I’d like to introduce myself; I’m Randi and I’m a self-proclaimed helicopter pet mom. Yes, any little blemish, hiccup, misstep, or even pitch difference in a bark or meow; has me calling for backup as I pin them down for a thorough examination in the middle of the kitchen floor. My husband and son are constantly apologizing to either a cat or a dog, as they follow my orders to lift a leg higher and hold a wagging tail still while I examine what I think maybe an unusual “butt bump”. It’s not my fault, really. My overly enthusiastic approach to pet care likely stems from what is called “Compassion Fatigue”, a rather specific PTSD-like phenomenon experienced by shelter and rescue workers and volunteers. Or, I’m simply bat-crap crazy when it comes to my 3 dogs and 2 cats. Many years ago, I worked as an exam technician for the SPCA in Polk County, Florida. I began as a volunteer, got hired to clean poopy cages, and worked my way into learning the medical side of shelter life. Eventually, I accepted a position as a veterinary assistant in an animal hospital; and although my medical knowledge was greatly expanded, I could not seem to recover from “shelter mentality”. After many years in the industry, I now use my expertise to keep my own pets healthy; and probably annoy them a little in the process. I swear they roll their eyes at me! Admittedly and despite my medical background, I am a fan of natural and holistic healthy alternatives. I have witnessed firsthand the potential side effects from certain pharmaceuticals and they can be quite disturbing. I was thrilled when I recently learned that like us, our pets can receive many benefits from hemp-derived CBD and I was more than eager to educate myself on the endocannabinoid system. According to Wikipedia; “The endocannabinoid system ( ECS ) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility, pregnancy, during pre – and postnatal development, appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory,”

This is a lot of information! Let’s see if I can’t explain it a bit easier. Every mammal is naturally equipped with an endocannabinoid system containing receptors that when nourished, restore balance and create homeostasis. The relationship between our endocannabinoid system and CBD, or cannabidiol, can be compared to a lock and key system. Cannabinoids, when implemented in a consistent nutritional regimen; unlock the two types of receptors in our bodies, allowing them to function as intended. Both CB1 and CB2 unlock and nourish receptors in the brain, immune system, bone marrow, liver, and pancreas. CB2 is it’s own rockstar of the receptor world, as it targets the brain, vascular system, lungs, muscles, skin, bones, glial cells, spleen, GI tract, and reproductive system. Due to the United States being in hemp prohibition since the late 1930’s, our endocannabinoid system hadn’t been discovered until recently. It’s been a slow process in realizing the importance of cannabinoids found in hemp. The prohibition kept farmers from growing hemp, which could no longer serve as a primary grazing crop for livestock; therefore being eliminated completely from our diets as well. Hemp plants are cannabis classified, and a “cousin” so to speak of marijuana. The primary difference is the concentration of the THC cannabinoid, which is what gives the “high” feeling. Hemp-derived CBD contains very little THC but maintains the myriad of healthy benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. About a year ago, my pretty pitty, Banshee tore her ACL {anterior cruciate ligament} while attempting to chase the neighbor’s cat, back to her side of the fence. She came back to the door badly limping; unable to put any pressure on her right hind leg. You can imagine what happened next as I yelled for my son to bring an ice pack, stat! Carefully manipulating her leg, as to not to exacerbate the injury, I realized the vet had to be called. After a quick, and in my opinion, less than thorough exam, we were told she would need surgery to repair her ACL. Our estimate, as you can imagine was twice my monthly mortgage payment. We brought her home and planned to schedule her procedure for the following week. Of course, she was sent home with pain meds and an anti-inflammatory. {Meloxicam and Tramadol}. I did administer the meds as directed for the first two days. I didn’t want Banshee to be in any unnecessary discomfort, but they made her vomit. As I said, I know enough about vet medicine to be annoying, and things were just not adding up to a surgical conclusion. We bought her a brace, and I immediately increased her CBD serving. Banshee is a 90 lb. pit mix, and had been getting 10 drops of 250mg CBD each day as a nutritional supplement. I increased to 1 full dropper {about 20 drops } twice a day. Keeping her still was an adventure, to say the least, but within 3 days, she was beginning to put pressure on her leg, and by day 5, she wanted to run and play. We kept her as still as possible for the next 2 weeks and made sure we had plenty of CBD on hand. Yes, I canceled her surgery; and yes, Banshee is back to chasing that cat back over the fence. CBD isn’t a cure, and not meant to replace any medications without a medical professionals approval. So, how do we determine if CBD is a good choice for our pets, and which brands offer the best oil? As I mentioned, CBD can be beneficial to every mammal. Our bodies are naturally designed to accept cannabinoids, but not the additives and fillers in some products prominently advertised in stores and online. Please, don’t let low prices and high hype influence your decision when choosing CBD. I’ve read labels from other oils which contain things like ethanol and xylitol. {Please note, xylitol is a sweetener typically found in sugarless treats, and is toxic to animals.} Fillers and other carrier oils such as MCT, olive or coconut are common ingredients in some brands. Although not toxic, they do not contain the same benefits and may not contain CBD at all. Don’t pay for a bottle of coconut oil posing as CBD. Hempworx quickly earned my trust and loyalty by formulating pet CBD products that are pure and veterinary approved. Hempworx CBD contains 2 ingredients {3 if you count the natural flavor}; CBD and hemp seed oil as the carrier. Hemp seed oil is rich in fatty acids, heart-healthy and great for the skin. If your pet is prone to hot spots or skin allergies, you’ll want to consider our hemp-derived CBD.

Hempworx 250mg oil is naturally bacon-flavored; and quite palatable to dogs and cats. However, learn from my mistake, and don’t let anyone dare you to try the pet oil. Humans and pets have a very different idea of what bacon tastes like! I wasn’t so curious as to try the CBD dog treats, which are all-natural, organic, non-GMO, and {I’ll take their word for it}naturally beef flavored. Each treat, or serving of oil {will vary, depending on size} contains 2.5mg of CBD. Although servings are suggested by weight; they can be adjusted depending on your pet’s metabolism. Just a bit more science before I close; CBD is cumulative and stored in our fat cells. It should be implemented as a daily nutritional supplement much like a vitamin. Less active animals may require fewer drops than the suggested serving, and more active pets may benefit from a few drops more.

Good news; there is no way to overdose your pet and no documented side effects. More good news, there are no psychoactive concerns, as the THC cannabinoid is barely represented. This means your pet won’t get high. By the way, a high concentration of THC can be detrimental to your pet. It is NOT recommended to share any medical marijuana products with your pet. Choose a pet-specific, hemp-derived CBD product that has been veterinary approved. Worth repeating, all CBD is not the same. Please read your labels, or trust my recommendation, and order Hempworx. As I have clearly illustrated in this lengthy post, I love chatting about CBD, and my pets, and have a few more awesome pet stories to share! I would like to invite everyone to contact me with any questions or concerns. I’ve done my research, and have literally made it my job to educate and inform. Follow me on Facebook; Randi Dalfonzo. {you can see all my supermodels}.

Join my Facebook info group; Healthy Hemp Life USA CBD4ME. Shoot me a message, email or text, whatever is best for you. dvine.dsigns27@gmail.com or text: 407-504-8400

Thank you all for sharing my passion {ok, obsession} for our pets, and their well being. It’s up to us to give them their best life. For more information on our products, or to place an order please visit: https://www.HempWorx.com/RandiD