As a dog owner, hearing your vet utter the word “tumor” can be a nightmare. However, not all tumors are deadly. And even those that appear to be severe, can often be treated or controlled (at least for some time) via special medications.
One of those treatments which can be used to manage the severity of tumors is CBD, a safe, all natural chemical compound present in hemp and cannabis plants. In this article, we will explore how it good is CBD Oil for dogs with tumors.
Briefly, what are dog tumors?
Dog tumors are similar to the tumors that affect human beings. In the simplest terms possible, a tumor is an abnormal lump or swelling caused by an unusual growth of cells. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
Types of tumors that affect canines
- Mast cell tumors
- Lipomas
- Osteosarcoma
- Histiocytoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Melanoma
- Lymphoma
- Papilloma
What symptoms do dog tumors portray?
The signs your dog exhibits will differ depending on the kind of tumor he/she has. For instance, some tumors like papillomas, lipomas, and melanomas will cause visible growths. On the other hand, lymphoma tumors may produce no visible signs other than swelling, which sometimes can be harder to diagnose.
That said: some general signs and symptoms of malignant tumors include:
- Pain
- Loss of appetite
- Limping (especially due to bone tumors)
- Sores that don’t heal
- Loss of interest in exercise
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing and/or coughing
- Lethargy
- Stiffness
So, can CBD help treat dog tumors?
Yes, CBD can help treat tumors in dog in two ways:
- CBD helps your dog cope with symptoms of tumors
Some general signs of a malignant tumor include pain, lethargy, lack of appetite and vomiting/nausea. Studies have demonstrated that CBD can help your pet cope with these painful symptoms.
For instance, CBD is a great antiemetic; thus, it helps dogs cope with symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. That is because the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in various biological processes, including metabolism, appetite, and nausea/vomiting.
Other studies also claim that CBD can help ease the pain linked to some kinds of malignant tumors. Actually, pain-relief is a clearly-documented health benefit of CBD. It achieves this by helping reduce inflammation, and most notably, by blocking pain signals relayed to the brain.
Studies also show that CBD can help dogs deal with other side effects/symptoms of tumors and their respective treatments (e.g. effects of chemotherapy).
- CBD can help deter the spread and growth of a malignant tumor.
There is a huge body of evidence that proves CBD (and other compounds found in hemp and cannabis) can help deter tumor growth. One of the notable ways in which CBD achieves this is by impending angiogenesis in tumors. Basically, angiogenesis is the process of producing or forming new blood vessels.
Usually, malignant tumors are able to form their own blood vessels to transport blood to the swelling area and keep cells alive. Research has shown that CBD can slow down this process in various ways. Additionally, other studies reveal that CBD can help discourage the proliferation of tumor cells.
Using CBD on your dog
Most dog owners are worried about starting their dogs on CBD. And it’s understandable. However, you can be confident that CBD is very safe to be consumed or used by your furry friend. Furthermore, CBD is non-toxic and not capable of producing an “overdose.”
To emphasize more, CBD won’t make your pet “high.” The chemical compound in marijuana, which causes intoxication, is THC and not CBD.
Find the Right Dosage
When giving your pet CBD oil for dogs, always follow the recommended dosage labeled on the product packaging. When administering CBD treats or capsules, the dosage will largely depend on the potency of product you are using. Keep in mind that, you can also use CBD topicals such as balms and sprays on your pet. These may be perfect in managing tumors affecting the skin.
