January 2026

As a veterinarian with over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Powers has witnessed countless changes in how we care for aging pets. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the emergence of CBD as a natural wellness support for senior animals. With new research from 2025 adding to our understanding, let's explore how CBD may help your aging furry friend.

The Challenge of Aging in Pets

Senior pets face many of the same challenges as aging humans:

Physical Changes:

• Joint stiffness and reduced mobility
• Chronic inflammation
• Decreased energy and stamina
• Slower recovery from activity

Behavioral Changes:

• Increased anxiety or confusion
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced appetite
• Stress from environmental changes

Quality of Life Concerns:

• Difficulty with stairs or jumping
• Less interest in play
• Pain from arthritis or other conditions
• Overall decreased enjoyment of daily activities

Traditional pain medications often come with side effects, especially with long-term use. This is where CBD has caught the attention of veterinarians and pet owners alike.

New Research: CBD and Joint Health in Animals

One of the most significant findings from 2025 came from research published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. The study discovered that CBD protects cartilage cells from ferroptosis—a type of oxidative stress-related cell death that contributes to osteoarthritis.

What this means for your senior dog or cat:

Osteoarthritis affects an estimated 80% of dogs over age 8. The disease involves:

• Breakdown of cartilage in joints
• Inflammation and pain
• Progressive loss of mobility
• Reduced quality of life

CBD's ability to protect cartilage cells from oxidative damage suggests it may help:

• Slow the progression of joint deterioration
• Reduce inflammation naturally
• Support overall joint comfort
• Maintain mobility as pets age

This research helps explain what Dr. Powers and countless pet owners have observed: senior pets taking CBD often show improved movement and seem more comfortable.

Real Results: What Pet Owners Are Reporting

We hear stories like these regularly:

"We started giving it first to our 14+ year old golden retriever. We noticed changes in his behavior, appetite and sleeping habits within days. 6 weeks later he is a completely changed dog & no one can quite believe the changes in him including his oncologist! He moves better, eats better and sleeps better than he has in months!" — Nadra Johnson

"Daisy is a rescue that was a breeder Newfoundland. Lived most of her life in a kennel and now has arthritis in her spine. She is 7 years old and was whining in the mornings, didn't want to go for walks or play anymore. She was just in pain. We started her on these and within a few days she was like a new dog. She now loves walks again, gets on the bed with no issues and plays with her brother all day." — Kim Culver

These aren't isolated stories—they reflect a pattern Dr. Powers has observed throughout his veterinary career.

CBD for Anxiety in Pets: Groundbreaking Cat Study

A fascinating 2025 study looked at CBD's effectiveness for anxiety in cats—specifically during thunderstorms, one of the most common anxiety triggers for felines.

The results were impressive:

• Significant reduction in anxiety symptoms
• Decreased hiding behavior
• Lower stress-related behaviors
• Notable reduction in inappropriate urination during and after storms

While this study focused on storm anxiety, it has broader implications. Many senior cats develop anxiety from:

• Cognitive decline
• Pain or discomfort
• Changes in vision or hearing
• Unfamiliar situations or environments

CBD's demonstrated anti-anxiety effects may help senior cats maintain emotional balance as they age.

Why Full-Spectrum CBD Works Better

At Beaver Island Hemp, we use full-spectrum CBD in all our pet products. Here's why this matters:

Full-spectrum includes:

• CBD as the primary active compound
• Minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, CBN) that offer additional benefits
• Natural terpenes that contribute to the entourage effect
• Trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%—not enough to cause intoxication)

Research increasingly suggests these compounds work synergistically—meaning they're more effective together than CBD alone.

For joint health specifically, some of the minor cannabinoids show promise:

• CBC (cannabichromene): Known for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
• CBG (cannabigerol): May support bone health and reduce inflammation
• Natural terpenes: Many have their own anti-inflammatory effects

The Dr. Powers Hip and Joint Formula: Science Meets Clinical Experience

Our Hip and Joint CBD Dog Chews combine Dr. Powers' clinical expertise with current research:

Each chew contains:

• 25mg full-spectrum CBD (also available in 13mg for smaller dogs)
• 100mg Glucosamine HCl for additional joint support
• Chicken and Sweet Potato flavor that dogs love

Why this combination works:

Glucosamine is a well-established joint supplement that:

• Supports cartilage health and repair
• Helps maintain joint fluid
• Reduces inflammation
• Has decades of research backing its effectiveness

Combined with CBD's protective effects on cartilage and anti-inflammatory properties, you get a dual-action approach to joint health.

The result: Many pet owners report seeing improvements in:

• Ease of movement
• Willingness to go on walks
• Ability to navigate stairs
• Playfulness and engagement
• Overall comfort and happiness

CBD Oil vs. Chews: Which Is Right for Your Pet?

We offer both formats, and each has advantages:

CBD Oil (Salmon Flavor)

Best for:

• Cats (easier to administer)
• Dogs who are picky eaters
• Precise dose adjustments
• Multiple pet households with varying needs

How to use:

• Add to food
• Apply directly to mouth
• Mix with a favorite treat

CBD Chews

Best for:

• Dogs who love treats
• Convenient dosing (no measuring needed)
• Additional benefits from functional ingredients (glucosamine)
• Senior dogs with specific joint issues

Advantages:

• Easier to give than pills
• Consistent dosing
• Great for dogs who won't take oil
• Can be used as a training reward

Dosing Guidance for Senior Pets

Every pet is different, but here are general guidelines based on Dr. Powers' clinical experience:

For joint support in dogs:

• Small dogs (under 25 lbs): Start with 5-10mg daily
• Medium dogs (25-50 lbs): Start with 10-15mg daily
• Large dogs (50-75 lbs): Start with 15-25mg daily
• Extra large dogs (75+ lbs): Start with 25-50mg daily

For cats:

• Start with 2-5mg daily
• Increase slowly if needed
• Watch for signs of improvement

General tips:

• Start low and increase gradually
• Give consistently (same time each day)
• Allow 2-4 weeks to assess effectiveness
• Watch your pet's response and adjust accordingly

Safety Considerations

CBD is generally well-tolerated by pets, but there are important points to remember:

Quality matters:

• Always use pet-specific CBD products
• Ensure third-party testing for purity
• Verify THC content is below 0.3%
• Check for contaminants and heavy metals

Watch for rare side effects:

• Slight sedation (usually temporary)
• Dry mouth (increased water intake)
• Mild digestive changes

Consult your vet:

• Before starting CBD
• If your pet is on other medications
• If you notice any concerning changes
• For personalized dosing recommendations

At Beaver Island Hemp, we provide Certificates of Analysis for every batch, so you know exactly what your pet is getting.

Other Benefits of CBD for Senior Pets

Beyond joint health and anxiety, research and clinical observation suggest CBD may help with:

Seizure management: CBD has well-established anti-seizure properties. The FDA has approved a CBD medication (Epidiolex) for severe human epilepsy, and veterinary research is exploring its use in pets.

Appetite stimulation: Some senior pets lose interest in food. CBD may help stimulate appetite naturally.

Sleep quality: Better rest means better recovery and overall wellness.

Cognitive function: Early research suggests CBD may support brain health as pets age.

Overall wellness: Many pet owners report their senior pets just seem more like their younger selves—more alert, engaged, and comfortable.

What Makes Our Pet Products Different

1. Veterinary-Formulated: Developed by Dr. Powers based on 40+ years of clinical experience.

2. Quality Ingredients: Organically grown hemp from Beaver Island + human-grade additional ingredients.

3. Full-Spectrum Approach: We include beneficial minor cannabinoids and terpenes, not just CBD isolate.

4. Third-Party Tested: Every batch is independently verified for potency and purity.

5. Palatable Flavors: Salmon oil for cats and small dogs; chicken and sweet potato chews for dogs.

6. Flexible Options: Multiple strengths and formats to fit different pets' needs.

Success Stories from the Beaver Island Hemp Family

Many customers have shared how CBD has helped their senior pets:

Joint mobility: "She moves better, eats better and sleeps better than she has in months!"

Energy and playfulness: "She now loves walks again, gets on the bed with no issues and plays with her brother all day."

Overall transformation: "Within a few days she was like a new dog."

These stories reflect what Dr. Powers sees in clinical practice: when given quality CBD consistently, many senior pets show meaningful improvements in their quality of life.

The Bottom Line: CBD as Part of Senior Pet Care

CBD isn't a magic cure, but research and clinical experience suggest it can be a valuable tool in caring for aging pets. The 2025 findings on cartilage protection and anxiety reduction add scientific support to what veterinarians and pet owners have been observing.

Consider CBD for your senior pet if they're experiencing:

• Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
• Chronic pain or inflammation
• Anxiety or behavioral changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased appetite
• General aging-related discomfort

Our recommendation:

• Choose full-spectrum, third-party tested products
• Start with an appropriate dose for your pet's size
• Give it consistently for at least 3-4 weeks
• Monitor your pet's response and adjust as needed
• Work with your veterinarian for best results

At Beaver Island Hemp Company, we're committed to helping pets enjoy their golden years. Our products combine island-grown quality with Dr. Powers' veterinary expertise—because every senior pet deserves to be comfortable, happy, and engaged with life.

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Looking for the right CBD product for your senior pet? Explore our CBD for Animals collection or contact us for personalized recommendations. All products include third-party Certificates of Analysis.

New to Beaver Island Hemp? Use code TRYBIHEMP25 for 25% off your first order.

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