The mornings have changed. October in Loveland goes from perfect trail weather to jacket weather fast, and if you've got a dog who's getting up there in years, you may have already noticed them moving a little slower when the thermometer drops.
This is the time of year the pet conversations pick up at the shop. Not emergency conversations — just people who want to be ahead of the season instead of scrambling in December.
What Cold Does to Dogs Who've Been Active
Dogs who've spent their summers hiking and doing what Colorado dogs do don't slow down gently. By late October, a six- or seven-year-old lab, shepherd, or retriever may be showing their first real signs of joint stiffness in the mornings — especially after a cold night. It's worth paying attention to, even if they seem fine by noon.
The Koi CBD Pet Chews — Hip & Joint formula ($35) is the product we keep reaching for in these conversations. Each chew has 6mg of full-spectrum CBD alongside targeted botanical support. The whole Koi Pet Chews Collection comes in three formulas — calming, hip & joint, and omega wellness — so you can match what your specific dog actually needs right now rather than a one-size-fits-all option.
For the Weather-Sensitive Dog
Some dogs don't show it in their joints — they show it in their behavior. Restlessness before a front moves in, extra pacing on darker afternoons, general agitation when the barometric pressure drops. If that sounds like your dog, the Calming formula from the same Koi collection is worth keeping on hand.
The Koi CBD Dog Biscuits ($35) are another option here — crunchy treats with 5mg of full-spectrum CBD and calming chamomile in a peanut butter and green apple flavor. The reason we like them for a daily calming routine is simple: most dogs actually want them. No hiding things in peanut butter, no wrestling with a dropper.
If You're Already on a Tincture Routine
For pet owners who already have a tincture habit going, now is a good time to restock before the holiday schedule catches you short. The CBDfx Pet Tinctures for Dogs & Cats ($35) are broad-spectrum and come in strengths for smaller and larger dogs. They mix into food easily and don't add any strong flavor most dogs will notice.
The One Thing That Matters Most
Consistency is what makes the difference with CBD for pets. A daily habit over a few weeks tends to show you a lot more than occasional use ever will. If you've been thinking about starting your dog on CBD, late October is actually a good window — you'll have real data by the time Colorado winter gets serious, rather than starting from scratch when you need it most.
We're open Monday through Saturday, 11am–6pm, at 677 E. Eisenhower Blvd. in Loveland. Bring your dog's weight and a quick sense of what's going on with them — that's enough to point you in the right direction.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement for your pet.
