On April 11, National Pet Day, every pet is a star whether they’re a rescue or purebred. As for their owners, options for pet health are many and, often times, celebrities are ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest, greatest wellness treatments. That includes the hugely trending area of CBD-infused pet nutrition and supplements.
In fact, many pet owners will spend more on wellness for their “fur children” than they will for themselves, in what seems to be a recession-proof market. Even as other industries struggled after the 2008 crash, the pet market has increased year over year, with the U.S. market expected to reach more than $75 billion – with a “b” – in 2019.
That’s a lot of treats, so it’s no surprise CBD-infused edibles and supplements for pets are gaining in popularity.
Lifestyle maven Martha Stewart recently struck a deal with Canada’s cannabis mega-conglomerate Canopy Growth, for a branded line of CBD-infused treats and supplements for pets. Stewart owns Chow Chow dogs that have competed at top events, including the illustrious Westminster Dog Show, and she also breeds and collects heirloom variety chickens. Her pet supply Martha Stewart Pets brand is available exclusively through pet retailer Pet Smart.
“I am delighted to establish this partnership with Canopy Growth and share with them the knowledge I have gained after years of experience in the subject of living,” Stewart said in a release. “I’m especially looking forward to our first collaboration together, which will offer sensible products for people’s beloved pets.”
Canopy has also signed deals with Hollywood multi-hyphenate Seth Rogen, as well as Stewart’s reality show co-host Snoop Dogg, who operates his own budding cannabis empire and reportedly helped Stewart’s deal with his connections at Canopy.
Rapper royalty, Snoop is also a cannabis icon and dog lover. He has a French bulldog named Juelz Broadus, which was a gift from rapper Wiz Khalifa (owner of Instagram famous French bulldog Vincent). Snoop also recently made headlines for offering to adopt an abandoned dog that had been named after him.
Like cannabidiol (CBD) for humans, there is a lack of clinical research to verify benefits of treatment and, of course, pets can’t tell you if it works. In California, legislation was only recently passed that allows veterinarians to discuss CBD treatment for pets with owners. That said, pet experts say CBD for pets is often used for relief of pain and inflammation, to treat anxiety, and also to treat seizures.
California-based rescue nonprofit Marley’s Mutts has received support from both the entertainment and cannabis industries. Last summer, a Hollywood premiere of Sony Pictures’ film “Boundaries” benefited the organization and was co-sponsored by cannabis portal site Leafly and cannabis publication Civilized.
In a interview for KERO 23 ABC News, Marley’s Mutts founder Zach Skow explained how the organization has used King Kanine CBD oil with Krill, added to rescue dogs’ meals for improvement in overall health, as well as to treat specific issues that are usually a result of poor conditions, psychological trauma, or physical injuries the dogs have suffered, prior to rescue.
Celebrity dog trainer and world famous “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millian also has his own line of CBD pet products, available at SpaRoom.com, in partnership with manufacturer Unitrex. Millian’s approach to CBD treatment for pets is unique, using aromatherapy to treat common pet problems. CBD-infused essential oils and sprays are available in Calm, Sleep, and Relief blends.
Some dogs and other pets may also become celebrities because of their CBD use. MaxDaddy, who is owned by marketer and bulldog lover Carol Gardener, is spokesdog for his own line of CBD-infused treats, meal supplement, and CBD oil.
Gardener, a former advertising director, was early to the pet super model scene with her first bulldog Zelda. Dressed in costumes, Zelda became a calendar model and was featured in media during the ‘90s, with appearances on Oprah, Martha Stewart, and the Today Show, among several others. She also was featured in a popular line of Hallmark greeting cards called Zelda Wisdom.
MaxDaddy (@MaxDaddyBark) is currently siblings with Zelda III (@ZeldaWisdom). Like so many bulldog breeds, both suffer from the effects of over-breeding, which include joint pain, inflammation, mobility issues, and arthritis. Zelda, who is an aspiring dog influencer, suffers from anxiety and also takes CBD.