Although there are no veterinary cannabinoid products approved yet in Denmark, dog owners in this country appear to be heavily dosing their pets with cannabidiol (CBD) supplements.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen’s Faculty of Veterinary Clinical Sciences investigated unauthorized cannabinoid use in Danish dogs through an anonymous online survey distributed via social media.
Of the 2,002 respondents, 38% said they had used or administered cannabinoids to their dogs. The most popular product type was cannabidiol drops/oil (93%). Only 4% reported using delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-based (THC) products, which can be a fairly dangerous practice since dogs are more sensitive to the psychoactive properties of THC than humans. There is a gender.
Cannabinoid products are used to treat and manage a variety of conditions, but the three most common indications were pain relief, behavioral issues, and allergies. The majority of owners reported perceived positive or very positive effects. Especially regarding pain relief (77%).
“One of the findings that surprised us was the wide variety of medical conditions and behavioral conditions in dogs treated with cannabinoid products by Danish dog owners, and the extent to which owners perceived the effectiveness of the treatment. “, the researchers said. “This suggests that systematic clinical research is warranted in the use of cannabinoids in pet dogs.”
Although products were primarily sourced online, a surprising finding was that 20 respondents purchased cannabinoids through a veterinarian, even though it is illegal for veterinarians to prescribe cannabinoids in Denmark. That’s what I answered.
The researchers said they recognized various limitations of the study and recommended caution when interpreting the results.
“…this study supports the need for more evidence-based knowledge in the companion animal field of cannabinoids, as some dog owners self-prescribe cannabinoids for a variety of medical conditions in their dogs. Pet owners request information about cannabinoid products, but it is currently difficult for veterinarians to provide evidence-based information and dosage recommendations.”
The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
On a related note, British researchers recently studied safety and efficacy aspects of long-term oral cannabidiol supplementation in cats.
Both studies highlight the importance of pet owners seeking professional veterinary advice before starting cannabidiol administration.