Loyal, faithful, and cheerful, dogs can teach you more about life than you think. When they stare at you, lick your face, or wag their tail, that one moment is when you realize happiness comes to life. A world without them would be empty and silent.
Unfortunately, these four-legged friends can also contract several deadly diseases, one of which is cancer. It is well-known that this disease, if not diagnosed and treated in time, can prove fatal to dogs and humans alike. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are some cures, but they come with unwanted consequences.
But what about trying CBD for dogs with cancer? It is a substance found in the medicinal Cannabis Sativa plant, indigenous to Eastern Asia but now found worldwide. Its products are known to have significant therapeutic properties.
So what makes them so popular amongst dog owners? Are they effective? What are some dosage details you must know while administering them to your pet? Get the answers to these questions below.
How do dogs get cancer?
As mentioned earlier, Cannabidiol has several benefits. But before going into that, you should have an understanding of what causes cancer. The primary reason behind this disease is apoptosis, or a natural death of the cells, which is a natural process.
But not all cells die a natural death or undergo apoptosis. For example, cancer cells continue living and spreading even after this process is complete. All living beings have an endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain an internal balance inside the body.
However, when cancer cells spread extremely fast, the body finds it impossible to maintain the balance. This process continues nonstop, leading to metastasis (the last cancer stage).
How can Cannabidiol help?
This unique natural product is effective against cancer in so many ways, from stopping cancerous cells from spreading to providing relief from pain. Here are some benefits you would be surprised to find out.
Stops the growth of cancer cells
According to research, it stops the growth of cancer cells inside the body by encouraging a process called autophagy. Autophagy enables the cells to survive by destroying damaged organelles (tiny little organisms) inside the cells.
Another research found it effective against bladder cancer by reducing cell viability (ratio of dead to living cells). It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce the same effects that cannabinoids have, thus relieving the pain that cancer often causes throughout the body.
It helps in controlling seizures
Sometimes, cancer can also lead to seizures, which can cause dogs to urinate and defecate unexpectedly, foam at the mouth, collapse, or notice a stiffening of muscles. Cannabidiol works to calm the overactive neurons and restore the imbalance inside the body.
It is cheaper than standard treatments
Then there’s also the cost factor which you must consider. Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are very costly and cause various problems later. This product is entirely natural and does not cause any adverse effects.
Inhibits the growth of tumors
Although the research on CBD is ongoing, the available evidence points to the positive role of cannabidiol in slowing tumor growth and encouraging the death of tumor cells.
Is this product suitable for dogs?
These products contain a low amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound responsible for giving you a “high.” Even if they contain THC, the percentage is as low as 8.3%, making them suitable for dogs.
What type of items is most effective?
Cannabidiol products, after extraction, are available as gummies, oils, and capsules. Gummies and treats are effective but only to a certain extent. The primary reason is bioavailability, which is the rate and time the bloodstream absorbs the products.
Soft chews or treats
Soft chews or treats have low bioavailability, so they don’t produce the optimum benefits. People prefer giving them to their dogs because they enjoy the taste; they come in various flavors and offer the convenience of being carried everywhere. Most of these contain a single cannabidiol isolate.
CBD Oil
In contrast, CBD oil enjoys high bioavailability, ensuring that the bloodstream absorbs most of the substance. Instead of a single isolate, it contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other minor compounds that have healing properties.
Most oil products come with a dropper, giving you the advantage of precision while administering them. If you choose between the two, it would be better to opt for oil than chews.
What is the recommended dosage?
The recommended dosage for your four-legged companion depends on various factors like its age, metabolism, disease process, and the condition of its endocannabinoid system.
If you are using it on them the first time, keep the dosage as low as possible. Giving a large dose at first might lead to complications. The safest way is to divide the recommended doses throughout the day into smaller portions or do micro-dosing.
Even if you prefer using treats instead of oil, you must avoid giving more than two or three at a time. You can increase the dose once their bodies get used to it and can handle the extra amount.
You might consider keeping a journal to make the process easier for yourself. Record the administered dosage in milligrams and observe their response to it, paying attention to their sleep patterns, energy levels, and mobility. If you don’t notice any significant changes, there’s no harm in increasing the dose till you do.
The most effective way of using oil
You have three options for using the oil: applying it to the gums, mixing it into their food, and rubbing it onto their ears. These are some details about each of them.
Applying it directly onto the gums
The most effective use of CBD hemp oil is to apply it directly to your dog’s gums, ensuring the fastest and most effective absorption. The proper way is to lift your dog’s lips and slowly apply the medicine to its gums.
Mixing it into their food
This method will take longer to produce the desired effects than the above one. Once your pet consumes it along with the food, it will pass through their digestive tracts and various digestive processes before it starts working.
Rubbing it on the ears
You could also try to rub the substance into its ears by applying it to the inner flap. However, this method is the least effective since the oil will take more time to reach the bloodstream.
What to check before buying?
Before you place your order, browse the seller’s website carefully to see if they have a Certificate of Analysis. If they have one, you can be assured of a high-quality product free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
What if you receive the product but want to return it for some reason? To avoid any inconvenience, check if they have a money-back guarantee and how many days.
People who have tried CBD for dogs with cancer have witnessed positive and encouraging results. They highly recommend it to others who haven’t tried it. It is completely safe, all-natural, and works effectively to stop the growth of cancer, helping your dog live a healthy life.