Thanks to better diet and care, dogs are living longer than ever, but, just as with people, advancing years often bring accompanying health issues. Arthritis, chronic pain, lack of appetite, and reduced mental capacity frequently mark our dog’s senior years. For dogs of all ages, anxiety or problematic hyperactivity seem to be on the rise, a product of modern lifestyle—sedentary-ness, alone time, city living. What’s a pet parent to do?

Increasingly, dog owners are singing the praises of hemp-based products designed to ease their dog’s suffering or to simply maintain health. Responding to Modern Dog’s Facebook post about CBD/hemp products for dogs, reader Kristen Kuhns commented, “THANK YOU for covering this. I inherited a large, older dog with hip issues. He has other medical problems that prevented him from being on some of the stronger meds. CBD treats and peanut butter have made him a different dog. I am so glad my knowledgeable friend tuned me into this because it’s turned his life around.”

Cannabidiols, or CBD’s as they are more commonly called, are a molecule found in industrial hemp, a type of marijuana that can be legally grown—it produces less than 0.3% THC so it won’t get your pet high, and can be legally obtained.

According to Dr. Robert Silver, a licensed and nationally renowned holistic veterinarian, CBD’s act like a key turning on or off certain functions within cells, reducing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Further, he’s seen CBD’s improve appetite, turn on an immune cell so it works better, reduce seizures, and even reduce tumor spread by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels feeding it. Dr. Caroline Coile, PHD and author of the book Cannabis and CBD Science says that, beyond their anti-aging benefits, cannabidiols may simply make pets feel better, improving their comfort, mood, activity, and appetite, so they feel and act like a younger version of themselves. And we’re all for that!

Products That Harness The Power of Hemp
Phyto-Bites are CBD-infused soft chews for dogs that are formulated to promote health and support the reduction of separation anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Manufactured in a FDA-approved facility, the chews are made with Colorado grown, certified Hemp extracts. CEO Todd Davis said they’re getting tremendous feedback from repeat customers as well as shelters that are using their product to help rescued dogs (and cats) transition to their new homes. A one-month supply of chews costs approximately $35.

True Leaf’s True Hemp Chews ($15) utilize the beneficial properties of the whole hemp seed and cold-pressed hemp seed oil. They do not contain detectable levels of CBD but have many other beneficial properties. The hemp seed oil is combined with other therapeutic ingredients such as L-Theanine, calming herbs, DHA, antioxidants, green lipped mussel, and turmeric root to help improve your pet’s overall quality of life. There are three formulas to choose from: Calming, to provide anxiety support, Health to provide antioxidant support, and Hip + Joint to provide joint support.

Cannabis Dispensary’s CBD Rich Oil utilizes a whole-plant, Isopropyl alcohol extraction specially formulated to have a high cannabidiol level (CBD percentage is approximately 30%). This product has been reported to relieve spasms, seizures, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and may be effective for treating signs and symptoms associated with some cancer growths. They recommend a starting dose of 0.5mg per pound per day. There is approximately 300mg CBD in a 1mL tube and the cost is $42/1mL or $120/3mL.