As more and more people are discovering the potential health benefits of CBD, it’s becoming increasingly popular as a natural treatment for a range of ailments. One area of particular interest is its potential to benefit dogs diagnosed with cancer. Many pet owners are now asking, “Is CBD good for dogs with cancer?”
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate sleep, appetite, and many other important functions. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not have the same effects as THC, the compound associated with getting ‘high.’
The scientific community has done extensive research on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, and the results are promising. While further research is needed to determine the full scope of CBD’s potential, there is evidence to suggest it can be effective in treating a range
Research on CBD For Dogs With Cancer
In a recent study, researchers conducted a study to determine how effective cannabis is against canine cancer cells. The study compared CBD for dogs with cancer to a combination of common chemotherapy pharmaceuticals. The study showed CBD for dogs with cancer to be effective at hindering cell proliferation and induction of autophagy and apoptosis rapidly across neoplastic cell lines.
In another promising study conducted in Canada, research was conducted to investigate CBD’s abilities against canine urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer). The study analyzed the difference in efficacy between the traditional standalone treatment, chemotherapy, versus chemotherapy and CBD for dogs with cancer. The results showed that CBD for bladder cancer not only reduced cell viability and induced cell death in the canine urothelial cells on its own, but worked even better when combined with chemotherapy.
This research was conducted in vitro, which means it wasn’t carried out on a living thing. In order to determine how precisely this combination will be used in a clinical setting and to be able to transfer this into the human clinical setting, additional studies in vivo (within a living organism) are required. However, research is constrained because of the characteristics of cannabis and the continued demonization of it by governments domestically and internationally. Research on living things, like human clinical trials, cannot be done until cannabis is de- or re-scheduled at the federal level. To lay the groundwork for clinical research when cannabis is descheduled federally, as much preclinical work as possible is being done right now.
The extent of the research being done on cannabis’ effect on cancer cells is only growing, and new research showing the benefits of CBD for dogs with cancer continues to emerge. As time goes on, and the demonization of cannabis lessens, more research is done proving cannabis (CBD, CBN, THC, and its other compounds) has a huge effect on cancer cells, and improving existing cancer treatments. We already know that CBD triggers apoptosis, stops metastasis, and has a positive effect when used with chemotherapy, but new research is constantly emerging regarding specific cancers and cannabis therapy.
CBD for canines with cancer has been demonstrated to:
Most importantly, it helps with your pet’s quality of life!
CBD as Part of a Vet-Approved Cancer Treatment Plan
A veterinarian or veterinary oncologist (a vet with a focus on cancer) may suggest a variety of treatment protocols depending on the type of cancer and the stage of progression it is in. Common methods include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to help them shrink, and supplemental medications to treat side effects. Veterinarians occasionally advise natural supplements like cannabidiol (CBD).
The point is that treating cancer in dogs typically involves a variety of strategies. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that CBD oil may help canine cancer patients in the following five ways when used as part of a treatment plan that has been approved by their veterinarian:
1. CBD Supports Anti-Tumor Medication
When they learn about CBD and its potential to shrink tumors, many people, understandably, balk. One of those assertions that simply sounds too good to be true But did you know that this subject has actually received a fair amount of research?
In fact, research on the anti-tumor effects of CBD in a variety of human cancers has shown:
As this study explains, in addition to having its own tumor-shrinking properties, CBD may so effectively enhance the tumor-shrinking mechanisms of radiation therapy that it may be possible to decrease the dosing of this treatment without decreased efficacy, thereby reducing the harmful and sometimes severe side effects of this therapy.
Another recent study demonstrated that mice with pancreatic cancer who were treated with CBD in addition to gemcitabine (a type of chemotherapy) had a threefold increase in survival rate over treatment with gemcitabine alone!
As more and more research on the science of cancer emerges, what researchers are coming to realize is that the body’s endocannabinoid system (yes, your furry friend has one of those, too) is intimately related to cancer. That is, the parts of the central and peripheral nervous system’s complex signaling process related to the development of cancer actively respond to cannabinoids such as CBD.
2. Reduces Pain and Inflammation
Pain and inflammation can be signs of the disease’s progression or side effects of treatment. How to treat cancer in dogs almost always includes pain management.
Unfortunately, many prescription pain medications have unwanted side effects. The possibility of overdose and ever-increasing tolerance are risks associated with opioid medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have come under increased scrutiny because of some canines’ serious GI issues, liver and kidney failure, and even death.
As researchers point out, the more severe negative side effects may be understudied and, in fact, pose more of a threat to senior and immune-compromised dogs.
Meanwhile, the ability of CBD to reduce both pain and inflammation is well documented. In addition, it may enhance the mechanisms of other classes of pain medications, allowing doctors to prescribe fewer or less of these drugs without compromising the comfort of the patient.
Furthermore, research has suggested a strong safety profile for CBD in humans and dogs, with fewer and less-severe side effects than other pain-management drugs commonly prescribed by veterinarians.
3. Boosts the Immune System
We now know that the endocannabinoid system and the immune system are closely linked. This relationship is so strong that some researchers have coined a term for these interrelated systems: the “immunocannabinoid system.”
Moreover, CBD in particular has been identified for its ability to reduce oxidative stress, an important process related to the body’s ability to fight off invading pathogens without further attacking and damaging healthy tissue.
Additionally, cannabinoids can support healthy gut regulation, which is related to immune function. We will explore this in more detail below.
4. Improves Sleep
Although research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in modulating sleep, the details as to what role each cannabinoid is playing are still being worked out. It is thought that THC and CBD, the two most prevalent cannabinoids found in cannabis (note that hemp strains contain only trace amounts of THC), work in opposite ways.
THC may act as a sleep agent, while CBD acts as a wake agent. This might not seem like it could help your suffering dog get a better night’s rest. However, research suggests that by promoting better “wake time” during the day, CBD oil may help with better sleep during the night cycle.
To be clear, this is an area of research that has had some mixed results in laboratory studies. In clinical practice, many veterinarians who use CBD as part of a complete cancer therapy may use a trial-and-error approach to find out if daytime, nighttime, or both works best to help their furry patients get a solid night’s sleep.
5. Helps with Nausea and Appetite
Unfortunately, the most common side effects of cancer treatment in dogs include problems maintaining a strong appetite and persistent nausea that can lead to anorexia. In addition, cancer-induced cachexia is a metabolic disorder that can be caused by several forms of cancer. It can also cause a severe loss of appetite and is the cause of as many as 20 percent of deaths among patients.
One of the reasons many oncologists are enthusiastic about the integration of cannabis-based medicine into a complete treatment program is the benefits various cannabinoids have for improving appetite and nausea.
In fact, it has been argued that the endocannabinoid system is deeply involved in regulating metabolism as well as overall gut health.
Believe it or not, the gut is jam-packed with endocannabinoid receptors, transmitters and enzymes. These systems help to maintain an environment favorable for the “good” gut flora as well as maintain a newly discovered “brain-gut” pathway thought to be critical to regulating a host of autonomic biological systems.
How Can I Get A Hold of CBD Oil?
Given that CBD can enhance your dog’s quality of life, you’re probably eager to give it a try. Look no further than the inventory at Innovet Pet. For dogs with cancer, we offer a variety of CBD products, including:
Instead of broad spectrum, our CBD oil is full spectrum. Currently, the vast majority of dogs do not respond well to broad spectrum CBD, despite the fact that it is great. It’s crucial to note that full spectrum CBD has a much greater entourage effect than broad spectrum CBD.
FAQ
Does CBD oil fight cancer in dogs?
Osteosarcoma, mammary carcinoma, and lymphoma cell cultures from dogs were subjected to varying concentrations of CBD alone and in combination with the widely used chemotherapy drugs doxorubicin and vincristine. All examined cell lines were significantly less likely to reproduce cancer cells after using CBD oil.
What is the best CBD oil for dogs with cancer?
- Royal CBD Full-Spectrum Pet Oil – Best Overall. …
- CBD Pure CBDPet 100 – Best Value. …
- Spruce CBD Dog CBD Oil – Premium Choice. …
- Honest Paws CBD Oil for Dogs – Best for Puppies.
- Nuleaf Naturals CBD Oil for Dogs. …
- Joy Organics CBD Oil for Pets. …
- Charlotte’s Web Full Spectrum Hemp Extract.
What can I give my dog to shrink tumor?
It has been demonstrated that a calcium chloride injection can shrink canine benign tumors.
What kills cancer cells in dogs?
If cancer cells are discovered and recognized as a threat, a pet’s own white blood cells will go after them and kill them. Immune-system modulators are medications administered orally or intravenously that stimulate the immune system and enable it to identify and attack cancer cells.