Cancer cells are different than normal body cells because they never die on their own. Normal cells that are old or damaged carry programming that causes their death. Cancer cells no longer have this ability and the mutated cells continue to grow and divide and eventually form tumors, which begin to interfere with the body’s organs. Both THC and CBD have been shown in multiple studies to cause apoptosis, or cancer cell suicide, and halt the growth of tumors.
Cannabis has also been shown to prevent metastasis, or the spread of cancer through the bloodstream. And for animals suffering from lack of appetite, which often accompanies cancer, cannabis can stimulate the appetite.
And finally, studies on cannabis show that both THC and CBD can prevent the development of blood vessels in tumors, which blocks their access to nutrition and starves them.
While there are no long-term clinical studies on cannabis in dogs with cancer, there’s enough compelling research to add it to my list of top cancer-fighting herbs.
There are many manufacturers of cannabis oil for pets in most countries. It’s inexpensive and easy to use – just follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
2) Hemp Seed or Oil
Hemp oil also contains a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, which can help to reduce chronic inflammation and support the immune system. And hempseed oil has been shown to reduce metastasis and cancer growth in brain, breast and lung cancer.
Hemp seed also contains plenty of vital minerals like manganese and zinc, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
To give your dog hemp seed, you can grind it fresh or buy it as an oil. Just add a teaspoon for every pound of food (but try to avoid
combining hemp with poultry as it can upset the fatty acid balance)
3) Turmeric
Turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin, have been extensively studied for their role in cancer treatment and prevention. The American Cancer Society claims “Curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth, and spread. Recently, curcumin has received a great deal of focus because of it’s ability to reduce tumor size and kill cancer cells.”
A 2012 study on rats showed that curcumin could prevent bladder cancer in rats … and for my dogs (and most dogs), this is an important benefit since so many of our dogs are exposed to laws treated with insecticides and herbicides, which are a major cause of bladder cancer.
The curcumin in turmeric has also been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of mammary cancer cells, prevent and inhibit brain tumors, prevent the activation of mast cells by controlling inflammation and can cause apoptosis (cancer cell death) in osteosarcoma and prevent its metastasis.
Turmeric carries many other health benefits too … it’s been shown to be just as effective as aspirin and ibuprofen in reducing pain, some studies have shown it to be just as effective as steroids and it’s a potent anti-inflammatory. And cancer and other chronic diseases such as allergies, arthritis, kidney disease and more are all caused by chronic inflammation.
*The curcumin in turmeric is hard for your dog to absorb because it’s not soluble in water, so you should combine it with an oil such as coconut oil.
