For many years, dog owners have been using cannabis products and other natural options for treating aggressive cancers. By closely analyzing cases and supportive preclinical research, trends can be identified about what protocols may be most effective. This page summarizes options with the most supportive real-world evidence, while providing guidance about how to minimize side effects. This page will be updated over time as more becomes known.
Cannabis Medicine
Cannabis appears to one of the most powerful natural anticancer agents available for treating dogs. The primary cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both shown to kill a wide variety of cancer cells derived from humans and animals. While there are only a few preclinical studies focusing on dog cancers specifically, what does exist is promising. A 2021 study by researchers with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine found that CBD could induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in five canine cancer cell lines. That study, along with another published by a team of Canadian and American researchers, also showed that CBD could work together with conventional therapy to fight cancer. Interestingly, even endocannabinoids, which are produced naturally in the bodies of all mammals, have been shown to inhibit canine lymphoma.
The range of THC and CBD doses that may exert anticancer effects in dogs is quite broad. Based on cases we have collected, it appears that between 10-100mg THC and 50-200mg CBD per day is a reasonable range at which anticancer effects may be obtained. However, some cases may respond to lower doses, and some may require even higher doses. It is important to work with a veterinarian to keep track of the cancer’s progress through medical tests to determine if whatever dose is being used needs to be increased.
THC can be safely used with dogs, but it is critical to be very precise with the dosing. It is best not to start with FECO, because giving low doses using that highly concentrated product is very difficult. By using a low-potency infused oil, doses as little as .3mg-1mg of THC can be started with, and increased by 1-2mg per day. By increasing THC dosage very slowly, the dog’s tolerance can be built, enabling them to ingest higher doses over time without negative side effects. Giving a dog too much THC to start, even 5-10mg, can result in severe side effects, including anxiety, paranoia, incontinence, inability to move, and shaking. While THC does not appear to cause any permanent damage to dogs or lead to fatal overdose, these symptoms are still nothing to take lightly.
It is easier to start with higher doses of CBD and increase more rapidly, as it does not cause the psychoactivity associated with THC. It is still ideal not to increase the dose too quickly, but there is more leeway. For example, CBD could be started at 5mg per day and increased by 5-10mg per day.
For skin cancers or tumors that are protruding through the skin, putting THC-rich and/or CBD-rich creams on the tumor may help. THC is not well-absorbed through the skin and there is relatively little risk to using high doses when applied topically. However, it is important to be sure the dog does not lick the THC oil. Also, to be exceptionally safe, it is good to start with low doses of THC topically and slowly increase. It just does not need to be as slow as internal treatment.
Diet
The food a dog with cancer eats appears to impact their chances of success. While there are many possible nutritional approaches, one thing stands out – not feeding standard kibble or a grain-rich diet. Grains and sugars feed cancer, and standard kibble often includes low-quality ingredients rich in toxins. Feeding a high-protein diet composed of cooked, organic meats, and some vegetables, is a very reasonable approach. There is inconsistency about whether raw or cooked meats are superior, but it appears that cooked meat is safer. The most important thing is that the meat is high-quality, and that standard kibble is no longer being fed.
Supplements
There are numerous supplements that dog owners give to their pets in the hopes of fighting cancer. Two types of supplements have stood out in terms of widespread use – curcumin (derived from turmeric) and medicinal mushrooms. In 2022, an article in the journal Nutrition and Cancer revealed that curcumin could induce apoptosis in two types of dog breast cancer cells. A 2018 trial of a liposomal curcumin product by researchers in California suggested that curcumin may be able to slow cancer growth in dogs, although the results were inconclusive and the trial was relatively short. It is possible that turmeric may work better when combined with other herbs, as a 2017 preclinical study indicated synergy between turmeric and rosemary extracts against mastocytoma, mammary carcinoma, and osteosarcoma cell lines.
Mushrooms are also promising for the treatment of dog cancers. Components of the maitake mushroom have been shown to reduce viability of dog tumor cells. Another mushroom, turkey tail (known scientifically as Coriolus versicolor), contains a compound called Polysaccharopeptide which may induce anticancer effects. A trial in 2012 by the School of Veterinary Medicine and University of Pennsylvania found that PSP delayed progression of the spread of cancer and increased survival times in dogs with hemangiosarcoma.
Many patients have reported benefits from using blends of medicinal mushrooms rather than just one. This is probably the right approach, since a mushroom blend will provide a wider spectrum of potentially active compounds. If a cancer happens to be resistant to one mushroom, it may respond to another.
For supplements in general, using the recommended doses on bottles is advisable. If doses are going to be increased beyond the recommended dose, it must be done slowly and with care to identify any side effects.
Summary
There is still much to learn about how to treat dogs with cancer most effectively and safely using natural options. However, the advice on this page is relatively conservative, practical, and backed up by real dog experiences and preclinical research. As the research progresses, we will do our best to bring you the latest in what works.