Compare the best CBD for condition in 2021

How CBD May Help Dogs With Cancer

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), dogs get cancer at almost the same rate as humans⁽¹⁾. Until recently, most drugs available to treat cancer in animals were approved for people. 

However, in the past few years, veterinary drug sponsors have developed treatments meant specifically for animals. The FDA works closely with these companies. 

FDA veterinarian Lisa Troutman recognizes the need for more targeted therapies, including substances or proteins unique to cancer cells. Thus, veterinary experts are developing cancer treatments that will not harm animals’ healthy cells. 

Although the FDA has not approved cannabidiol (CBD) for use in animals, various CBD products are now widely marketed for pets⁽²⁾. 

CBD is one of the diverse cannabinoids present in cannabis plants. It is also a cannabis compound of greatest therapeutic interest in veterinary medicine⁽³⁾.

Aside from CBD’s purported health benefits, this non-psychoactive compound is also believed to counteract the adverse effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) when administered concurrently⁽⁴⁾.  

THC is the principal psychoactive compound of cannabis (sometimes called marijuana). 

CBD and THC are exogenous phytocannabinoids that may interact with the ECS (endocannabinoid system) like endogenous ligands, which are naturally-occurring chemical substances that bind to cannabinoid receptors⁽⁵⁾.  

The ECS, responsible for maintaining the body’s homeostasis or balance, is pervasive in mammals like dogs. One of the three components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2 receptors. 

CB1 and CB2 receptors are also present throughout a dogs’ body⁽⁶⁾. Localization of CB1 receptors in the brain reflects their control of cognition, motor function, memory, and analgesia or loss of pain perception⁽⁷⁾. 

On the other hand, CB2 receptors in the immune system modulate a healthy response to inflammation by up-regulating multiple anti-inflammatory pathways⁽⁸⁾. 

CBD may have a low binding affinity for cannabinoid receptors. However, this phytocannabinoid is believed to have strong anti-inflammatory effects by indirect activation of CB1 receptors through inhibition of the endocannabinoid inactivation⁽⁹⁾. 

In addition, CBD may provide immune system support, which may benefit companion animals like dogs with cancer⁽¹⁰⁾. 

The warning signs of canine cancer are similar to those in people, which include a lump, a wound that does not heal, and any inflammation and abnormal bleeding⁽¹¹⁾. 

However, dog owners should also look for basic changes like loss of appetite and sleep disruptions.

In some cases, cells in the immune system may turn into tumors, resulting in the production of nonfunctional cancer cells⁽¹²⁾. For instance, dogs and cats may develop a tumor or lymphoma⁽¹³⁾. 

CBD’s therapeutic potential and its activity in the ECS may be promising. Still, the FDA warns pet owners against the use of cannabis and its derivatives and recommends consulting a veterinarian for proper treatment options⁽¹⁴⁾.

Although some veterinarians in the U.S. may not be legally allowed to recommend, dispense, or even discuss CBD products with their patients, you may initiate an open dialogue with them⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Benefits of Using CBD for Dogs With Cancer

Scientific data on the benefits of CBD oil for dogs with conditions like cancer is still lacking. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the compound may provide pain relief⁽¹⁶⁾. 

A scientific report from the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association stated that about 77.6% of dog owners said they use a hemp-derived product for an illness diagnosed by a veterinarian⁽¹⁷⁾. 

According to the report, the most common canine conditions include seizures, arthritis, anxiety, and cancer.   

Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC), says CBD has purported anti-inflammatory properties, anti-nausea effects, anti-anxiety characteristics, appetite-stimulating impact, and cardiac and anti-cancer benefits⁽¹⁸⁾.

A 2021 study from the journal Veterinary and Comparative Oncology hypothesized that CBD may effectively hinder cell reproduction and induction of autophagy and apoptosis across neoplastic cell lines^(19-20).

Autophagy refers to the body’s ability to clean out damaged cells. Apoptosis eradicates excess or potentially harmful cells and terminates immune responses⁽²¹⁾. 

Cell cultures from various types of cancer in dogs were exposed to different concentrations of CBD alone and combined with chemotherapy drugs vincristine and doxorubicin^(22-23). 

In all cell lines studied, the researchers observed that the use of CBD-rich whole hemp extract decreased cancer cell reproduction at lower concentrations compared to CBD oil alone. 

These findings were likely due to the entourage effect, a theory wherein the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together. 

In addition, the researchers hypothesized that CBD combined with vincristine may reduce cancer cell proliferation in a synergistic way or with a more significant effect than either compound alone. 

Meanwhile, the results varied, depending on the concentration of each chemical, when CBD was combined with doxorubicin.   

Another 2021 research study examined the combination therapy with CBD chemotherapy drugs in canine urothelial carcinoma cells⁽²⁴⁾. Canine urothelial carcinoma is a type of canine bladder cancer. 

The findings suggested CBD as a single potential agent treating canine urothelial carcinoma. The compound combined with chemotherapeutics mitoxantrone and vinblastine may also be promising⁽²⁵⁾.  

Studies documenting the potential effect of CBD alone as an anti-cancer substance and in combination with chemotherapeutics suggest how CBD may influence canine cancer cells. 

Still, more longitudinal research is necessary to elucidate the therapeutic effects of CBD on dogs with cancer. 

How to Administer CBD Oil to Your Dog With Cancer 

Dog owners can find various CBD-quality products on the market. There are a few methods to use to give CBD oil and other CBD-derived products to dogs with cancer. 

CBD tincture or CBD oil consists of CBD extracts suspended in a carrier oil, such as hempseed oil, MCT oil, and coconut oil.

CBD oil products or pet tinctures typically come with a calibrated dropper, allowing pet parents to dose their dogs more accurately. 

Administering CBD oil under a pet’s tongue, cheeks, or mouth lets CBD be absorbed quickly through mucous membranes⁽²⁶⁾.  

However, some dogs may not like the earthy flavor of cannabidiol. If that is the case, you can mix the oil in dog food or add it to dog treats. 

CBD dog treats are great, especially if your canine companion enjoys taking treats. Treats and chews are easy to administer because they are usually tasty and come in flavors like peanut butter, baked cheese, and sweet potato. 

Another popular way to give your pet CBD oil tincture is to apply it directly to its skin for localized relief. Aside from oils, CBD topical products are available in creams, lotions, and salves. 

CBD Dosage

Despite the interest in CBD’s therapeutic potential, the FDA has not approved cannabis products and their derivatives for any use in animals⁽²⁷⁾. For this reason, there is no standard CBD dosage for dogs with cancer. 

However, the following studies may elucidate how an appropriate CBD dosage may help dogs. 

A 2018 study from Frontiers in Veterinary Science examined CBD’s pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy in canine osteoarthritis⁽²⁸⁾. 

Osteoarthritis causes joint pain⁽²⁹⁾. In the study, the researchers hypothesized that 2 mg of CBD–enriched oil per kilogram of body weight administered twice daily may help increase comfort and activity in osteoarthritic dogs⁽³⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, a 2020 study mentioned that CBD may significantly reduce canine cancer cell reproduction across five canine neoplastic cell lines using concentrations ranging from 2.5 micrograms per milliliter of CBD⁽³¹⁾. 

Although promising, these findings are inconclusive. Therefore, it is recommended that dog owners consult a veterinarian expert in cannabis use. 

However, remember that the state veterinary medical board mandates veterinarians in the U.S. on how much they are allowed to guide their clients regarding CBD product usage⁽³²⁾. Hence, be prepared for potential limitations. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Dogs With Cancer?

How long CBD takes to help dogs with cancer depends on the administration route and other factors like CBD potency, body weight, and severity of the dog’s condition. 

Research on CBD for dogs is limited, and most studies and accounts on how soon the non-psychoactive compound takes effect have been done on humans. 

Although dogs also have an ECS, their size and biology are different from humans. 

Nevertheless, a study reported that oil-based products between 2 and 10mg/kg of CBD had average maximal serum concentrations reaching about 100 to 600 nanograms per milliliter within 2 hours of treatment in dogs⁽³³⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help Dogs With Cancer?

How long CBD will last after it takes effect usually depends on its pharmacokinetics, including half-life.

 Pharmacokinetics includes the time course of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. On the other hand, half-life is the time required for a drug concentration to reduce by 50% of its starting dose.

According to a 2019 study, oil-based CBD products between 2 and 10mg of CBD administered to dogs had approximately 4 hours of half-elimination rates⁽³⁴⁾.      

How to Choose the Right CBD for Cancer in Dogs

Most CBD companies like Paw CBD, HolistaPet, and Honest Paws are dedicated to offering their customers high-quality CBD oil and CBD-derived pet products.

Some brands even offer a money-back guarantee if their products do not deliver as promised. 

Hence, pet parents may find it challenging to choose the best CBD products for their pets to live a better quality of life and have an improved overall wellness. 

If you want to try cannabidiol for your canine companion, here is a guide to help you select the best CBD oil for dogs with cancer:

1. Learn about the different hemp extracts.  

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the compounds naturally present in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum hemp also has less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Terpenes are compounds found in the essential oils produced by many plants, including cannabis. These compounds provide distinct flavor and aroma to plants⁽³⁵⁾. 

Meanwhile, flavonoids are active compounds present in cannabis and common in many plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Flavonoids have potential antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties⁽³⁶⁾.  

Another CBD variant is broad-spectrum CBD oil. Like full-spectrum CBD oil, it also contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant except for THC. Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

2. Support CBD brands that are transparent with their farming practices.

Most CBD brands cultivate hemp plants from their farms. Before you make any purchase, ensure to visit the official webpage of the CBD brand and look for more information about its grown hemp, testing methods, and CBD extraction process.

Generally, carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is considered the cleanest method⁽³⁷⁾. 

3. Ensure that the CBD products you buy go through third-party lab testing.  

The third-party lab must test CBD products to ensure that all CBD items are labeled accordingly. The products should also be free from residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful substances.

 Lab reports and COAs (certificates of analysis) must be readily accessible to consumers for transparency.  

4. Assess the ingredients of the CBD pet products. 

Make sure to read the ingredients list to determine if there are additives or allergens that may trigger adverse reactions to your dog.

Some chews or treats may contain added preservatives that may be unsafe for your dog. You can opt for gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic hemp CBD products to optimize your dog’s health. 

Carrier oils are also present in most CBD products. The most frequently used carrier oils are MCT oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil.

Hempseed oil is different from hemp oil. Hemp oil, a term often used to refer to CBD oil, is an essential oil that comes from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants. 

Meanwhile, hempseed oil is made from the pressed seeds of hemp plants. Hempseed oil does not contain CBD but rich in nutrients and fatty acids⁽³⁸⁾. 

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Dogs With Cancer

While there is no scientific data on CBD’s risks and side effects on dogs, there are potential side effects based on how the non-psychoactive compound affects humans⁽³⁹⁾. 

• Dry mouth
• Lowered blood pressure
• Drowsiness 

Legality of CBD

Marijuana is federally considered a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S.A under the Controlled Substances Act⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

On the other hand, Cannabis sativa L and other derivatives of cannabis with no more than 0.3% of THC on a dry weight basis are not included in the category.

Several states in the United States have passed legislation allowing medical marijuana use in humans under strict guidelines. However, state laws legalizing cannabis use in people do not apply to animals⁽⁴¹⁾.

Furthermore, rules and regulations regarding CBD usage and medical marijuana vary from state to state. Hence, consumers must be aware of the various state laws, especially if they plan to administer CBD for their dog with cancer.

For instance, Colorado expanded its state laws in 2012 by legalizing the adult use of recreational cannabis⁽⁴²⁾. However, it is not clear whether the state allows the use of CBD for pets. 

Meanwhile, in Nevada, licensed veterinarians can recommend and administer hemp and CBD products, provided they contain less than 0.3% THC⁽⁴³⁾. 

In addition, veterinarians in California can discuss cannabis with their patients. However, they cannot administer, dispense, recommend, or prescribe it⁽⁴⁴⁾.