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Preventative Maintenance for Pets - Cancer

November 16, 2020
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Preventative Maintenance Series #4: Cancer

A pet’s cancer diagnosis may change the level of care that pet owners will give to their furry loved ones but what if owners made small changes now that may benefit the aging process later on? Owners of animals whom have had a positive cancer diagnosis are more invested in their animal’s health and overall wellbeing compared to owners of animals that have not been diagnosed with cancer (Bianco et al., 2020). Dogs that have been diagnosed with cancer are more likely to receive pricier meals such as raw diets or home cooked meals compared to dogs whom do not have cancer and are fed conventional meals such as commercial dry food (Bianco et al., 2020). Dogs that have already been diagnosed with cancer are more likely to receive holistic supplements to enhance their diet such as cannabidiol (CBD) products, mushroom extracts, or turmeric/curcumin (Bianco et al., 2020). Why is it that once an animal has received a grim diagnosis such as cancer that owners tend to increase their overall care to their animals? The investment of purchasing raw diet feeds and additional dietary supplements or taking the time to make home cooked meals for our animals seems to begin once our furry loved ones become sick. What if these investments were made when our animals are young and active in their prime years? Are there preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of terminal diagnoses such as cancer in dogs? The answer is YES!

Cannabinoid Receptors Research

Cannabinoid receptors are already present in the body and are activated by the ingestion of CBD and the endocannabinoid system (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). CBD may serve as a preventative maintenance tool as part of the aging process when an animal is diagnosed with cancer (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). When there is inflammation present in the body, CB2 receptors increase dramatically to lower the overall inflammatory response which can lower the risk of cancer (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). There is also current research being studied with initial data demonstrating that CBD may be able to reduce the risk of cancer through preventative tumor growth and reduction in the size of tumors (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Several additional studies need to be completed on how animals treated with CBD will respond to the diverse number of tumors that can be present in the body (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Further research is also required to determine the proper dosing for CBD treatment on animals who are diagnosed with cancer versus a preventative measure treatment option for healthy animals (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017).

The endocannabinoid system has been established in veterinary medicine through receptor mediated pathways such as Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) and non-receptor mediated pathways utilized by phytocannabinoids (Silver, n.d.). Endocannabinoids are lipophilic and are created on an as needed basis in the body from cell membranes (Silver, n.d.). Endocannabinoids are synthesized through the activation of G-protein coupled receptors or from the increase of neuronal cell calcium levels (Silver, n.d.). When calcium levels reach a certain threshold, endocannabinoids serve as an antioxidant by protecting oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons through the reduction of calcium within their cells (Silver, n.d.). CBD has a stronger antioxidant effect on the body than Vitamin E or C due to the endocannabinoid’s system capability to repair damage from free radicals (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Due to their antioxidant effect, the endocannabinoid system serves as a neuroprotective element to the brain and serves as a cancer preventative tool by repairing damaged cells from reactive oxygen species (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). As of current research to date, the canine species specifically has the highest concentration of CB1 receptors in their brain compared to any other species (Silver, n.d.). The endocannabinoid system is very active in the brain through killing damaged cells to improve brain performance which could lead to a decreased risk in brain cancer (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). There is also research exploring how CBD plays a role in the generation of new brain cells in aging animals (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). As our furry loved ones get older, the production of new cells in their body decreases causing the aging process to speed up (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Small amounts of CBD may aid the brain to engineer novel nerve cells to help the body stop the progression of neurodegenerative disease in animals as they age (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Additional studies are needed to examine the aging process in dogs whom have been fed CBD as a supplement for their entire life. The endocannabinoid system plays a preventative role in a myriad of other bodily systems.

In animals, the endocannabinoid system has the capability to engineer anti-neoplastic effects in “cancer of the breast, prostate, bone, skin, brain (gliomas), and lung” through the utilization of CB2 receptors which are found on tumor cells (Silver, n.d.). Endocannabinoids are currently being researched for their tumor suppressive properties through their natural upregulation process in the presence of benign or malignant tumors (Silver, n.d.). In genetic mouse models where CB1 receptors were manipulated and removed from the body, there was a rise in the growth of tumors (Silver, n.d.). Cannabinoids also have the power to induce cell death through the apoptosis mechanism with the goal of reducing cancer cell growth factors in the body (Silver, n.d.). “Cannabinoids can induce autophagy, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reduce angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis, without affecting normal cells” (Silver, n.d.). In addition to internal organs, CB receptors are present on the skin and can be activated through CBD topical applications (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). This can be helpful when animals are diagnosed with skin cancer, psoriasis, or mast cell tumors to promote healthy new cell growth (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Cannabis topical skin products with higher THC content may be safe for animals due to their non-psychoactive properties through the topical application compared to ingestion (Leinow and Birnbaum, 2017). Further research is needed on the efficacy of CBD products for internal tumors and external tumors and proper dosing for animals whom are suffering from cancer.

Dosing Research for Giving CBD to Dogs

Depending if owners are giving CBD to their animals to combat a cancer diagnosis or as a preventative option, there are a myriad of ways that CBD products can be given to dogs based on their dosing, potency, and efficacy needs. In this scientific study, researchers analyzed diverse methodologies for dogs to absorb CBD based products and measure how their bodies reacted based on pharmacokinetic values (Bartner et al., 2018). These dogs were given CBD through either CBD infused transdermal cream, oral microencapsulated oil, or oral CBD-infused oil over a six-week period (Bartner et al., 2018). Each animal was given 150 mg or 300 mg of CBD per day based on their 10mg/kg or 20 mg/kg of body weight (Bartner et al., 2018). Bloodwork panels were analyzed at weeks two, four, and six of the study with the highest CBD concentration levels reported in the blood from animals who were given the CBD infused oil (Bartner et al., 2018). This data implies that out of the three methods given to the dogs, the CBD infused oil was the most potent and had the strongest effect on the dog’s bodies (Bartner et al., 2018). The transdermal cream was the least potent followed by the oral microencapsulated oil falling in the middle. Cannabinoids from the transdermal cream would have become bound to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body that are lipophilic meaning that they may have not been able to pass through all of the layers of the skin which may have been why they were not absorbed as well (Bartner et al., 2018). This study only took place over a six-week period and further research is needed to analyze the absorbance of CBD products over significantly longer periods of time (Bartner et al., 2018). This study was conducted to only include dogs that were considered healthy based on previous bloodwork and veterinary exams and further research is needed on how dogs absorb CBD based products when they are diagnosed with differing maladies (Bartner et al., 2018). This study demonstrates the potency of CBD products and provides possible options for owners when they are choosing what types of CBD products to give to their animals.

Abbreviations:
Cannabidiol: (CBD)
No Date: (N.D.)
Cannabinoid Receptor 1: (CB1)
Cannabinoid Receptor 2: (CB2)

References

References:
Bianco, A. V., Abood, S., Mutsaers, A., Woods, J. P., Coe, J. B., & Verbrugghe, A. (2020). Unconventional diets and nutritional supplements are more common in dogs with cancer compared to healthy dogs: An online global survey of 345 dog owners. Veterinary and comparative oncology, 10.1111/vco.12599. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12599

Silver, R. J. Veterinary Cannabis: Regulatory, Pharmacology, Safety, Applications (Pain & Cancer).

Bartner, L. R., McGrath, S., Rao, S., Hyatt, L. K., & Wittenburg, L. A. (2018). Pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol administered by 3 delivery methods at 2 different dosages to healthy dogs. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 82(3), 178–183.

Leinow, L., & Birnbaum, J. (2017, November 07). CBD as Preventative Medicine. Retrieved October 31, 2020, from https://www.projectcbd.org/medicine/cbd-preventative-medicine

Elisha Lehrhoff

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No animals are harmed in the manufacturing of our products. 

In the animal rights movement, cruelty–free is a label for products or activities that do not harm or kill animals anywhere in the world. Products tested on animals are not considered cruelty–free, since these tests are often painful and cause the suffering and death of millions of animals every year.

Vegan Dog Products

No animal products or by-products used in any of our oils.

The only non-vegan product we have are the Pumpkin Hemp Dog Biscuits which do contain egg. (The Peanut Butter Banana Hemp Dog Biscuits do not and are also vegan.)


DEFINITION OF VEGAN VS. VEGETARIAN

Getting vegetarianism confused with veganism is a common mistake most people make. So today we are going to closely examine the definition of vegan versus the definition of a vegetarian in this post. Hopefully, this provides a little clarity.

DEFINITION OF A VEGETARIAN

The Oxford dictionary definition of a vegetarian is “a person who does not eat meat or does not believe in eating meat, fish, fowl, or in some cases, any food derived from animals, as eggs or cheese, but subsists on vegetables, fruits, nuts, grain etc.”

This basically divides vegetarians into two groups; vegetarians who exclude eggs and dairy and vegetarians who include these items in their diets. The latter can then be broken up into a further three groups; ovo- vegetarians (who consume eggs but not milk), lacto-vegetarians (who consume milk but not eggs) and ovo-lacto vegetarians who consume both milk and eggs.

There’s often controversy surrounding “semi-vegetarians”, whose diet consists mainly of vegetarian foods but includes fish or poultry. The main differentiating factor between all of the above-mentioned groups is how much animal products are included in the diet.

DEFINITION OF VEGAN

The above difference is the main distinguishing factor between the definition of vegan and that of a vegetarian because vegans exclude animal products in their entirety. The official definition of veganism is “the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in a diet. As well as following an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of sentient animals.

A follower of veganism is known as a vegan”. That means veganism extends beyond the diet of a vegan individual. That is the biggest difference between vegans and vegetarians. While vegetarians may not consume animal products, they may use them if they are present in other products, such as items containing silk, honey or leather.

Vegans, on the other hand, avoid the use of animal products in all areas of their lifestyles.

Human Grade Dog Products

All ingredients and manufacturing processes are Human-Grade. We would never make anything for our pets considered not suitable for ourselves. The term human-grade in pet food means the finished product is legally suitable and approved as nourishment for humans. It is “edible.” Human foods are much more rigorously regulated than foods made for animals.

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All of our products are made with top quality, Certified Organic carrier oils and Organically-grown ingredients, all sourced responsibly and sustainably. Our products are infused with our own Full-spectrum Hemp extract which is derived from our own Organically-grown Colorado Hemp that was grown at our own facilities.

Cultivar Specific Hemp Oil Dog Products

For consistency. HempMy Pet grows one particular cultivar of hemp, selected specifically for its cannabinoid profile, and uses it every time for our hemp extract, maintaining consistency and eliminating unknowing trial and error.

Cannabis strains including Hemp and Marijuana are either pure or hybrid of the plant genus Cannabis, which encompasses the species Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis.

Varieties are developed to intensify specific characteristics of the plant, or to differentiate the strain for the purposes of marketing or to make it more effective as a natural supplement. Variety names are typically chosen by their growers, and often reflect properties of the plant such as taste, color, smell, or the origin of the variety. These varieties have been cultivated to contain a high percentage of cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, CBC and more. Several varieties of Cannabis, known as Hemp, have a very low THC content, and are instead grown for their fiber, seed and therapeutic propertiess

Third Party Tested Hemp Oil for Dogs

From Seed-to-Sale all HempMy Pet products are tested by reputable independent laboratories for purity, safety, and quality. The soil, the water, the plants and the finished product are all rigorously tested to ensure no solvents, pesticides, heavy metals or micro-bacterial contanimants are present. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are published online with each product and always available upon request.

Organic Hemp Dog Products

All of our Hemp is organically grown in Colorado at our own greenhouse or farm. We do not import our hemp from overseas or any other state. We strive for perfection in our growing, curing, processing and formulating of our Hemp products.

Veterinarian Recommended Hemp Oil Dog Products

Clinically studied by independent veterinarians and sold in veterinarian clinics nationwide.

Full Spectrum Hemp Oil for Dogs

All the Cannabinoids, CBD, CBG, CBC..plus the terpenes and other minor cannabinoids made from the Whole Plant for the complete entourage effect.

CBD has become quite popular over the last couple of years but despite what you might think it is only one of the 100 compounds that have been identified in the Cannabis Sativa L plant. Full-spectrum CBD oil, unlike CBD isolate products, includes a wide range of cannabinoids present in the cannabis or hemp plant. Depending on the condition and what you are looking to achieve it can provide a greater effect than CBD alone as all the cannabinoids work together in what is known as the entourage effect.

Full-spectrum CBD also contains a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and fiber. When referring to CBD in the hemp plant, it’s important to understand that Hemp contains a large number of cannabinoids (in trace amounts), but the main compounds are CBD and cannabidiolic acid (CBDa). As CBDa is more abundant in the hemp plant, firms must decarboxylate the oil. This process heats the oil and changes CBDa into CBD.

Just one last thing before we explain the benefits of Full Spectrum CBD oil, its important to understand that CBD from Cannabis is only legal in Medical or recreational states, while CBD hemp oil is legal in all 50 states under the 2014 US Farm Bill. While it may not be able to treat all conditions it has been known to assist with a variety of medical conditions including anxiety, depression and acute pain.

The Benefits of the Whole Plant

One of the most important studies relating to full-spectrum CBD oil took place at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Hadassah School in 2015. It compared the performance of a full spectrum extract with one that contained CBD only. The study concluded that full spectrum was more effective when fighting pain and inflammation.

While CBD only is somewhat effective, the whole plant extract not only provided faster and better relief, the effects also lasted longer. This is why an increasing number of companies in the CBD industry are selling full-spectrum CBD oil as a rule.

The aforementioned entourage effect is the main reason behind the efficacy of whole plant extracts. There are over 100 ‘identified’ compounds in the cannabis plant. While most of these compounds have their own therapeutic benefit, they come together in a synergistic way to provide far better performance than any single compound, including CBD.

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