Senior Dog Support: CBD and Mushrooms for the Aging Canine Brain

At my senior dog rescue, I made it my mission to support the oldest, most overlooked dogs—those often struggling with mobility issues, neurological challenges, skin sensitivities, and other signs of aging. Through holistic care rooted in fresh food, Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, and adaptogenic ingredients, I watched many of them regain their energy, comfort, and joy.

But over time, I realized there was one area that needed even more focused support: our dogs’ minds, especially as they age.

Miss Daisie and the Lesson That Changed Everything

Miss Daisie was one of my beloved rescues, and at 14 years old, she began showing signs of cognitive decline. The moment that changed everything for me was watching her walk to the water bowl, stand over it… and do nothing. She didn’t drink. She’d walk away, only to return minutes later and repeat the same action, staring blankly into the bowl.

At first, I thought it was just a quirk of old age. Then my partner shared something that shook me—his father had once shown similar behaviors in his later years, losing the ability to recognize how to eat or drink.

At that moment, it hit me: I had been supporting their bodies and spirits, but I wasn’t giving their aging minds the increased support they needed. Without nourishing the brain, I couldn’t truly help them thrive.

My Research into Functional Ingredients for the Aging Brain

So I began researching ingredients traditionally used to support the aging brain, cognitive function, and emotional balance. What I found pointed me straight to functional mushrooms, adaptogens—and the Full Spectrum Hemp Extract I was already using through our HEAL formula at the rescue. I had already seen the incredible impact FSHE CBD could have on senior dogs. I watched dogs struggling with mobility, with neurological and inflammatory imbalance, regain comfort, mobility, and homeostasis. But when signs of cognitive decline began to appear, I knew I needed to explore additional ingredients that could complement FSHE and provide targeted support for their aging brain and mental clarity.

Together, these powerful natural ingredients can help support cognitive function and neurological health in aging dogs. I focused on five of the most promising botanicals for senior dog brain support:

• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) – Traditionally used to support cognitive function and healthy brain aging, Lion’s Mane is one of the most well-known mushrooms studied for its influence on the nervous system [1][2].
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) – Valued for its calming properties and ability to support both brain and immune system balance [3].
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris/sinensis) – Often used to promote energy, vitality, and healthy oxygen utilization throughout the body, including the brain [4].
• Bacopa monnieri – A revered Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support memory, mental focus, and learning [5].
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – An adaptogen known for supporting stress resilience, nervous system health, and emotional balance [6].

Many of these have been studied for their potential to support healthy aging and cognitive wellness. Alongside their deep roots in traditional medicine, I was inspired by how they could work together—since research shows that combining adaptogens can create more synergistic effects. So, I got to work formulating a tincture that brought all five together in a way that felt both grounded in tradition and backed by science.

What I Found When I Looked for Mushroom Products I Could Trust

After years of formulating Full Spectrum Hemp Extract products for pets, I knew how important quality, purity, and sourcing truly were. I had learned firsthand that the way a plant is grown, extracted, and processed makes all the difference—not just for potency, but for safety and effectiveness. So when I turned my attention to mushrooms, I expected to find pet mushroom supplements made to the same high standards.

What I found instead was disappointing. Most mushroom products for pets on the market were imported from China, grown on grain or oats instead of hardwood, and lacking real mushroom fruiting bodies. Instead of true functional mushroom extracts, they were mostly mycelium powder packed with fillers and additives. Many were preserved in alcohol—something I avoid giving to pets.

I wanted a mushroom formula that met the same high standards I had already set for our Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD products.

Creating MycoDog Clarity: From Mushrooms to a Senior Dog Wellness Toolkit

To bring Clarity to life, I sourced mushrooms grown in the U.S. on traditional hardwood—not grain—and partnered with wild foragers in Oregon and Washington to harvest potent, naturally grown fungi. I teamed up with a myco-alchemist to create spagyric extractions: a holistic, multi-phase process that extracts, purifies, and recombines the mushroom’s components to create a balanced, full-spectrum formula.

We take the extra step of evaporating out the alcohol from the final tincture, leaving behind a concentrated blend rich in beta-glucans, terpenoids, and naturally occurring minerals. The result is a whole-body formula designed to support cognitive health, vitality, and emotional balance.

Together, Clarity and HEAL became a complete wellness toolkit for my senior dogs—supporting the body, brain, and spirit from multiple angles with trusted, natural ingredients.

The Results I Witnessed

Before ever sharing Clarity and HEAL with the world, I used them with my own senior rescues for over a year. What I observed during that time was powerful:

• Dogs who used to pace or vocalize at night began resting more peacefully.
• Dogs who had lost interest in food began showing more engagement at mealtime.
• Anxious or withdrawn dogs became more affectionate and present.
• Dogs who had seemed shut down started engaging, playing, and reconnecting.

Time after time, I watched these old souls rediscover their spark. It reminded me that truly supporting senior dogs means addressing all aspects of wellness—including the brain.

From the Rescue to a Research Study

After seeing encouraging responses in my own dogs, and hearing an increasing amount of similar stories from pet parents using the formula, I wanted to explore the results more formally. That’s why we launched the Senior Dog Study—an observational study tracking how senior dogs, particularly those showing signs of cognitive decline, respond to MycoDog Clarity as part of their daily wellness routine.

Conducted under veterinary oversight, the study is designed to explore how this specific blend of mushrooms and adaptogens may support cognitive function, vitality, and overall quality of life in aging dogs.

Why Clarity (& HEAL) Exist

Clarity was born out of love, loss, and the realization that aging dogs deserve more than physical comfort—they deserve connection, peace of mind, and a chance to thrive. And HEAL, our Full Spectrum Hemp Extract formula, has long been one of the most trusted tools in my care for seniors with neurological and mobility issues.

Together, they represent a commitment to honoring the full experience of our pets—body, spirit, and mind. Whether your senior dog is struggling with cognitive changes, mobility challenges, or simply entering a new chapter of life, these formulas are here to support them naturally, every step of the way.

For me, it’s more than a protocol—it’s a promise to help our pets age with dignity, grace, and joy.

 

 

References

1. Mori K, et al. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in vitro and its effect on cognitive function. Phytother Res. 2009.
2. Saitsu K, et al. Neuroregenerative potential of Hericium erinaceus in aged animals. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2021.
3. Zhou Y, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes protect against neuroinflammation. Neurochem Int. 2018.
4. Das SK, et al. Cordyceps and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Phytother Res. 2010.
5. Stough C, et al. Bacopa monnieri improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Psychopharmacology. 2008.
6. Kuboyama T, et al. Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by Withania somnifera. Br J Pharmacol. 2005.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s wellness routine.