Treatment Methods
Its critical that dog owners remember that this is not a cancer treatment. For emphasis, CBD oil cannot treat cancer in dogs. It will not stop cancerous cells from growing, nor will it halt the progression of metastatic cancer cells in dogs. Instead of being a treatment, CBD is a way to relieve the not-so-great side effects of going through cancer treatment.
From chemotherapy and radiation to possible surgical removals and amputations, treatment options for dogs with cancer can become quite intense. CBD can be thought of as a healthy coping mechanism. By supporting pain and minimizing discomfort, CBD helps keep your dog comfortable while going through the motions of cancer treatment therapies.
Mast Cell Tumors
Mast cell tumors are made up of cancer cells formed by abnormally produced blood cells. These tumors also happen to be the most common form of canine cancer. When the cells become deformed or otherwise transformed from their normal state, they mass produce and become malignant.
These tumors are very opposed to treatment, mainly because they grow back very quickly. Not only that, but they have a high propensity for metastasizing as well, so the earlier the tumors are detected in dogs, the better!
Benefits of CBD Oil For Dogs With Cancer
To understand the benefits of CBD Oil for dogs with cancer, it’s important to first understand a process known as apoptosis, or natural cell death. Apoptosis is a completely natural process wherein cells that are damaged, or no longer useful, die. Cancer cells do not die on their own; they do not undergo apoptosis. Which is why they are able to continuously spread unless we do something to stop them.
That’s why the endocannabinoid system is so critical in the body. Every mammal has an endocannabinoid system; us, your dog, your cat, even lions and tigers and bears, oh my. The endocannabinoid system’s purpose is to bring the body back to balance.
As cancer progresses, cancer cells reproduce faster than the endocannabinoid system can handle. It’s no longer able to bring the body back to balance without some type of assistance. The cancer cells begin to spread throughout the body at that point; a process known as metastasis. So what does that have to do with CBD for dogs with cancer? Let’s get into the research.