Lion’s Mane mushrooms are revered for their ability to support the brain and nervous system, making them an essential supplement for dogs of all ages, especially seniors. 

These powerful medicinal mushrooms offer numerous health benefits, including supporting cognitive function, nerve repair, and overall well-being. Let’s dive into the details of why Lion’s Mane mushroom extract is a game-changer for your pet’s health.

What are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Lion’s Mane mushrooms, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus, are a medicinal mushroom found worldwide. Their fluffy, hair-like appearance resembles a lion’s mane, which is how they got their name. According to ancient legends, consuming Lion’s Mane gives you “memory of a lion and nerves of steel.” This reputation likely stems from their incredible ability to protect and improve brain and nerve function.

For centuries, Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, thanks to their brain-boosting and overall health benefits. When grown properly, Lion’s Mane mushrooms produce bioactive agents that promote the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).

 • NGF: Encourages nerve cell regeneration and helps with disorders like stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
 • BDNF: Supports learning, memory, and mood regulation.

Why the Nervous System is Key to Health

When we think about the foundation of health, not many people realize that the nervous system is the absolute most critical thing dictating our and our pets’ overall health. But the reality is that without proper nervous system function, nothing in the body can work correctly. So, if you want to ensure that your dog’s whole body is functioning properly, you absolutely must address the nervous system.

My favorite ways to help ensure the nervous system is functioning correctly is through veterinary chiropractic therapy and with proper supplementation. The supplement I love most for the brain and nervous system is Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract for dogs.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits for Dogs

Lion’s Mane offers a wide range of benefits for dogs, including:

Lion's Mane for Brain and Nervous System Support

Lion’s Mane is known for its ability to promote nerve regeneration and protect against neurological degeneration. This makes it highly beneficial for dogs dealing with:

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Disc Prolapse (nerve damage from a prolapsed disc)
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggie Dementia)

Lion's Mane for Gut and Digestive Health

The gut, often called the “second brain,” benefits significantly from Lion’s Mane mushrooms. They can:

• Regenerate the intestinal lining.
• Heal ulcers and prevent leaky gut.
• Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Lion's Mane for Immune System Support

Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain high levels of beta-glucans, compounds that:

• Strengthen the immune system.
• Act as prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Lion's Mane Mushroom for Heart Health

Lion’s Mane also supports cardiovascular health by:

• Reducing the risk of blood clots.
• Supporting healthy blood pressure levels.

Lion's Mane Mushrooms for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)

For senior dogs showing signs of CCD—such as confusion, trouble sleeping, and changes in behavior—Lion’s Mane mushrooms can be transformative. Its ability to regenerate nerve cells and promote a balanced mood makes it a natural choice for cognitive support.

Using a pure Lion’s Mane extract for dogs along with a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract can help protect the brain and regenerate the nerve cells that are diminishing and will boost their overall cognitive function with no side effects. 

The compounds in Lion’s Mane also have known mood-boosting effects, which is especially helpful for dogs with CCD as depressive tendencies can occur, just like humans with cognitive disorders suffer from. 

Conventional treatments such as Selegiline (Anipryl) come with a hefty list of side effects such as restlessness/agitation, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, diminished hearing, anorexia, anemia, stiffness. As opposed to Lion’s Mane Mushrooms for dogs, which has NO adverse effects, and its safety has been clinically proven.

When used in a protocol alongside a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, mental stimulation/routines, and a fresh, unprocessed whole food diet, Lion’s Mane extract for dogs is a valuable tool to help dogs with CCD, disc/nerve damage, and cancer.

Lion's Mane for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) and Nerve Damage

Lion’s Mane is also an excellent supplement for dogs with nerve-related disorders, such as DM and disc prolapse. By promoting remyelination (the repair of the protective myelin sheath around nerves), Lion’s Mane can help slow disease progression and improve mobility.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom for Pug Myelopathy

Krysta Fox uses Lion’s Mane mushroom extract along with a Full Spectrum Hemp Extract every day for her pug, Bruce, who has Pug Myelopathy. Lion’s Mane helps him rebuild nerves that are slowly being damaged by his spinal cord disease.

In addition, since Bruce is a senior dog, Lion’s Mane mushrooms keep him mentally sharp, playful, and sassy. It has been clinically shown to improve memory and functional capacity (and this continues to improve with long-term usage).

Lion’s Mane also supports his immune system due to its high beta-glucan content. Beta Glucans are compounds found in bacteria, yeast, algae, and fungi. They are a source of soluble fiber and make excellent prebiotics for supporting gut health.

By providing valuable whole food prebiotic fiber, the gut is better able to support healthy bacterial colonies and thus help neurotransmitters fire healthier signals throughout the body.

How to Choose a Quality Lion’s Mane Extract for Dogs

To maximize benefits, always choose a pure Lion’s Mane extract for dogs. Look for:

• Products made from the fruiting body, not mycelium, or myceliated grain.
• Dual extraction of the fruiting body.
• Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for purity and safety.

Final Thoughts

Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a game-changing supplement for dogs, particularly for seniors and those with nerve-related issues. From promoting cognitive function and nerve repair to boosting gut and immune health, this medicinal mushroom has far-reaching benefits with no adverse effects.

Whether you’re supporting a senior dog with CCD or a pet recovering from nerve damage, Lion’s Mane mushrooms are a safe and natural option to help them thrive. Pair it with FSHE and a fresh, whole-food diet for even greater results. You can also alternate or combine mushrooms extracts for tailored support for your pet. 

 

 

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino, a certified fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. She is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Angela is the founder and formulator behind Hemp Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.