Best CBD Oil for Dogs with Cancer

We reviewed 40 CBD brands and here are the top 8 for dogs with cancer

Spring 2023 update | 7 min read

With most dogs now living to a wise old age, cancer is often an inevitable part of senior life for pups. In fact, improvements in pet care mean that rates of canine cancer are actually at an all-time high.

While it will not cure cancer, CBD oil for dogs is providing a growing number of dogs with a tool to relieve cancer symptoms such as inflammation, pain, anxiety, and nausea.

Honest Paws has a stellar reputation for CBD quality, with a hemp extract that contains CBC and CBG – two of the most relevant hemp compounds for chronic disease. In this Extra Strength formula, dogs receive a significant dose of organic full-spectrum CBD, which should help reduce disease-related inflammation.

Why trust our CBD reviews?

Our team is made of CBD experts, dog owners, and pet industry specialists. We’re dedicated to all things pet CBD and we take our recommendations seriously.

To guide dog owners through buying CBD products, we use unbiased information from independent labs and real customers.

In our analysis of 40 CBD brands, we looked at hemp farming practices, CBD extraction methods, product recipes, and dog owners’ testimonials.

How we rate CBD oils for dogs with cancer:

We rate CBD oils for dogs with cancer by extract quality and online customer reviews.

  • CBD extract quality

    Studies suggest that different cannabis compounds produce a range of different anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, full-spectrum CBD oils, which contain a whole-plant extract, are regarded as more beneficial.

    Full-spectrum CBD oils contain secondary active compounds such as CBG and CBC, alongside CBD.

  • Customer reviews

    The symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer medications can differ for every dog. As a result, owners are usually the best people to say whether a CBD product has a beneficial effect on their pet.

    We read reviews from sources like Google and Facebook to see what real dog owners say about CBD oils. We prefer to use sources of independent feedback to avoid the possibility of review-tampering.

How CBD works for cancer

CBD isn’t a cancer treatment, but as an anti-inflammatory supplement, it can help to reduce many of the symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments.

CBD and other active compounds found in hemp stimulate a part of dogs’ bodies called the endocannabinoid system. This regulating mechanism plays a role in triggering inflammation, as well as hormones and other signaling molecules.

Studies suggest that affecting endocannabinoid receptors by taking CBD can reduce pain, swelling, nausea, and internal inflammation. Some researchers have even found that cannabis compounds can directly slow tumor progression.

Jump down to more info on the science of CBD, including recent clinical studies.

2023 Full CBD for Dogs with Cancer Reviews

1. Best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Honest Paws Well Extra-Strength Oil

CBD quality

Organic full-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

630+ ratings

4.9/5

Between its highest quality, full-spectrum CBD oil and outstanding third-party reviews, we can confidently say that Honest Paws Wellness Oil is the best CBD managing your pups cancer symptoms.

Using organic, Colorado grown hemp, it contains 7 of the 7 supportive cannabinoids we look for CBD oils, which can improve the absorption of CBD. This includes high levels of CBG and CBC, which have also been linked to helping alleviate cancer symptoms.

While Honest Paws offers the best and most complete CBD, it’s their 3rd-party reviews that impress us the most. They have 4.9 / 5 star review from over 600 happy pet owners. Its one of the few brands that really stands behind their products, offering a 30 day money back guarantee on all orders.

We recommend the 1000mg as it offers the best value for the price and more benefits than smaller doses. With a cost of just $0.01 more than the industry average, Honest Paws Wellness Oil is the clear CBD choice for dogs suffering from cancer.

Use code COFD for 20% off Honest Paws Well Oil

Label accuracy: 93%

Supportive cannabinoids: 7 / 7 (view Honest Paws Well lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 125, 250, 500, 1000

Owner reviews: 4.9 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $48, subscribe and save 15%

2nd best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Batch CBD Pet Oil

CBD quality

Organic full-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

75+ ratings

4.9/5

With the second-highest cannabinoid count among all of the pet CBD brands we’ve reviewed, Batch’s organic, full-spectrum CBD oil from Wisconsin-grown hemp is a potent option for managing cancer-related symptoms in dogs.

Batch CBD comes in two flavors: Alaskan salmon oil and bacon, and it uses organic MCT carrier oil that’s easier for dogs to digest.

While the brand has fewer reviews than some of its competitors, it maintains an impressive 5/5 star rating from the 44 reviews it has received so far. Their 30-day satisfaction guarantee shows that Batch CBD is confident in their products, while giving you piece of mind when trying the product.

The only downsides of Batch CBD’s Pet Tincture are that it doesn’t include additional therapeutic ingredients like chamomile or turmeric, and their pet tincture only comes in the one 750mg size.

Get lowest price on Batch CBD Pet Oil here

Label accuracy: 93%

Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Batch CBD Pet Oil lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 750

Owner reviews: 5 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $25, Subscribe and save 25%

3. Best THC-free CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Penelope’s Bloom

CBD quality

Organic broad-spectrum

Great

Owner reviews

14+ ratings

4.0/5

Penelope’s Bloom is the top pick for broad-spectrum CBD oils and the third-best CBD oil for helping with cancer symptoms in dogs. This CBD oil boasts the highest cannabinoid count of THC-free options with five of the seven beneficial cannabinoids (including CBG and CBC), all sourced from organically grown US hemp.

While it is not a true full-spectrum CBD oil and has fewer 3rd-party reviews than other brands, Penelope’s Bloom is a reliable choice and our clear top choice for a broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Get lowest price on Penelope’s Bloom here

Label accuracy: 97%

Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view Penelope’s Bloom lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 250, 500, 750, 1000

Owner reviews: 4.0 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $75, subscribe and save 20%

4th best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
CBDistillery Pet Tincture

CBDistillery Wag Distilled CBD Pet Tincture for Pet Wellness 150mg tincture and packaging

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

600+ ratings

3.8/5

CBDistillery Pet Tincture is the 4th best CBD oil for dogs with cancer according to our research. It uses full-spectrum CBD, containing 5 out of the 7 supportive cannabinoids, and offers impressive levels of CBG and CBC, which have shown promising potential in studies for their effects on symptoms associated with cancer in dogs.

One of the most attractive things about CBDistillery Pet Tincture is its cost. It is the least expensive full-spectrum CBD oil on the list, priced at just $0.07 per mg of CBD. However, it should be noted that it is not organic or made in the USA.

CBDistillery Pet Tincture’s lab reports and label advertising of CBD levels have not always been closely matched, which may be a concern for some customers. Additionally, its reviews are not as positive as some of the other products on this list.

Label accuracy: 88%

Supportive cannabinoids: 5 / 7 (view CBDistillery Pet Oil lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 150, 600

Owner reviews: 3.9 / 5

Shopping perks: Subscribe to save 30%

5th best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract

Charlottes Web Full Spectrum Hemp Extract for Dogs Chicken Flavor CBD tincture and packaging

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

70+ ratings

3.6/5

Charlotte’s Web CBD oil for dogs offers a true full-spectrum extraction, containing six out of seven of the most beneficial cannabinoids we look for. The brand earns a top-3 pick for CBD oils for cancer thanks to its inclusion of CBG and CBC.

A lack of positive independent reviews are the main downside. With a 3.2 star rating from only 72 reviews, there is much less social proof compared to the front-runner, Honest Paws, which has a 4.9 star average rating from 600+ reviews.

Label Accuracy: 85%

Supportive cannabinoids: 6 / 7 (view Charlotte’s Web for Dogs lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 510, 1700

Owner Reviews: 3.2 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $74, subscribe and save 20%

6th best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Holistapet

Holistapet 300mg CBD Oil for Dogs tincture original flavor

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

10+ ratings

3.7/5

Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is made in the USA using natural ingredients. It is one of the better THC-free options for treating symptoms associated with canine cancer, specifically due to its higher levels of CBG.

Another benefit of Holistapet CBD Oil for Dogs is that it comes in five convenient sizes and three different flavor options.

The downside is, as a broad-spectrum CBD with less supportive cannabinoids, is that it may be less effective as the richer full-spectrum oils listed above. It also contains no CBC, whereas Penelope’s Bloom is a broad-spectrum CBD oil with both CBG and CBN, and contains more cannabinoids.

Label accuracy: 88%

Supportive cannabinoids: 4 / 7 (view Holistapet lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 150, 300, 600, 1200, 3000

Owner reviews: 4 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on orders over $50

7th best CBD oil for dogs with cancer
HempMy Pet

HempMy Pet Hemp Extracts 250mg CBD tincture and package

CBD quality

Full-spectrum

Good

Customer reviews

No reviews

0/5

HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil is a full-spectrum CBD product that uses organic hemp CBD and a hemp seed carrier oil.

While we like that it is organic, and it has independent lab certificates to back up its quality, we cannot find any third-party reviews for this product on the web, which is a concern.

Another downside of HempMy Pet Hemp CBD Pet Oil is its high cost, which is comparable to our top recommended product, but it does not have as rich of a cannabinoid profile.

While it contains full-spectrum CBD, it does not have as many of the supportive cannabinoids as our top listed CBD oil for dogs with cancer.

Label accuracy: 95%

Supportive cannabinoids: 4 / 7 (view HempMy Pet lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 250, 1000

Owner reviews: NA

Shopping perks: Subscribe and save 30%

8. Best isolate CBD oil for dogs with cancer
Medterra Pet Oil

Medterra CBD Pet Oil Unflavored 750mg tincture

CBD quality

Isolate

Okay

Customer reviews

363+ ratings

4.3/5

Medterra Pet Oil takes the last spot in our recommended CBD oils for dogs with cancer. This is because it is a CBD isolate oil, containing only CBD and none of the other supportive cannabinoids.

We have included it in our list for dog owners who want to try giving their dogs CBD alone. Medterra uses organic hemp, has many positive reviews (although not all are pet-specific), and offers their Pet Oil comes in four convenient strengths with 3 different flavor options. As far as CBD isolate oils go, Medterra offers the best.

Label accuracy: 95%

Supportive cannabinoids: 1 / 7 (view Medterra CBD Pet Oil lab report)

CBD sizes (mg): 150, 300, 750, 1200

Owner reviews: 4.3 / 5

Shopping perks: Free shipping on order over $75, subscribe for 30% off

Best CBD Oil for dogs with cancer

The science behind CBD and cancer

There’s a lot of information surrounding CBD and cancer, including the idea that CBD can be used to directly treat tumors.

While this isn’t exactly true, there are several interesting studies that show an association between CBD supplementation and reduced tumor progression.

Recent research on CBD and cancer

Researchers have found that CBD interacts with a part of dogs’ bodies called endocannabinoid receptors, which are responsible for controlling inflammation.

When a 2011 review looked at the relationship between endocannabinoid receptors and cancer, it found that they can be “targeted to suppress the evolution and progression of breast, prostate, and bone cancer as well as the accompanying pain syndromes.”

In a 2018 study on mice undergoing radiation therapy, those given CBD in addition to their treatment experienced greater reductions in cancer cells than mice using radiation therapy alone.

A similar 2018 study found that mice treated using a combination of CBD and chemotherapy lived almost three times longer after being diagnosed with cancer than the control group.

CBD spectrum

The hemp extraction contained inside CBD oils can contain different combinations of hemp compounds.

  • When an extract contains only CBD and no other hemp compounds, it’s known as an isolate extract.
  • When an extract is made of CBD and some other hemp compounds, it’s known as a broad-spectrum extract.
  • And, when an extract contains all of the active compounds in hemp, including CBD, it’s known as a full-spectrum extract.

Most experts agree that full-spectrum CBD oils produce the strongest anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to their wider range of active ingredients.

A typical full-spectrum CBD oil contains supplementary hemp compounds such as CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBD-V – each with its own soothing effects.

CBD’s supportive cannabinoids

Clinical studies show that hemp compounds produce different effects on endocannabinoid receptors depending upon their molecular structure.

Besides CBD, two cannabinoids are known to be particularly relevant to dogs with cancer: these are CBG and CBC.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Like CBD, Cannabigerol is an active hemp compound with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It’s most abundant when hemp plants are blooming.

In a 2014 study, CBG was shown to inhibit the growth of grafted tumors and chemically induced colon cancer.

CBC (Cannabichromene)

Pharmaceutical company CNBX recently demonstrated CBC’s anti-tumor properties in clinical trials. Researchers found that CBC could penetrate tumor cells and initiate necrosis (tissue death).

So does CBD affect tumor progression?

No one should be promoting CBD oil for dogs as a cure for cancer, and recent discoveries about cannabis compounds don’t replace the need for traditional treatment options.

Instead, it’s best to think of CBD products as helpful supplements that support dogs with chronic diseases such as cancer.

Researchers believe that CBD may protect DNA inside cells from oxidative stress, a primary cause of age-related cancer and even a possible route to slowing cancer progression.

Treatment vs supplement

Just like cancer in humans, no two cases of canine cancer are the same. Dogs may need different combinations of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Likewise, dogs with cancer will use CBD in different ways – some may respond so well that it becomes part of their primary treatment, while others will use CBD as a supplement to reduce symptoms and medication side effects.

Owners and vets should work together to find the treatment plan that most benefits their dog.

CBD and other medications

Because CBD helps reduce pain and inflammation, it may be a viable alternative to some prescription medications that can cause side effects in some dogs.

NSAIDs and opioids are two classes of medication that are regularly prescribed to dogs with cancer to help deal with pain, swelling, and discomfort. However, they come with a risk of unwanted side effects:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause gastrointestinal distress and decreased activity levels in some dogs.
  • Opioids offer strong pain relief but carry the risk of lethargy, fast tolerance formation, and potential overdose.

Unlike NSAIDs, CBD stimulates the ECS into a natural anti-inflammatory response without the risk of GI issues. And while CBD can’t compete with the pain-relieving power of opioid drugs, it can help reduce discomfort without creating dependency, even during long-term use.

CBD oil for dogs with cancer – FAQ

  • What is CBD oil for dogs with cancer?
  • How does CBD oil work with cancer?
  • What size CBD oil should I buy?
  • Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with cancer?
  • How do I give my dog CBD oil for cancer?
  • How much CBD should I give my dog for cancer? (dosages)
  • How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?
  • Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?
  • Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?
  • Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with cancer?
  • Can dogs take CBD with other cancer medications?
What is CBD oil for dogs with cancer?

CBD oil for cancer in dogs is a natural hemp supplement made by extracting anti-inflammatory compounds from hemp plants and infusing them into a high-fat carrier oil (usually coconut oil or hempseed oil). Combining CBD with oil improves absorption during digestion.

CBD is one of over 100 active compounds found in hemp and other species of cannabis plants. Known as cannabinoids, these compounds stimulate receptors in the body connected to the control of inflammation, pain signals, and the broader immune system.

How does CBD oil work with cancer?

Cancer and other chronic diseases can cause stress and internal inflammation, which leads to discomfort, swelling, pain, and anxiety.

By acting on the inflammatory and immune systems, CBD can help return the body to homeostasis, the medical term for a state of internal balance.

Researchers believe that CBD and other cannabinoids may also directly affect the growth of tumors. However, studies on the anti-cancer properties of cannabis compounds are in their early stages and haven’t yet reached a firm conclusion.

What size CBD oil should I buy?

There are no strict rules about how much CBD dogs should take or how often they should be given CBD supplements. Most experts recommend thinking about your dog’s size, weight, and intensity of symptoms when shopping for CBD oil and determining dosages.

For dogs with cancer and other chronic diseases, we recommend a medium-to-large dose of CBD, given daily, as long as symptoms last. Because of this, higher volume and/or concentration CBD oils are likely to offer better value.

In general, bigger sizes of CBD oils retail for higher prices but offer a better cost per mg of CBD infused into the product.

Should I buy CBD oils or CBD dog treats for dogs with cancer?

When a CBD brand makes both oils and treats, there’s rarely a difference between the CBD extract used in each product. A company will usually produce batches of their CBD extract, then infuse it into their entire product line.

As a result, the choice between CBD oils and treats usually comes down to owner and dog preference. For example, if your dog is highly suspicious of medicines or things being added to their food, then a readymade CBD treat may work better.

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to measure out your own CBD dosages, then a tincture of CBD oil with a graded dropper offers more flexibility.

How do I give my dog CBD oil for cancer?

CBD isn’t an alternative to cancer treatment drugs and shouldn’t be used as a replacement for any prescribed cancer treatment.

However, CBD can offer an alternative or supplement to medications used to treat the symptoms of cancer and cancer therapy, such as pain, swelling, nausea, and inflammation.

To give a dog CBD for these and other inflammatory symptoms, calculate an appropriate daily dosage based on their needs and body weight. The most popular ways to deliver CBD to dogs include mixing CBD oil into their food or dropping it onto treats.

CBD can also be dropped directly into dogs’ mouths or rubbed into their gums.

How much CBD should I give my dog for cancer? (dosages)

General recommendations for CBD dosage is 0.5 – 2 mg of CBD per pound of a dog’s body weight, with a starting dose of 0.5 mg per pound. This means, for example, that a dog weighing 20 pounds should begin with a daily dose of 10 mg before 20.

Remember that CBD extracts are infused into carrier oils, so the total volume of a CBD oil isn’t the same as the total amount of CBD.

From that starting point, owners should observe their dog for any change in symptoms, and can slowly raise the dosage if necessary.

Daily routine or single dose?

If you read online reviews of CBD oils for dogs, you’ll find reports of owners giving their dogs a single dose of CBD to help calm them during a thunderstorm or fireworks. Some reviews even claim that one or two doses of CBD helped improve pets’ joint pain or mobility issues.

While it’s true that some dogs will experience positive effects from a single dose of CBD, most pets require consistent supplementation over weeks or months to feel any benefits from CBD oil.

This is particularly true for dogs with high levels of inflammation, such as those with cancer. In these cases, we recommend daily supplementation for best results.

How do I tell if my dog’s CBD oil is working?

Signs that CBD if having a positive effect on dogs include increased activity, mobility, or interactions. When inflammation is reduced, dogs should experience less discomfort and anxiety, making it easier for them to return to normal behavior.

In most cases, CBD won’t completely remove symptoms associated with cancer or invasive treatments like chemotherapy. However, the correct dose of CBD oil can reduce their negative effects.

The benefits of CBD may also build across the course of supplementation.

Can dogs overdose from CBD oil?

Experts believe that there are upper limits to CBD tolerance, where extreme dosages may have damaging effects on the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Practically speaking, however, dogs cannot overdose from CBD oil and would need to consume many times the recommended dose to approach the point where negative effects might occur.

As a natural supplement containing non-toxic ingredients, CBD doesn’t carry the same risks as pharmaceutical medications or recreational cannabis products made from marijuana. Beyond the risk of minor side effects in some dogs, CBD is completely safe.

However, dogs can easily overdose when given cannabis products designed for humans. Human CBD may contain higher amounts of THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid that is considered highly toxic for dogs. Never give a dog cannabis products made for humans.

Does CBD oil for dogs have any side effects?

Most dogs won’t experience any side effects when taking pet-friendly CBD oil.

However, a small number of owners have reported minor side effects when giving their dog CBD for the first time. The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea and/or nausea and vomiting.

These side effects could be caused by a sensitivity to the high-fat carrier oils used in CBD products, or the CBD extract itself.

If a dog experiences side effects when taking CBD, discontinue use and contact a vet if side effects don’t quickly resolve themselves.

Do vets recommend CBD oil for dogs with cancer?

At the federal level, CBD is categorized as an unregulated health supplement, which means that vets aren’t able to prescribe CBD for dogs. State laws may differ, but most say similar things that result in CBD remaining non-regulated.

While vets may not be able to recommend CBD in an official capacity, however, most are more than happy to discuss the benefits of CBD supplementation with individual owners.

Can dogs take CBD with other cancer medications?

When combining supplements like CBD with pharmaceutical treatments for cancer and other canine health issues, consulting with a vet is essential. In most cases, however, CBD can be safely paired with existing treatment plans.

One of the main uses for CBD in dogs with cancer is as a supplement or alternative to common medications like NSAIDs or opioids, intended to reduce inflammation and pain. CBD can be taken alongside both of these medications.

Disclaimer

When products are purchased through our site, we may receive a commission. This allows us to stay up-to-date on the research behind CBD for dogs as well as brand reviews. While we update the site regularly, always check manufacturers’ websites for the most up-to-date information. All cbdoilfordogs.com product recommendations are based on our experts’ opinions with thorough consumer research, including our list of the best CBD oils for dogs.