As a seasoned dog owner, you’ve probably noticed that your senior dog is slowing down. Maybe they’re not as energetic as they used to be, or perhaps you can’t help but notice that his joints aren’t quite what they used to be. Of course, this is normal for older dogs, and it happens to all of us. But don’t worry: there are still plenty of ways you can help your furry friend stay active and healthy as they age. And one of the best ways is by incorporating hemp into their diet.
Hemp is an ingredient that’s always recommended for dogs with joint pain because its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in their bodies while also providing them with extra nutrients like protein and omega fatty acids. It’s also great for any senior dog who needs some additional support physically or emotionally. It helps alleviate anxiety in the same way it does for humans, so it’s a great option if you’re worried about your pup getting anxious around other animals at the vet’s office or during holidays where there are lots of people around. This blog post will cover five benefits of adding hemp into your pup’s daily routine.
Hemp for Senior Pets
Hemp is a natural supplement, and it’s also a great source of protein. It makes it perfect for senior pets who may have trouble digesting meat protein. The omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin E in hemp are all vital for supporting your dog’s health as he ages. It’s also a great source of magnesium, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Hemp oil contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), which helps support the thinning coat of older dogs or those with sensitive skin conditions like hot spots or dryness associated with arthritis or other joint pain issues.
Joint Pain Relief
Joint pain is common in senior dogs and can be caused by various factors, including arthritis, hip dysplasia, and injury. Hemp oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps soothe inflammation and reduce the pain associated with these conditions.
In addition to helping you keep your dog comfortable if they have joint pain, hemp oil may also help with mobility problems that come with age or injury. It’s been shown to slow down bone loss in older dogs, which can help prevent fractures from occurring due to weakened bones and reduce osteoporosis’s effects on more senior dogs who are still active.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
Stress and anxiety are common problems in dogs. Stress can cause physical health issues like cancer, while anxiety can lead to behavioral problems such as separation anxiety or excessive barking. Hemp is excellent for reducing stress and helping dogs relax, which is why we recommend it for senior dogs who are prone to stress and anxiety. In fact, older pets are often more sensitive to internal and external stimuli than younger ones because their bodies have aged faster than normal.
It means that they’ll experience more pain when they’re stressed out as well. While hemp doesn’t work like benzodiazepines (the most common medication used for treating anxiety), it does have some effect on serotonin levels in the brain. It’s a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating moods, which may help your pup feel more relaxed.
Improving Skin and Coat Health
Hemp is rich in fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. These fats are excellent for skin and coat health, especially when your dog has dry skin. Hemp oil also contains vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin, including vitamin E, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
The antioxidants in hemp oil help protect against free radical damage, which can lead to premature aging of the skin cells (source). Wondering how you can incorporate hemp into your senior dog’s diet? Try mixing a spoonful of organic cold-pressed hemp seed oil into their food once per day or adding a few drops to their water bowl during mealtime. Or you can explore hemp-infused treats for dogs on PetCareRx.
Reducing the Risk of Cancer
Hemp has been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer, which is great news for dogs and their owners. While hemp cannot cure cancer, you can use it with traditional treatments to lessen the side effects they cause.
Hemp has not been proven to treat cancer directly, but it does seem to affect specific genes that may cause or contribute to the disease. These effects are still being researched by scientists as more studies are done on hemp’s potential as an anti-cancer agent.
Hemp Can Help With a Lot of Dog Issues
Hemp is a fantastic source of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids that can help your dog’s skin and coat look and feel healthier. Hemp also has protein, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. As your old dog ages, these nutrients help with healthy bones, joints, and muscles.
Hemp contains antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system in dogs with arthritis or joint pain. It also contains fiber which helps keep the digestive system moving smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about constipation.
Bottomline
We hope you’ve learned something new about hemp for dogs and how it can help with various issues. Hemp is a natural supplement that can help treat the pain and discomfort associated with aging in your canine companion and aid in treating joint inflammation. The unique composition of this plant also makes it an ideal choice for supporting healthy skin and coats. If your dog suffers from anxiety or stress, hemp may be able to reduce those negative emotions so that they can enjoy life more fully.