Can CBD Oil Shrink Tumors in Dogs? What Science and Pet Parents Need to Know

If you’re a dog parent facing the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer in your furry friend, you’re probably researching every possible treatment option. One question that comes up frequently is whether CBD oil can shrink tumors in dogs. As someone who’s spent countless hours researching this topic for my own senior pup, I want to share what I’ve learned about this promising but sometimes misunderstood supplement.

The Truth About CBD Oil and Canine Tumors

Let’s be straight about this upfront: CBD oil alone will not cure cancer in dogs. It’s not a miracle drug that will make tumors disappear overnight. However, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may help in several important ways when it comes to managing canine cancer.

While CBD cannot remove or completely get rid of a cancerous tumor on its own, in some cases, it has been known to:

• Slow the growth of cancer cells
• Work effectively alongside conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation
• Significantly improve quality of life for dogs with cancer

How CBD Works Against Cancer in Dogs

Every mammal, including your dog, has an endocannabinoid system—a series of receptors throughout the body that help regulate pain, anxiety, nausea, and other functions. CBD interacts with this system, which is how it provides many of its benefits.

When it comes to fighting cancer specifically, CBD may help in seven key ways:

1. Anti-Tumor Properties

CBD has shown potential as an anti-tumor medication by impacting two critical cancer-related processes:

• Angiogenesis: This is the process of creating new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth. CBD helps prevent this process.
• Metastasis: This refers to the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body. CBD may help impede this spreading.

Research published by the British Pharmacology Society demonstrated CBD’s inhibiting effect on angiogenesis, while the National Library of Medicine has released papers showing CBD’s positive effect on impeding metastasis.

2. Reduces Inflammation and Pain

Cancer often causes significant inflammation and pain as it damages tissues and organs. CBD has well-documented anti-inflammatory properties that work on two levels

• Inhibiting COX-2, an enzyme that triggers inflammation
• Blocking pro-inflammatory cytokines that support inflammation

For dogs suffering from cancer pain, CBD provides relief by mimicking the wellness effects of serotonin and affecting anandamide signaling, which helps modulate pain perception.

3. Enhances Sleep Quality

Dogs with cancer often struggle with sleep disturbances due to pain, anxiety, or the effects of treatment. CBD promotes natural calmness and relaxation, which can improve both sleep quality and quantity.

While specific studies on CBD’s effect on dog sleep are limited, conclusions from human studies and anecdotal reports from pet owners suggest that CBD helps dogs with cancer get better rest.

4. Helps with Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is a common side effect of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. CBD has demonstrated anti-nausea effects, helping to relieve nausea and suppress vomiting in dogs undergoing treatment.

Studies have shown that animals do not develop tolerance to CBD’s anti-nausea effect even with continuous use, making it particularly valuable for long-term cancer treatment protocols.

5. Boosts Immune System Function

Cancer can significantly weaken a dog’s immune system CBD helps boost immune function and increases natural defense mechanisms, which is essential for cancer patients

A 2021 study published in Veterinary Sciences elaborated on CBD’s ability to modulate the immune system, potentially helping dogs better fight the disease.

6. Improves Appetite

Many dogs with cancer experience reduced appetite, which can lead to weight loss and decreased strength. CBD oil can help improve appetite by:

• Relieving nausea and vomiting
• Calming the nervous system
• Supporting digestive health

For best results, look for full-spectrum CBD products that contain CBG (cannabigerol), which has been shown to directly stimulate appetite in studies.

7. Reduces Cancer Cell Proliferation

Perhaps most significantly for tumor shrinkage, CBD has been shown to reduce cell proliferation through apoptosis signaling. Apoptosis is pre-programmed cellular death—normal cells undergo this process, but cancer cells typically don’t.

CBD appears to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, essentially programming them to die. Studies published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science and Veterinary and Comparative Oncology have confirmed CBD’s ability to promote apoptosis in cancer cells.

What Pet Parents Should Know About CBD Products

Types of CBD for Dogs with Cancer

There are three main categories of CBD products to consider:

1. Full-spectrum CBD: Contains the highest levels of beneficial plant compounds, including various cannabinoids and terpenes. This creates an “entourage effect” that boosts effectiveness. Best for dogs with healthy appetites, though it may have a grassy taste some dogs dislike.

2. Broad-spectrum CBD: Contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC. A good middle-ground option.

3. CBD isolate: Pure CBD with no other plant compounds. Has no flavor, making it ideal for picky eaters or dogs experiencing nausea.

Dosage Guidelines for Dogs with Cancer

The general recommended CBD dosage for dogs with cancer is between 1-5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice daily. However, individual needs vary based on:

• The dog’s weight
• Cancer type and severity
• Severity of symptoms

Always start with the lowest recommended dose (about 0.1-0.2 mg per pound) and gradually increase if needed once your dog adjusts to the supplement. For severe cases, you might eventually increase to 0.5 mg per pound, but only after your dog has become accustomed to CBD.

Finding the right amount takes some trial and error, as every dog responds differently. Many pet owners find a dosage calculator helpful, or you can consult with a veterinarian familiar with CBD use.

Safety Considerations

CBD is generally considered safe for dogs with cancer, with few side effects. However, possible side effects can include:

• Lethargy or drowsiness
• Stomach upset
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Inhibited liver enzymes
• Low blood pressure
• Increased tremors
• Increased itchiness

To minimize side effects, choose high-quality, pure CBD products and introduce them slowly. Most side effects can be managed by adjusting the dosage.

Combining CBD with Traditional Cancer Treatments

One of CBD’s advantages is that it can be safely used alongside conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. In fact, CBD may enhance the effectiveness of these treatments while reducing their side effects.

For a multi-faceted approach, you might consider consulting with an integrative veterinarian who is knowledgeable about combining natural remedies like CBD with conventional treatments. Since laws regarding veterinarians and CBD discussions vary by state, you’ll likely need to initiate the conversation about adding CBD to your dog’s treatment plan.

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Your Dog

When selecting CBD oil for a dog with cancer, look for products that:

• Are made from organic, US-grown hemp
• Use CO2 extraction methods
• Provide third-party lab test results
• Contain 0.3% THC or less
• Are free from pesticides and heavy metals

Some of the most reputable brands for dogs with cancer include:

• Honest Paws Well CBD Oil Tincture
• Penelope’s Bloom CBD Oil
• Batch Pet CBD Oil Tincture
• Four Leaf Rover CBD
• NuLeaf Naturals Pet CBD Oil

These products come in various strengths for dogs of different sizes and some offer pet-friendly flavors to make administration easier.

Beyond CBD: Other Natural Supplements

In addition to CBD, you might want to consider Turkey Tail Mushroom supplements, which have been used medicinally for centuries and show promise in supporting animals with cancer. Since neither CBD nor mushroom supplements have known significant side effects, using both may provide additional benefits for your dog’s health.

The Bottom Line: Can CBD Oil Actually Shrink Tumors in Dogs?

Based on current research and clinical experience, CBD oil may help shrink certain types of tumors in dogs, but it should not be relied upon as a standalone treatment for cancer.

CBD works best as part of a comprehensive, veterinarian-approved treatment plan that might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies. Its greatest value lies in its ability to:

1. Potentially slow tumor growth
2. Reduce cancer cell proliferation
3. Improve quality of life during treatment
4. Manage symptoms and side effects of both the cancer and conventional treatments

While we all wish for a simple, natural solution that could cure our beloved pets of cancer, the reality is more complex. CBD offers significant benefits for dogs with cancer, but it’s most effective when used as part of an integrated approach to cancer care.

If you’re considering CBD for your dog’s cancer treatment, talk with your veterinarian about how to incorporate it safely and effectively. With proper use, CBD may help your furry friend fight cancer more comfortably and possibly even contribute to tumor shrinkage as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Remember, each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The goal is always to provide the best possible quality of life for our canine companions, however long we’re blessed to have them with us.

The “fastest” way to shrink a tumor on a dog depends on the type of tumor, and there is no single method that works for all, but quick and effective treatments often involve injections of drugs or bacteria, cryotherapy (freezing), hyperthermia (heating), or surgery, with combinations like radiation therapy and chemotherapy often used for more aggressive cancers.

While no supplement can reliably shrink tumors in dogs, fish oil (rich in EPA and DHA) is often recommended by veterinarians for its anti-tumor effects and to combat cancer-related wasting, though a professional consultation is crucial before administering any supplement.