In recent years, there’s been an undeniable surge in popularity for cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment option in the pet care market. This trend has gained momentum following legislative changes in the United States that saw hemp with less than 0.3% THC removed from the Controlled Substances Schedule 1 as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The stigma around CBD use has significantly decreased, particularly with the FDA’s recent approval of a CBD medication, Epidiolex®, for treating seizures in humans.
However, as Australians consider CBD as a possible treatment for their pets, it’s important to understand its use, effects, and the ongoing research in this field. To this end, we explore the findings of a recent US-based study titled ‘Assessment of cannabidiol use in pets according to a national survey in the USA’.
Study Overview and Methodology
In this study, researchers aimed to gather data on the usage and perception of CBD among pet owners, primarily focusing on its efficacy and safety. They conducted an online survey across the United States, collecting responses from over a thousand pet owners.
Key Findings
Out of 1238 respondents, approximately 29% reported having given CBD or a cannabis product to their pets, predominantly dogs and cats. The pet owners resided mainly in urban or suburban areas.
The reasons behind using CBD varied, but most pet owners reported using it for its calming effects and perceived anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Less commonly, CBD was used to treat epilepsy and skin allergies in pets.
Despite the growing popularity, there were barriers to CBD use, such as a pet’s healthy status, lack of recommendations, concerns about safety, insufficient information, and cost. Most pet owners purchased CBD products online or from pet stores, with treats or chews and oils being the most commonly used forms of CBD.
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Challenges and Implications
Despite the prevalence of CBD use, the study highlighted several challenges. Uncertainties around dosage, non-professional recommendations, and discontinuation of CBD use due to lack of improvement or costs were commonly reported.
Furthermore, the study found that the perception of CBD’s efficacy did not significantly vary with the pet species, pet condition, or concurrent use of other medications. However, the frequency and duration of CBD administration did influence pet owners’ perception of its effectiveness.
Importantly, the survey results should be viewed with caution as they may be influenced by a caregiver placebo effect, wherein pet owners perceive an improvement in their pet’s condition that may not correlate to actual clinical efficacy.
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Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Australian Pet Owners?
While there’s a clear interest in CBD use for pets, the study underlines the need for further rigorous research and clear guidelines about CBD’s efficacy, dosage, and administration frequency. For Australian pet owners considering CBD treatment, understanding these challenges and areas of uncertainty is crucial.
As the body of research around CBD use in pets grows, it’s important for pet owners and veterinarians alike to stay informed and make decisions grounded in the latest scientific findings. While this study provides valuable insights, Australian pet owners should always consult with their veterinarians before making decisions regarding CBD use for their pets.
Reference
Corsato Alvarenga, I., MacQuiddy, B., Duerr, F., Elam, L.H. and McGrath, S. (2023), Assessment of cannabidiol use in pets according to a national survey in the USA. J Small Anim Pract. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13619