What to Do If Your Pet Appears Uncomfortable

Luma photobiomodulation is non-invasive, and many pets become very relaxed during treatment. Some even fall asleep.

That said, every pet is different. A pet may initially be unsure about the device, the sound, the sensation of the optical comb, being touched near a painful area, or simply being asked to stay still.

If your pet becomes restless, pulls away, vocalizes, or otherwise seems uncomfortable, pause the treatment and try the steps below.

Make sure you are viewing the correct pet profile in the MedcoVet app and following the protocol created specifically for that pet.

Review the treatment map and make sure you are treating the recommended anatomical area.

If a particular location seems especially painful or sensitive, do not force the treatment. You can start with a more comfortable area and contact your clinician for guidance.

The Luma naturally becomes warm during longer treatment sessions.

If it feels unusually warm, pause the session and allow the device to cool before continuing.

Important: The silver grid on the Luma helps release heat, so avoid covering it with your hand during treatment.

Keep the Luma stationary at each treatment spot rather than brushing or continuously moving it.

Gently work the optical comb through the fur toward the skin. Do not apply more pressure than your pet comfortably tolerates.

Some pets simply need more time to become familiar with the device. A gradual introduction can make a big difference.

Place the Luma nearby and allow your pet to sniff and explore it without immediately beginning treatment.

If your pet is food-motivated, offer a pet-safe treat or feed them near the device so they begin to associate it with something positive.

Try turning the Luma on and rewarding your pet without applying it at first.

Once your pet is comfortable with the device being on, gradually introduce brief contact before working up to a full treatment.

Keep initial sessions short and positive. You may treat fewer areas, fewer spots within an area, or each spot for a shorter period of time. Choose what works best for you and your pet as you gradually build up to the recommended protocol.

You can also break up treatments into multiple sessions throughout the day, especially if the full protocol takes a long time. For example, you might treat for only a few minutes at first, then complete additional areas during a second or third session later in the day.

If possible, begin on an area that is not particularly painful or sensitive.

This can help your pet learn that the Luma itself is not something to fear before you begin treating more uncomfortable areas.

A high-value distraction can work very well during treatment. Consider something lickable that lasts for a while, which may help keep your pet relaxed and occupied while you use the Luma.

For example:

Always choose something that is safe and appropriate for your pet. Traditional treats can sometimes be more challenging because they need to be dispensed repeatedly and may make some pets too excited to stay still.

Another helpful distraction may be simply petting or gently massaging your pet in an area of the body that is comfortable for them. Some pets also find gentle touch around the head calming. Keep your pet's individual personality and preferences in mind, as well as your own safety.

Try treating when your pet is naturally tired and relaxed, such as:

A relaxed pet will often be much more accepting of treatment.

Choose a quiet area with minimal noise and movement.

If possible, avoid having other pets or multiple people nearby while your pet is getting accustomed to the Luma.

You do not necessarily need to reposition your pet just to reach every treatment spot.

If your pet is already resting comfortably, begin with the areas you can easily access in that position.

As your pet becomes more comfortable with treatment, you can gradually introduce other areas.

It is preferable for your pet to be lying down and relaxed, as this can reduce tension in the tissues and provide more space within the joints. However, it is absolutely fine to treat your pet while standing or sitting if they do not want to lie down, whether because lying down is uncomfortable or because they feel vulnerable.

Never force your pet into a particular position. Work with the position they are most comfortable in, and they may become more accepting of other positions over time.

Try gently rubbing or petting the treatment area before applying the Luma.

This can help desensitize a sensitive area and prevent the device from being the first sensation your pet feels in that location.

If your pet seems particularly sensitive to the optical comb, you may temporarily use the spacer so they do not feel the comb directly.

As your pet becomes more comfortable, transition back to the optical comb so you can work through the fur and bring the light closer to the skin.

Some pets are especially sensitive to electronic sounds.

If you think the Luma's beep may be contributing to your pet's anxiety, contact MedcoVet Support. In certain circumstances, our technical team may be able to help disable the sound.

If you have tried these approaches and your pet continues to show discomfort, do not force the treatment.

Contact your clinician through the Clinician Chat in the upper-left corner of the MedcoVet app.

Your clinician can review:

For questions about the Luma device itself or other technical issues, contact MedcoVet Support.

The goal is for Luma treatment to become a calm, positive part of your pet's routine.

Some pets accept the Luma immediately. Others need a slower introduction and a little time to become comfortable with treatment.

Going at your pet's pace can make the experience much easier for both of you.