This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy something that I recommend, I might receive a small commission.

This is a sponsored post by Pet Releaf. All opinions are my own.

CBD oil – it is the latest trend in holistic wellness.

Over the past few years, cannabis-based products have become increasingly popular in the health and wellness industry for humans. It was only a matter of time before these products made their way into the pet industry. Now that they have, here is what you need to know about CBD oil for dogs.

Where does CBD come from?

CBD oil is actually an abbreviation for cannabidiol oil, which is a product commonly found in marijuana plants and hemp plants. But, it is also naturally found in you!

Yes, there is cannabidiol in your system right now. CBD is a naturally produced substance in our bodies (as well as many other animal’s bodies). In fact, CBD plays a vital role in your endocannabinoid system which controls physiological processes such as appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory.

What is the difference between Marijuana plants and Hemp plants?

This was my biggest misconception. Despite popular belief, hemp (from which most CBD is derived) and marijuana do not come from the same plant. Although they are in the same “plant family” (cannabis), they have very distinct differences.

The most important difference between the two, is that marijuana is very high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) but very low in cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive or “high” properties. The hemp plant, on the other hand, has virtually no THC but is very high in beneficial CBD.

In other words, CBD hemp oil won’t cause you, or your dog, to get “high”. Because of this, hemp is legal in all 50 states, whereas marijuana is not.

These differences are especially important for dog owners because marijuana (namely the THC found in marijuana) can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided.  

How Does CBD Work?

The naturally occurring CBD, as well as supplemented plant cannabinoids, interact with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. Cannabinoids bind to their respective CBD receptors which thus opens communication channels from the brain to the rest of the body. These cannabinoid receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system – which helps regulate physiological function of the muscular system, immune system, nervous system, etc.

Think of it like the body is building more roads from the brain to the body to prevent a traffic jam and increase efficient travel. By opening these communication channels, the body is better able to repair itself, maintain balance, and remain in a healthy state.

The Potential Benefits

Wondering if introducing your dog to CBD oil is the right choice? Here are a few reasons to consider the use of CBD oil for dogs.

• Reduces Inflammation
• Relieves Stress
• Helps Manage Anxiety
• Increases Appetite
• Promotes Overall Health and Well-Being
• Minimizes Pain
• Relieves Allergy Symptoms
• Promotes Digestive Health
• Reduces and Helps Manage Seizures & Epileptic Episodes

Are you thinking about purchasing CBD oil for your dog? Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at CBD products.

CBD Products on the Market  

• Buy Organic: Ideally, you want to purchase 100% organic products that are free of harsh chemicals. Just because CBD is a natural substance, that doesn’t mean it was produced naturally.
• Don’t bargain shop: Depending on which product you choose, CBD hemp oil for dogs can vary from $40-$130 per bottle. This is where it becomes imperative that you do your own research and buy from a reputable company. Keep in mind that cheap products could contain unwanted additives such as heavy metals or pesticides.
• Produced for Dogs: You should only purchase products made specifically for dogs. Just because a product is human grade does not mean it is safe for canine consumption. Human grade CBD can contain THC which can be dangerous for pets.  
• Lab Analysis: The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis from a third party that contains a complete breakdown of their product. You should only purchase CBD hemp oil that has little-to-no THC for your dog 

Pet Releaf CBD Oil For Dogs

When I first started looking at pet CBD products, I quickly found Pet Releaf. I reached out to their team for a better understanding of how their hemp oil is made. Shortly thereafter, I received a very detailed and comprehensive response that discussed their product sourcing, organic farming, CO2 extraction, and even their distribution chain.

They even have a specialized, proprietary hemp strain (PR-33) to produce hemp products just for pets.  This strain was tested to be the most beneficial for pets since it is extremely high in CBD and very low in THC (below 0.1%). It was apparent that every step of their production process was meticulously thought out – with our pets’ best interests at the heart of every decision.

The more I researched their brand, the more I appreciated their transparency.

When debating on how to give your dog CBD hemp oil, there are plenty of options to choose from: supplements with infused CBD, hemp oils, and liposome supplements are among the most popular. You should research each delivery method to determine which method is best for you and your dog. Pet Releaf offers a calculator to help you decide what product and recommended usage to purchase, should you choose to purchase products from them.  

At the end of the day, CBD should not be viewed as a medication – but as a supplement. It is a tool. Combined with training, exercise, and a well-rounded diet, CBD hemp oil can be the key to achieving and maintaining a happy, healthy dog.  

So far, I have received a lot of positive feedback and I would love to hear from you! What do you think about pet CBD hemp oil? Have you tried it yet? If so, what do you think? Comment below and let me know!