CBD for Dogs with Cancer

You walk out of the vet bewildered and scared. Your dog has just been diagnosed with cancer. A sense of sorrow comes over you as you realize this terrible disease may be limiting the time left with your pet. According to PHDs, dogs have the highest cancer rate of any mammal on Earth, and it's the main cause of death in older dogs.

It must be said that CBD does not cure cancer. But CBD oil for dogs with cancer has displayed benefits in research and studies discussed later in this article.

Cancer is an overwhelming illness regarding cost, time, and displeasure. Removing tumors is an expensive process that can range from $180-$375 for skin tumors to $2,000-$6,000 for internal tumors. The pain relievers and antibiotics needed can cost up to $60 a month or more. If you consider the emotional cost of canine cancer, the price is beyond measure.

This article explores CBD oil for dog cancer, its relationship to post-cancer treatments, and looks at some potential natural remedies.

IS CBD OIL GOOD FOR DOGS WITH CANCER?

There is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that CBD oil is good for dog cancer. On the other hand, small preclinical studies demonstrated that CBD could kill specific cancer cells.

Most CBD and cancer research has been conducted on humans. Fortunately, humans and dogs share an ECS (endocannabinoid system), so they will react similarly.

Research has revealed that different cannabinoids can have an impact on cells. Some of those impacts are listed below:

Induce Cell Death and Block Cell Growth - 2018, the University of Melbourne studied CBD's effects on pancreatic cancer. They concluded that CBD could reduce tumor invasion and growth, induce cell death, and inhibit tumor blood cell growth through cannabinoid receptors.

Stop Growth of Blood Vessels – John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers observed cancer cells spreading by attaching themselves to blood vessels walls and releasing tumor cells directly to the bloodstream.

According to a study published in 2012 by the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD suppresses the growth of new blood vessels through various methods.

A 2014 study showed that CBD protects against blood vessel damage caused by a high glucose environment or inflammation. Cancer needs blood to grow, and slowing that down should help in the therapeutic process.

Reduce Inflammation – Cancer can cause pain due to inflammation. A 2001 review reads, the importance of inflammation in the progression of some cancers has been firmly highlighted, with the inflammatory response being linked to 15–20 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide.

A 2019 study demonstrated that preclinical and clinical research had helped us better comprehend the therapeutic potential of CBD. It presents potential in several illnesses, including those caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.

Reduce the Ability of Cancers to Spread – A 2020 study regarding the most recent findings on CBD discovered it could prevent the spread of cells and may assist in the process of bad cell death.

TYPES OF CANCER IN DOGS AND POTENTIAL CBD EFFECT

Cancer can grow anywhere in or on a dog's body. It starts when cells start to grow out of control.

Mast Cell Tumors (MCT) – Mast Cell Tumors are dogs' most common skin tumors. MCT is a blood cell cancer involved in the body's allergens and inflammation; it can affect different body parts, including bone marrow, GI tract, liver, and the spleen.

A 2021 report obtained a quote from a researcher at Cornell University. They said that CBD had been studied for its natural tumor-stopping properties alone and in combination with standard cancer therapies, yielding encouraging results.

Melanoma – Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells growing out of control. Melanoma is common but more dangerous because of its rapid rate of growth.

A pilot study from 2018 found that mice infected with melanoma substantially reduced tumor size and the survivability of the bad cells using CBD.

Lipomas – Lipomas are fatty tumors just below the skin. Lipomas are slow-growing and usually non-threatening. Although lipomas do not pose a massive threat, they are common and worth mentioning.

Through research, CBD has shown its promise in reducing bad cell growth. Although lipomas are mostly benign, some are near nerves and may irritate a pet. CBD anti-inflammation properties may help in treating lipomas.

Lymphoma – Lymphoma represents a larger group of cancers. They account for 7 – 14% of all cancer in dogs—types of lymphoma number in the '30s. Lymphomas can affect any part of the body but mostly happen in the lymph nodes. They look like a large mass under the dog's skin because the swollen lymph node blocks normal drainage from the body.

A 2018 study concluded that their results showed CBD has strong potential in disrupting large B-cell lymphoma. Additionally, the findings suggest that CBD effectively reduces the risk of recurrence.

Sarcomas - Soft tissue sarcomas are a broad category of tumors that emerge from dogs' connective, muscle, or nervous tissues. Sarcomas also come in the non-soft tissue variety, like osteosarcoma.

A journal of Medical Sciences wrote by selecting the ECS; cannabinoids affect many essential cellular processes and signaling routes crucial for tumor development. The study continues that Cannabinoids are an important class of compounds encouraging healing potential for treating various diseases, including cancer.

CAN CBD HELP WITH SIDE EFFECTS FROM CANCER TREATMENTS FOR DOGS?

Cancer is a terrible disease to acquire. Some patients describe the treatments as even worse than the original symptoms. Since dogs can't talk to us, we need to assume they feel like humans undergoing cancer treatments.

CBD may assist in treating the side effects of traditional cancer treatments because of its anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory properties.

DOES IT WORK WITH TRADITIONAL CANCER TREATMENTS?

Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is a combination of drugs that kill cancer cells. The side effects on dogs can be bad, including diarrhea, dehydration, bladder irritation, low white blood count, and vomiting up to 12 hours after the treatment.

One CBD review stated preclinical and clinical research proposes that cannabinoid compounds may have promise in treating nausea in chemotherapy patients. Dogs under chemotherapy may have a loss of appetite. CBD may assist in stimulating that appetite through the ECS.

Radiation Therapy - The most common variety of radiation therapy employed to treat cancer in pets is external beam radiation. According to the American Cancer Society, common side effects from external beam radiation are fatigue and skin issues. CBD may help skin irritated from radiation therapy because of its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties.

We make a concentrated 500mg Topical CBD balm for dogs that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your dog's skin to deliver a targeted dose of CBD. For best results, it can be used alone or combined with our CBD oil for dogs.

Surgery – Surgery is a normal option for dogs with cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove localized cancer from an infected area. This treatment, while effective, can leave the dog hurting as removing tumors in the body can be painful, not to mention the removal of limbs. CBD may offer some relief and relaxation post-surgery for dogs.

CAN I TREAT MY DOG'S CANCER NATURALLY?

Consult your veterinarian before you decide to use CBD on dogs with cancer. You may be able to treat your dog's cancer naturally, but it will most likely be in conjunction with traditional cancer therapies.

It needs to be said that currently, there is no proof home remedies or natural remedies cure cancer. There may be some anecdotal evidence, but conclusive scientific evidence is lacking.

The Mayo Clinic writes some alternative cancer treatments have shown promise, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, exercise, hypnosis, massage, meditation, music therapy, relaxation techniques, and yoga. These are centered around pain and psychological management, but not cures.

If your dog has been diagnosed with cancer, ask your vet about CBD oil for dogs. It may be a natural way to provide your pet with some relief, and possibly more, during these hard times.