially for dogs. Play should be enriching, not frustrating! There are plenty of other toys for cats and dogs to enjoy: wands with feathers, tennis balls, and puzzle feeders.

Play sessions that end in reward help your pet naturally transition from excitement to relaxation. By choosing toys and interactions that offer satisfying conclusions, you support your pet’s wellbeing and make playtime beneficial and fun for both of you!

Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.