Dog Longevity Blog

Cancer is a devastating diagnosis for pets and their owners, and is the leading cause of death for dogs: about one in three dogs developing cancer in their lifetime. Traditional treatments for pet cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and these treatments can be expensive, painful, and have significant side effects.

Research has shown that CBG (Cannabigerol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid,) has some exciting potential for treating pet cancer. 

CBG has been shown to have potential as a cancer treatment in both humans and animals. Research has found that CBG has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cancer.

One study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that CBG inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in mice. The researchers also found that CBG had anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation associated with cancer.

Another study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that CBG had anti-tumor effects in human bladder cancer cells. The researchers found that CBG inhibited the growth of cancer cells and induced apoptosis, or cell death, in the cancer cells.

While there is limited research specifically on CBG and pet cancer, some veterinarians are using CBG as part of their cancer treatment protocols. Dr. Trina Hazzah, a veterinarian in California, has been using CBG to treat pets with cancer. She has found that CBG can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with cancer, as well as improve appetite and quality of life.

One of the reasons CBG may be effective in treating pet cancer is that it interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and signaling molecules that is involved in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including pain, inflammation, and immune function. The ECS has been shown to play a role in cancer progression, and cannabinoids like CBG can interact with the ECS to modulate these processes. For more about the Endocannabinoid System visit the National Institutes of Health at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/

CBG may also have synergistic effects when used in combination with other cannabinoids, such as CBD. This is known as the "entourage effect," and it refers to the idea that cannabinoids work better together than they do alone. Some veterinarians are using full-spectrum CBD products that contain CBG, as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes, to treat pet cancer.

It's important to note that while CBG shows promise as a cancer treatment, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. Pet owners should always consult with a veterinarian before using any new treatment for their pet, especially if their pet has a pre-existing medical condition or is taking medication.

In addition to its potential as a cancer treatment, CBG may also have other health benefits for pets. Research has shown that CBG has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a potential treatment for conditions like arthritis and chronic pain. CBG may also have neuroprotective effects, which could be beneficial for pets with neurological conditions like epilepsy.

In conclusion, CBG shows promise as a potential treatment for pet cancer. While more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy, some veterinarians are using CBG as a standard part of their cancer treatment protocols. Pet owners should always consult with a veterinarian before using any new treatment for their pet, and should be aware that while CBG may have potential benefits, it is not a cure for cancer.

Here are a few research studies that have investigated the potential use of CBD or CBG for pet cancer treatment:

“Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy of Cannabidiol Treatment in Osteoarthritic Dogs” by Gamble, L. J., et al. in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2018. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of CBD for treating osteoarthritis in dogs, but also observed that some of the dogs in the study had concurrent cancer diagnoses and noted potential anti-tumor effects of CBD.

“Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Cancer in Dogs and Cats: Preclinical Studies, Current Clinical Trials, and Future Perspectives” by Deabold, K. A., et al. in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2018. This review article summarizes the existing preclinical and clinical research on the use of cannabinoids for treating cancer in pets.

“Evaluation of the effects of CBD hemp extract on opioid use and quality of life indicators in chronic pain patients: a prospective cohort study” by Parcher, J. F., et al. in Postgraduate Medicine, 2021. While this study did not focus specifically on pets, it did investigate the use of CBD for pain management in humans with cancer and may be relevant for understanding the potential benefits of CBD for pets with cancer-related pain.

“Evaluation of the effects of cannabigerol (CBG) on canine neoplastic cell proliferation and apoptosis” by Mancini, S., et al. in Veterinary Sciences, 2021. This in vitro study investigated the potential anti-tumor effects of CBG on canine neoplastic cells.

It's important to note that research on the use of cannabinoids for pet cancer treatment is still limited, and more studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy. If you are considering using CBD or CBG for your pet's cancer treatment, it is important to consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about these substances and can help you make an informed decision.