Pets are part of the family. If you own a pet, then you probably understand how it feels to treat them like they are your children. They are very affectionate, and they reciprocate the love that you give them; especially dogs. Because they are intelligent and empathic, they can understand you at a certain level where there can be a serious bond that can grow between you and your pet. With that bond, your love for your pet becomes bigger and they become part of the small circle of those that you love the most.

Because life is unpredictable, even in the best circumstances and after all the vaccines and vitamins that you give them, they can still become sick. Sometimes, it can be viral and other times it’s bacterial. Oftentimes they will just be okay after a few trips to an animal doctor, but sometimes not. One of the worse things that can happen to your dog is cancer.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs in the United States of America. Dogs develop cancer the same way humans develop this disease and the treatments are similar ranging from chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. There is, however, one known vaccine for dogs that may oral Melanoma, but we have a long way to go in truly preventing other cancers in pets and people, so keeping patients comfortable is of primary importance.

Susceptibility to cancer also depends on the breed of dogs. Some breeds are more susceptible than others. Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Boxers are susceptible to mast cell tumors while Greyhounds, Rottweiler, Great Danes, and other giant breeds are more susceptible to bone cancer. Bigger and younger dogs also have a bigger chance of getting cured while smaller and older ones tend to have a low chance of survival.  Click here to check what cancer is more common to your dog.

Cancer for dogs has no treatment and veterinarians will offer you two choices; either to treat the cancer or to choose palliative care. The treatment of dog cancer is expensive and may or may not extend their lives. Palliative care, on the other hand, is a type of therapeutic care where the focus is to alleviate the pain and reduce the stress that the patient feels. It is like making the transition from life to death as pleasant as possible. Pain medication, mood enhancers can be used and a change in diet might be enforced. A lot of time is also expected to be spent with the patient. There are many medications out there to help with cancer, but CBD oil is rising in popularity right now.

CBD

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound found in hemp. After harvesting this specific compound, it is processed, then mixed with oil to allow it for easy administration. This product contains less than .03% THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the halucynogenic compound, therefore pets can not get “high” from CBD.  Here is a link to get more information about Cannabidiol: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabidiol.

CBD Oil has many applications from relieving pain to anxiety.  Dogs can ingest CBD or it can be applied to the area where there is a pain.

Is it Safe?

CBD oil is safe for your dogs, but of course it is wise to check with your pet’s health care provider as to the benefits it has for your pet’s particular needs.  Be sure you only purchase products that are properly regulated and that do not contain levels of CBD greater than .03%.  You can also check forums on the internet and dog website to be sure that the product you are using is totally safe.

As with anything that you let your pet use, it is always better to be sure that they are safe. Check with your veterinarian. Ask for advice on how to use it and whether you have the right product. Your vet knows what is best for your dog, and your dog is part of the family, so you want what is best for him or her!  Keep that tail wagging and happy!