Cannabidiol (CBD) may be beneficial for cancer pain in dogs by acting indirectly on the CB2 receptors. This differs from how THC acts on CB1 receptors, in that THC may be more beneficial in helping ease pain caused from nerve damage in dogs. As usual, consult with your veterinary oncologist for advice.
A recent study at Cornell University found that CBD works for pets with chronic pain, and demonstrated evidence that CBD did reduce inflammation and chronic pain in pets. It also found that pets on CBD did not build up a tolerance to CBD, so doses did not have to increase with time.
“Dogs received either CBD oil at 2 mg/kg every 12 hours or they received placebo oil, according to the abstract. Dogs were treated for four weeks with a two-week washout period. The dogs’ owners completed questionnaires and veterinarians conducted assessments—including physical exam, hematology and serum chemistry—before treatment and at weeks two and four. The Canine Brief Pain Inventory score and Hudson activity score (a visual analogue scale questionnaire used to assess pain and lameness in dogs),” via Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, Veterinary News.
Additionally, CBD has the ability to destroy certain cancer cells, and prevent the growth of blood vessels to tumors. This natural supplement also offers antioxidant properties, and may help slow down tumor growth in dogs with cancer.
There is new research that shows how CBD may be effective with improving the efficiency of chemotherapy in people with cancer. That said, it’s important to work together with your veterinarian when supplementing CBD oils, tinctures, treats, or capsules.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “CBD oil may have the potential to kill certain cancer cells, and stop tumor growth in blood vessels. It also may help with chemotherapy side effects in both human and pet. Hemp contains other natural compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. That said, limonene, which is a terpene, has been found to have anticancer properties. CBD can be converted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) under experimental conditions; however, this does not appear to occur to any significant effect in patients undergoing CBD treatment.”
It’s important to discuss treatment with your veterinarian to strike the right balance with CBD oils that will be effective with pain management for dogs with cancer. Additionally, it’s necessary to make sure that your CBD oil contains no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component of the cannabis plant that will give your dog a “high.”
Is it safe?
Yes, CBD rarely has side effects. If there are side effects, they may show up in the following ways:
- Lower blood pressure
- May act as a blood thinner by increasing levels of Coumadin in blood
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Irritability
[ad_2]