CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Let us be very clear: CBD oil alone does not cure cancer in dogs despite some CBD manufacturers try to suggest this. We honestly think that this quite an irresponsible approach.
It is also pointless. The fact is that there are many research-based ways in which CBD oil can provide essential support to a cancer treatment plan well-designed for your pet. This kind of help can even change the efficacy of other medical methods and your pet's overall quality of life during cancer treatment.
Although no natural cancer treatment in dogs is known, this article will direct you to scientific research on CBD oil and various aspects of treating cancer in dogs. We hope you will find enough helpful information and become well informed when it comes to your pet's best interests. If you were looking for a quality guide to such a natural treatment regarding cancer in dogs, you have found it!
CBD as part of a cancer treatment plan approved by vets
Depending on the type of cancer and the degree of progression it is discovered in, a vet or veterinary oncologist (a vet specializing in cancer) can recommend various treatments. Surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to help shrink them, and supporting drugs to address the side effects of the treatment are common approaches. In some cases, veterinarians recommend natural supplements such as cannabidiol (CBD).
The point is that the fight against cancer in dogs usually involves a multilateral approach. There is research underlining the proposal that CBD oil can be beneficial for dogs with cancer as part of a treatment plan approved by a vet in the following five ways:
1. CBD supports anticancer drugs
Many people rightly defend their skeptical view when they hear about CBD and its potential to help reduce tumor size. Unfortunately, it is one of those statements that sounds too good to be true. But did you know that this is a relatively well-researched topic?
CBD proved to have anticancer effects in several types of human cancers, including:
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Brain and spine tumors
- Lung cancer
- Colon cancer
As this study explains, in addition to having its tumor-shrinking properties, CBD can also effectively increase radiation therapy mechanisms, making the tumor shrink. Thus, it is possible to reduce the dosage of radiotherapy without reducing its effectiveness, resulting in reducing harmful and sometimes severe side effects.
Another recent study has shown that mice with pancreatic cancer treated with CBD in addition to Gemcitabine (a type of chemotherapy medication) had a threefold increase in survival rates compared to using the drug alone!
As more and more research emerges in the field of cancer science, scientists are beginning to realize that the body's endocannabinoid system (yes, even your furry friend has one). Furthermore, ECS is closely related to cancer, which means that parts of the complex signaling process of the central and peripheral nervous system associated with cancer development actively respond to cannabinoids such as CBD.
2. Reduces pain and inflammation
Pain and inflammation are often the main side effects of treatment or progression of the disease itself. Thus pain management is almost always part of the treatment of cancer in dogs.
Unfortunately, many prescription painkillers have unwanted side effects. Opioid drugs bear the danger of ever-increasing tolerance, thus a potential for overdose. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) were more often investigated for their significant side effects in some dogs, including serious gastroenterological problems, liver and kidney failure, and even death.
As scientists point out, more serious adverse side effects tend to be underestimated, posing a more significant threat to older dogs and dogs with weakened immunity.
CBD's ability to reduce pain and inflammation is very well documented nowadays. In addition, CBD can improve the mechanisms of other classes of painkillers, allowing doctors to prescribe fewer without compromising the fury patient's comfort.
The research also suggests a strong safety profile of CBD in humans and dogs with less severe side effects than other commonly prescribed painkillers by vets or physicians.
3. Strengthens the immune system
We know now that the endocannabinoid system and the immune system are closely related. This relationship is so strong that some scientists have created a term for it, namely the immune-cannabinoid system.
Also, in particular, CBD can reduce oxidative stress, a necessary process related to the body's ability to fight attacking pathogens without a further infestation of healthy tissue and its consequent damage. Moreover, cannabinoids can help regulate healthy gut function, which is also closely related to immunity (we go into more detail below).
4. Improves sleep
Interestingly enough, this is an area of research that has mixed results in lab studies. However, in clinical practice, many vets who use CBD as part of comprehensive cancer treatment can use a trial and error method to see whether a day, night or both works best to help the furry patients achieve a solid sleep.
Although research has shown that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in modulating sleep, details of what role each cannabinoid represents are still under exploration. It is believed, though, that THC and CBD, the two most widely used cannabinoids found in cannabis (note that hemp varieties contain only trace amounts of THC), counterwork each other.
THC can act as a sleep-inducing agent, while CBD the other way around. So it seems like they may not be much help to your suffering dog to get better rest. However, research suggests that by promoting better awake time during the day, CBD oil can help with better sleep during the night.
5. Helps with nausea and appetite
Unfortunately, the most common side effects of cancer treatment in dogs include maintaining appetite and persistent nausea, which can lead to anorexia. Moreover, cancer-induced cachexia is a metabolic disorder that several forms of cancer can cause. Unfortunately, it can also cause severe loss of appetite and is responsible for up to 20 percent of deaths.
One reason why many oncologists are excited about integrating cannabis-based medicine into a comprehensive treatment program is the benefit of different cannabinoids to improve appetite and nausea. In addition, it is believed that the endocannabinoid system is deeply involved in regulating metabolism and overall gut health.
Believe it or not, the intestine is crammed with cannabinoid receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. These systems help maintain the environment beneficial to intestinal flora and support the recently discovered brain-gut connection, which is essential for regulating several autonomous biological systems.
Cannabidiol is known for its interactions with drugs. In some cases, this means that you can use fewer drugs, such as those prescribed to treat pain. In other cases, your vet may recommend that you administer cannabidiol at a different time than other medications to ensure that this powerful supplement does not affect the other drug's effects.
In some states, hemp medicine for pets has already received full support from the vet community. For example, the California Veterinary Medical Association recently has won a push for legislation protecting vets who want to discuss cannabis-based drugs with clients.
Not all veterinarians are open to research into the health benefits of CBD, though. So, if you are interested in finding a vet more open to the use of CBD oil as part of a treatment program for cancer in dogs, find a professional with a holistic approach and book a consultation. Indeed, be ready to invest in good quality broad-spectrum CBD oil made specifically for pets.
Remember that CBD oil is not a cure for cancer. However, research-based reasons support the idea that it may be a value-added supplement to a well-set cancer treatment program.