Assessment of cannabidiol use in pets according to a national survey in the USA

Abstract

Objectives: Conduct an online questionnaire to understand the motivations and perceptions about cannabidiol use in companion animals in the USA.

Materials and methods: Data from a USA population sample who owned a pet were gathered using an online questionnaire. Perception of cannabidiol efficacy was analysed for independence against explanatory variables using the Pearson chi-square test, followed by a binary logistic regression.

Results: A total of 1238 participants completed the survey; 356 had administered cannabidiol to their pet before. Dogs were the most prevalent pet, followed by cats (75.8 and 22.2%, respectively). Treats/chews and oils were the most common forms of cannabidiol (44.6 and 42.9%, respectively). The most prevalent condition for treating with cannabidiol was anxiety and stress (67.4%), followed by joint pain and inflammation (23%). Doses and frequency of cannabidiol used by many pet owners were inconsistent, and yet many participants perceived an improvement of their pets' condition with supplementation, with mild to no side effects. Most respondents had not given cannabidiol to their pets before due to uncertainty about its efficacy and safety. The frequency of cannabidiol administration and length of time administered were both significant for whether participants found it efficacious in treating a given condition, and this was more evident when supplementing cannabidiol for a longer time.

Clinical significance: We found heterogeneity regarding cannabidiol dosage and dosing frequency. Cannabidiol was mostly perceived as safe and effective, but there is a need to conduct further research on cannabidiol long-term tolerability and therapeutic efficacy for treating various conditions.