The demand for CBD among pet owners in Denver and across the country was already on the rise — but in the post-pandemic world, sales are soaring even higher, industry experts tell Axios.

Driving the news: Last year's pandemic puppy boom is resulting in a sea of animal owners searching for ways to help their fur babies adjust to normal life as they prepare to return to the office for the first time in over a year.

• "We've been having a lot more sales with people coming in asking for anything that will help with separation anxiety specifically," says Maggie Shelley, sales associate for Denver-based pet supply shop Dog Savvy.

State of play: The Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research company, found that the number of consumers discussing CBD brands with their veterinarians more than doubled from 2020 to 2021.

• The group estimates pet CBD sales will jump by 48% this year from the estimated $426 million spent in 2020.
• Pet Releaf, a Denver-based company that sells CBD products, has seen a 486% growth rate over the past three years, a spokesperson tells Axios.

How it works: CBD, or cannabidiol, comes from hemp but lacks tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the compound in cannabis that gets you high.

• Some studies have shown CBD can lower arthritis pain and limit seizures in animals. Advocates also say the compound can ease anxiety and other ailments.

Yes, but: Peer-reviewed studies on CBD's effects on animals are still lacking, while those that exist tend to pull from limited sample sizes.

• Complicating matters is the Food and Drug Administration's lack of signoff on the product, leaving veterinarians unable to suggest CBD for treatment.
• Six Denver-area vets Alayna contacted wouldn't comment for this story, citing the lack of information about CBD for pets.

The bottom line: Despite CBD products being shown to anecdotally aid animals with problems like anxiety, pain and seizures, the science is still out — so be sure to talk it out with your vet when determining the right path for your pup.

Go deeper

Like it or not, many of us will return to the office soon. The ones who may like it the least: our pets.

• Now is the time to get them (and you) prepared for the transition, animal experts say.

Why it matters: When our pandemic-imposed routines change, dogs and cats can act out and misbehave.

• Denver Animal Protection is worried that will lead to an increase in people giving their pets to shelters.

Here are six tips to help our furry companions, courtesy of Erin Wyse, an animal behaviorist:

1. Create a new routine: Begin a walking and feeding schedule that matches your in-person workday. And "slowly wean them off your constant company," Wyse says.
2. Start gradually: Before leaving them alone all day, try a few hours and then slowly increase the time. (If possible, begin acclimating them a month in advance.) A treat on the way out the door will "condition your pet to find it rewarding when you leave," she says.
3. Keep them entertained: A toy or foraging for treats can keep them from becoming bored. The TV or music also may work. Pets also feel less lonely if they can look outside.
4. Exercise: A good walk to burn off energy before you go is key.
5. Keep calm: Pets can pick up on your anxiety, so be low-key in saying goodbye, Wyse says.
6. Reach out: The vet can help you with a trainer and prescribe medication if needed.

For a decade straight, the three largest cities in Colorado grew each year, a new Axios analysis of census data shows.

What's happening: Denver, Colorado Springs and Aurora drove the state's population up by 15% since 2010.

Yes, but: The rate of growth slowed in recent years, with Aurora and Colorado Springs posting less than 1% growth from July 2019 to July 2020, according to John's breakdown of census data provided by William Frey at the Brookings Institution.

• Denver and Aurora saw their largest increases between 2010 and 2015.

By the numbers: The latest annual population estimates for July 2020, released last week:

• Denver: 735,538
• Colorado Springs: 482,131
• Aurora: 387,377

One additional dataset that offers a glimpse at how the state is growing shows Colorado Springs as a top spot for savvy professionals.

What's happening: LinkedIn tracked location changes from its users and found the city saw a nearly 10% increase in relocations compared with a year prior, one of the largest gains among metropolitan areas.

Denver's annual Civic Center Eats event is back with expanded dinnertime hours, after the pandemic cut the fun short last year.

How it works: Food trucks will be parked in Civic Center Park from 11am–7pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through Sept. 30.

• Place your food order in advance online or head to 101 W. 14th Ave. and order on-site.

Of note: The summer shindig currently features just a handful of food trucks — specializing in everything from gourmet hot dogs to Greek gyros — but more options will be added throughout the next three months, organizers say.

Good news for anyone downtown who hears nature's call.

Denver opened a new public bathroom Tuesday on Champa Street, near the 16th Street Mall.

• The dual-restroom facility was purchased for $350,000 with federal COVID-19 aid and will be managed by a full-time attendant from 6am–10pm every day.