Compare the Best CBD for Lymphoma in Dogs for 2022

How CBD Helps With Lymphoma in Dogs

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive drug extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD possesses anti-cancer properties⁽¹⁾. These benefits may help manage lymphoma in dogs.

A review published in 2016 mentioned that cannabinoids may potentially prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells and stimulate the immune system’s response against the disease⁽²⁾.

CBD is a cannabinoid that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Some trials in the review were conducted on mice. However, one study suggested that CBD may work similarly in other animals, except insects, because the animals’ endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions similarly across all species⁽³⁾.

The ECS is located in the animal’s central nervous system and is responsible for regulating the body’s balance and maintaining the dog’s quality of life⁽⁴⁾.

The interaction of CBD with the ECS receptors in the nervous and immune systems may have various benefits. These benefits include anti-anxiety effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and potential anti-cancer effects on canines⁽⁵⁾.

There are different types of cancer among dogs, and lymphoma is the most common. Scientists have little understanding of what causes canine lymphoma. However, dogs are exposed to similar environmental factors that cause cancer among humans⁽⁶⁾.

Lymphoma is an umbrella term for any type of cancer that emerges from lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes refer to a group of white blood cells that help fight infection. Lymphocytes are located in the lymphatic system composed of the lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen.

Veterinarians diagnose canine cancer by taking a sample of the dog’s lymph nodes or affected organ.

Some vets may also perform staging tests to determine how much the disease has progressed. These tests include blood tests, X-rays, urinalysis, bone marrow aspiration, and abdominal sonograms.

The aggressiveness, survival rates, and symptoms of lymphoma may vary depending on the type of lymphoma. For canine lymphoma, the four most common types are⁽⁷⁾:

• Multicentric lymphoma – This type of lymphoma is the most common among dogs and is characterized by the rapid enlargement of lymph nodes.

The swelling lymph nodes may grow 3 to 10 times the average size. However, they are not painful and only feel like a firm, rubbery lump under the skin.

As multicentric lymphoma progresses, dogs may show other symptoms, including fever, weakness, lethargy, anorexia, and dehydration.

• Alimentary lymphoma – This form of canine cancer is the second most common and usually targets the dog’s intestinal organ.

Dogs with alimentary lymphoma may experience vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

• Extranodal lymphoma – This form of lymphoma affects a specific organ like the eyes, skin, kidneys, or lungs.

Cutaneous lymphoma targets the skin and is one of the common forms of extranodal lymphoma.

Symptoms vary on the area where extranodal lymphoma occurs. For example, cutaneous lymphoma appears as raised nodules or scaly lesions on the skin, lips, or the roof of the mouth.

Extranodal lymphoma occurring in the central nervous system may cause seizures.

Meanwhile, extranodal lymphoma in the bones differs from primary bone cancer because lymphoma does not start in the actual bone cells. Lymphoma in the bones may also cause fractures or pain.

• Mediastinal lymphoma – This type of cancer in dogs is one of the rare forms of lymphoma. Mediastinal lymphoma affects the mediastinal lymph nodes and the thymus located between the lungs.

Dogs with mediastinal lymphoma may have difficulty breathing because of the tumor growth or fluid accumulation within the chest. Other signs include swelling of the front legs or face, extreme thirst, or urination.

Currently, the most effective cancer treatment for dogs is chemotherapy⁽⁸⁾. The veterinarian’s chemotherapy recommendation may vary depending on the diagnosis or type of lymphoma.

For example, dogs with multicentric lymphoma may be given the UW-25 chemotherapy protocol.

This protocol is a 25-week chemotherapy session using four chemotherapy drugs known as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine sulfate (Oncovin), and prednisone).

Typical side effects of chemotherapy in dogs are diarrhea, mild vomiting, reduced appetite, and decreased activity levels⁽⁹⁾.

Benefits and Use of CBD for Lymphoma in Dogs

A study published in The Young Researcher in 2018 mentioned that CBD may be effective in inducing apoptosis (cell death) in many types of cancers, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)⁽¹⁰⁾.

The in vitro study indicated that CBD may have a strong potential to help reduce DLBCL and minimize cancer relapse. However, additional studies in vivo are needed to determine if the results are similar for dogs with lymphoma.

DLBCL is known to be the most common aggressive B-cell lymphoma affecting dogs worldwide⁽¹¹⁾.

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹²⁾. These effects may help manage multicentric, extranodal, and mediastinal lymphoma by reducing symptoms such as swelling and inflammation.

CBD also provides analgesic (anti-pain) effects⁽¹³⁾. Such properties may help alleviate pain associated with alimentary or extranodal lymphoma.

CBD Oil Dosage for Dogs With Lymphoma

Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved dosage guide for CBD products for the management or treatment of canine lymphoma.

However, a 2019 study performed on healthy dogs and cats stated that 2 milligrams of CBD per kilogram of body weight may be a viable dosage with no harmful side effects⁽¹⁴⁾.

A study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research examined the efficacy of repeated oral administration of CBD among healthy adult beagles⁽¹⁵⁾.

The study mentioned that doses of 1 to 12mg/kg of CBD administered once daily over 28 days are well tolerated among dogs.

Caution is advised when attempting to administer high doses of CBD in dogs. Higher CBD dosage side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, or low blood pressure⁽¹⁶⁾.

You may start with lower doses of CBD for your dog, especially when you are still starting to use CBD for your pet.

Various factors like the dog’s size and weight may influence the CBD dose amount.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid present in some CBD products, has potentially toxic effects on canines at specific doses⁽¹⁷⁾.

Inform your veterinarian about your dog’s condition before deciding if CBD is suitable for your pet.

However, most states have laws prohibiting veterinarians from prescribing or administering cannabis-based products⁽¹⁸⁾.

How to Administer CBD for Dog Lymphoma

There are various ways for pet owners to administer CBD products to dogs with lymphoma. Here are some ways dogs may take CBD.

• CBD oil tinctures are administered sublingually or under the tongue. These tinctures usually come with a dropper or spray for easy administration of CBD to your dogs.

Sublingual administration enables the CBD oil to enter the bloodstream faster, allowing for faster absorption.

CBD tinctures are often mixed with carriers such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil to dilute the CBD.

• CBD capsules are administered orally, allowing the CBD to pass through the digestive tract before being absorbed by the body.

Another alternative to administer CBD capsules to your dog is to sprinkle the capsule’s contents onto the dog food.

• CBD edibles such as soft chews, biscuits, or dog treats are also administered orally. These products come in different servings, flavors, and doses.
• CBD topicals are applied to the dog’s skin. Some topicals for dogs include creams, massage oils, and balms.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Lymphoma in Dogs?

Onset times of CBD oil on dogs may vary based on the dosage and route administration.

Sublingual administration using an oromucosal spray or dropper allows CBD to directly enter the bloodstream under the tongue and bypass the digestive tract, leading to faster onset times.

Oral administration by ingesting edibles or capsules allows CBD to pass through the dog’s digestive tract then break down in the liver. This administration method has a slower onset time.

CBD applied topically, such as creams or lotions, may start to take effect depending on the skin thickness. Topicals usually work for skin problems or joint pains and do not get absorbed into the bloodstream.

One study stated that the thickness of the dog’s skin or absorptivity of the CBD-infused topicals may limit transdermal absorption⁽¹⁹⁾.

Transdermal delivery involves applying CBD topical through the skin so that it is slowly absorbed by the body.

Aside from dosage and administration methods, onset times of CBD products may also vary depending on the dog’s size and weight.

How Long Will CBD Help With Lymphoma in Dogs?

A 2018 animal study showed that the elimination half-life of a 75mg dose of CBD-infused oil is 199.7 ± 55.9 minutes, while a 75mg dose of CBD micro-encapsulated capsule was at 95.4 ± 29.2 minutes⁽²⁰⁾.

Half-life is the duration for the drug’s quantity to be decreased to 50%.

In the same study, the researchers could not ascertain the elimination half-life of 75mg of CBD transdermal creams. This result was due to the lack of an elimination phase in the concentration-time profiles.

Thus, the researchers suggest that additional trials with a more extended period of CBD administration for at least several months be conducted.

Extending the trial duration may provide a better assessment of CBD concentrations and time of effectiveness.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Lymphoma in Dogs

Some dogs taking CBD may experience diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Ataxia may also affect the dog’s coordination and balance, especially when CBD is ingested in large doses⁽²¹⁾.

Other side effects of CBD in dogs include dry mouth, drowsiness, and low blood pressure⁽²²⁾. While these effects may be well tolerated among humans, the pets’ tolerance to these side effects may vary.

One study regarding the safety of increasing CBD doses conducted on beagles mentioned that dogs may tolerate CBD dose volumes of up to 640.5mg or around 64.7mg of CBD per kilogram of the dog’s body weight⁽²³⁾.

The study also stated that CBD oil formulations with higher CBD content are safer and well tolerated than those with higher THC content.

CBD may inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme in the body. If your dog is taking other medication, CBD’s effect may limit or interfere with the drug’s metabolization.

Consider seeking advice from your veterinarian regarding your dog’s condition and medication before purchasing CBD products for your pet.

How to Shop for the Best CBD Oil for Dogs With Cancer

Dog owners should consider the following factors when looking for high-quality CBD products that may work best for their pets:

• Extraction method – CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant using CO2, ethanol, or hydrocarbon extraction.

CO2 extraction uses liquefied CO2 to extract CBD and other components. This method does not use combustible solvents and poses no threat of catching fire⁽²⁴⁾.

Ethanol extraction uses ethanol to pull the CBD oil from the hemp plant.

Hydrocarbon extraction uses hydrocarbon solvents like propane or butane for CBD extraction. Hydrocarbons are flammable and may be harmful to the dog’s health if not properly removed from the extracted CBD oil.

• Cannabinoid content – Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant.

These compounds include THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Combining these compounds produces an entourage effect that enhances the benefits of CBD oil than when the compounds are taken individually⁽²⁵⁾.

However, THC may cause intoxication on canines resulting in stumbling, vomiting, lethargy, agitation, or shaking⁽²⁶⁾. Consider broad-spectrum products or isolates as alternatives for your pet.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil has the same cannabinoid content as full-spectrum without the THC.

CBD isolates contain only pure CBD without the other cannabinoids and compounds present.

• Certificate of analysis (COA) – Brands selling CBD products must have updated COAs accessible on their websites.

The COA shows the CBD product’s actual cannabinoid content and the presence of pesticides and contaminants, if any.

Credible CBD products must have the details on their labels matched with the COA results.

• CBD product type – Dog owners may choose from various CBD products depending on their preferred dosage or route of administration.

CBD oil tinctures are administered sublingually or under the tongue. Edibles like dog treats or chews are taken orally. Capsules are also administered orally. CBD topicals like creams or lotions are applied to the skin.

Legality of CBD

To date, the FDA has not provided approval for cannabis use on dogs. The agency is unable to guarantee the safety and efficacy of these products on animals⁽²⁷⁾.

Review your local and state laws regarding the legal consumption of CBD for your dogs before purchasing pet CBD products.

Most states have legislation prohibiting veterinarians from prescribing or administering CBD for dogs⁽²⁸⁾.

However, Nevada-based veterinarians may recommend and administer CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC⁽²⁹⁾.