Pet Vitamins, Supplements, CBD & Hemp Products
Many pet owners today are looking beyond traditional treatments to give their animals additional support between veterinary visits. From joint-supporting supplements to omega-3 fatty acids to hemp-derived CBD products, the range of options available at pet stores and online has grown significantly. The challenge is knowing which products are worthwhile and safe, and whether a particular supplement is appropriate for your pet’s age, breed, and health history.
At Montclair Veterinary Associates, we believe supplements and wellness products can play a meaningful role in your pet’s overall care when they are selected thoughtfully and under veterinary guidance. Our comprehensive veterinary services are built around the idea that proactive, relationship-based care leads to the best outcomes, including helping you navigate the increasingly crowded world of pet supplements and hemp products with confidence.
Why Veterinary Guidance Matters for Pet Supplements
The pet supplement industry is largely unregulated, which means product quality, ingredient sourcing, and dosage accuracy can vary widely from brand to brand. A supplement that works well for one pet may not be appropriate for another, especially in animals with chronic health conditions or those already taking prescription medications. Before adding any new product to your pet’s routine, a conversation with your veterinarian is one of the most important steps you can take.
What We Consider Before Recommending a Supplement
We take several factors into account when evaluating whether a supplement is right for your pet. During a routine wellness visit, we will review your pet’s age, weight, current medications, bloodwork history, and specific health concerns before making any recommendations. This individualized approach helps ensure that what you give your pet will actually benefit them.
Some of the most commonly recommended supplement categories include the following:
Glucosamine and chondroitin, may help maintain cartilage health in aging dogs and cats
Sourced from fish oil, support skin, coat, heart, and joint health
Can help pets with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness
Tailored to life stage, from a growing puppy to a senior pet with changing needs
Noticing changes in your pet’s mobility or digestion? Review our page on signs your pet is in pain or contact our office to schedule a wellness visit.
Understanding CBD and Hemp Products for Pets
CBD and hemp-derived products have become one of the most frequently discussed topics among pet owners in recent years. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, limited studies, anecdotal reports, and case studies have explored potential therapeutic benefits in pets, while more well-controlled research is still needed. We stay current with the evolving body of research in this area so we can provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date information available.
What We Want You to Know About CBD and Hemp Safety
Not all CBD and hemp products marketed for pets are created equally. Products vary significantly in THC concentration, sourcing, extraction methods, and third-party testing practices. Hemp-based products are generally defined as those containing 0.3% THC or less, and according to the American Animal Hospital Association, the safety profile of these products has been studied in dogs and cats through multiple published pharmacokinetic studies.
When clients ask us about CBD, a few key points guide our conversations:
📄 Request a Certificate of Analysis
We always recommend requesting a Certificate of Analysis from the manufacturer for any product you are considering, as this document confirms what is actually in the product.
⚠️ Stay within hemp-based THC levels
We advise against giving your pet any product containing THC levels above what is found in hemp-based formulations (generally 0.3% THC or less).
💊 Watch for medication interactions
If your pet is already on prescription medications, certain CBD products may interact with how those medications are processed in the body, making veterinary oversight essential.
For a deeper look at this subject from our team’s perspective, our dog CBD safety guide walks through the key considerations for dog owners.
Supplements for Senior Pets
Older dogs and cats often benefit the most from targeted nutritional support. Joint supplements, cognitive support products, and antioxidants are among the most commonly considered options for aging pets. These products work best when used alongside regular bloodwork and wellness exams that allow us to monitor changes in organ function, inflammation markers, and overall health status.
We work with many older patients whose owners want to do everything possible to support the quality of life as their pets age. Our guidance on senior pet nutrition and our geriatric pet care services are both designed to help you make informed choices during this important life stage.
Prescription Pet Food and Its Connection to Supplementation
For some pets, prescription nutrition is a more appropriate route than over-the-counter supplements. Therapeutic diets formulated for kidney disease, gastrointestinal conditions, weight management, and other health concerns often incorporate concentrated levels of specific nutrients that would otherwise require multiple separate supplements. The advantage of this approach is that the nutritional support is built directly into the food, removing the guesswork around dosing and compatibility.
We carry and can recommend prescription pet food options for patients whose conditions call for dietary management as part of their treatment plan. During your pet’s wellness visit, we can help determine whether a therapeutic diet, targeted supplementation, or a combination of both makes the most sense given your pet’s current health picture. The goal is always to build a plan that is practical for you to follow at home and genuinely beneficial for your pet’s long-term well-being.
Our Approach at Montclair Veterinary Associates
Dr. Cory Waxman, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine with a biochemistry background from Northwestern University, has been caring for pets in Northern NJ for more than a decade. That background informs the way we evaluate supplement claims, interpret ingredient labels, and translate research into practical, day-to-day recommendations for the pets and families in our care.
We understand there is a lot of information, and misinformation, available online about pet supplements and hemp products. Our role is to be a reliable, informed partner in your pet’s health rather than a source of generic advice. If you have questions about a product you have seen advertised, a supplement a friend recommended, or whether CBD might be appropriate for your dog or cat’s specific condition, we are glad to walk through it with you. To schedule a consultation or discuss your pet’s supplement needs with our team, please reach out through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Vitamins & Supplements
Can supplements help improve my pet’s skin and coat?
Yes, supplements containing vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega fatty acids can support healthy skin and a shiny coat. These nutrients act as antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting cellular repair. If your pet is experiencing dry, flaky skin or excessive shedding, our veterinarians may recommend a tailored supplement plan that enhances skin health and helps your pet look and feel their best.
How do I know if my pet needs supplements?
Your pet might benefit from vitamins or supplements if they show signs of joint pain, poor digestion, low energy, dull coat, or other chronic symptoms. Senior dogs and cats often benefit from added nutrients to support aging joints, immune health, and digestion. Our health professionals will assess your pet’s overall condition, diet, and lab results to determine if supplementation is appropriate.
Can supplements interfere with my pet’s medications?
Yes, even natural supplements can affect how your pet’s body absorbs or processes medications. Ingredients like citric acid, rosemary extract, or herbal compounds may interact with drugs your pet is already taking. That’s why it’s essential to talk to a veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if your pet is managing a disease or taking long-term medications.
Are hemp vitamins for dogs safe?
Yes, even natural supplements can affect how your pet’s body absorbs or processes medications. Ingredients like citric acid, rosemary extract, or herbal compounds may interact with drugs your pet is already taking. That’s why it’s essential to talk to a veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if your pet is managing a disease or taking long-term medications.
What ingredients should I look for in quality pet supplements?
Look for supplements with proven ingredients like glucosamine for joints, vitamin E and vitamin C for healthy skin, and natural compounds such as rosemary extract for added antioxidants. Avoid fillers and choose vet-approved brands that clearly list active ingredients and their concentrations. Our team at Montclair Veterinary Associates can help you find the best source of safe, effective products for your pet’s specific needs.
