Just like humans, our pets are also genetically inclined to suffer from some health condition or the other. They are not devoid of this, but the difference is in how severe they get affected. Some dogs have serious life-threatening issues, which cannot be seen at birth, while others have fewer issues with which owners can do something about.
One of the most serious ones is cancer. There are 5 main types of cancers that canines can get, we look at these below, as well as how a natural supplement such as CBD or cannabidiol can help them.
Servedogs Disclaimer: Before offering or trying any medicine, home remedies, Essential oils or new food to your pet. Please first confirm it with your vet to avoid any complications.
Main Types of Canine Cancers
1. Osteosarcoma or Bone Cancer:
Osteosarcoma or Bone Cancer is one of the most common types of cancers of the bone that dogs can suffer from. There is no restriction to which breed get it because any of them can.
It is however very prevalent in larger dogs. It is a type of malignant tumor and has similarities to the human condition by the same name.
Due to the abnormality in the production of certain cells within the bones, namely osteoclasts and osteoblasts, there is a breakdown of bone in their legs and arms.
It also affects their pelvis, hips and jawbones, as well as pats that do not have bones like their kidney’s, spleen, mammary glands and liver.
The reason behind why they get this is not as obvious as most would want, as is the case with most tumors. The large breeds that do get affected mainly, are included below:
- Greyhounds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Great Danes
- Doberman Pinschers
- Rottweilers
- Boxer Dogs
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Weimaraners
- Golden Retrievers
- Great Pyrenees
- Irish Setters
- Irish Wolfhounds
- Saint Bernards
Melanoma:
Another common cancer found in canines is Melanoma. You may have heard it concerning humans, but rarely will you find our four-legged creatures suffering from it, what with their fur and hairy bodies. You would be wrong.
This is a type of skin condition that can affect both people and animals. It affects the pigment on their skin and cells that are known as melanocytes. These usually start as benign and can be found in various parts of their body where there is hair or fur.
The common types primarily occur inside their mouths and certain types can grow faster than others. There is no found surety as to why they happen but many medical researchers acquaint it to genes.
When dogs lick the spot, they could exacerbate the problem. Chances are the cells may mutate and become cancerous. The three most common types are the
- Malignant
- Mast Cell
- Squamous cell carcinoma.
The Squamous cell skin cancer is caused by extreme exposure to sunlight and UV rays, just as humans can get it, so can out canines.
It is a very common one and affects their facials features too, including their nose, mouth, ears, skin and internally it can affect their lungs too.
Mast cell tumors are also a type of skin cancer and affect their immune system drastically, causing their skin cells to inflame and get itchy and irritating.
Certain genetic factors play a part in causing this and also excessive hormones tend to lead to it as well, especially two main ones namely – progesterone and estrogen.
The constant itching and discomfort caused by this condition, can be minimized by using cbd oil for dogs, directly on the skin and also ingested by including it in their drinking water or meals. Which can be found in most health and food pet stores as well as reputable brands that are on online stores.
There are many online CBD oil stores for pets available.
The age bracket to when they get affected is usually between 5 and 11 years old. Not all breeds will be affected by this type of cancer but the typical ones that do, are included in:
- Bay Retriever
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Airedale Terriers
- Vizslas
Spotting Cancers in Dogs
With some cancers, it is hard to tell that your companion has been affected, but with others, such as these that affect their external body, can sometimes be more obvious than not.
You need to check them with a pair of gloves, gently all over their body to see if there are any inconsistencies.
A few of the tell-tale signs to look out for with any of the above-mentioned skin conditions is as per below, but as soon as something does not seem right with them or you notice a change in any part of their body, your first point of contact should be your vet.
- Black, grey or brown spots of between 2- 2.5 inches in diameter
- Spots usually around their lips, mouth, between their toenails and underneath their feet (pads)
- Raised wart-like spots around the genitals and abdomen areas
- Inflamed and sore patches on their body
- Unusual looking patches on the trunk of their body and legs
These are a few of the obvious things to look for, however, when it affects their internal organs you would need to notice their overall behavior.
Giving them CBD oil in the right dose, according to their weight and age, is recommended as a holistic approach, but is not meant to be a treatment. For things as serious as this, the vet will know best.
Observation is always key when having a pet in the home, no matter what they are. Any changes must be reported to the vet immediately.
Overall, a good diet with healthy meals, plenty of exercises, plenty of fresh drinking water and these types of natural supplements are a good way to keep our furies pain-free and ease their discomfort from such serious conditions.
Learn More: How to use CBD oil for dogs