Cannabinoid treats as adjunctive therapy for pets: gaps in our knowledge

Abstract

Cannabidiol (CBD)-infused pet treats are becoming a huge market for pet owners as they turn to this supplement for a non-traditional therapeutic option. However, CBD's short-term or long-term effects on companion animals remain largely unknown. We conducted a targeted literature search about the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of these treats in order to highlight the gaps in knowledge of CBD products. This communication elucidates some of the common misperceptions regarding CBD pet treats, and proposes suggestions for further research based on the status of knowledge in this field. With the emergence of these treats and identified gaps in knowledge, the veterinary research community needs to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters for short-and long-term duration and conduct rigorous clinical trials to assess CBD's and other cannabinoids' impact on various diseases.

Current review of hemp‐based medicines in dogs

“…CBD and THC's hepatic metabolism in the dog and in other species involves phase 1 and phase 2 mechanisms (Harvey et al, 1991; De Briyne et al, 2021). Active and inactive substances are formed that seem to differ among species and have clinical relevance still not understood (Greb & Puschner, 2018; Mcgilveray, 2005; Ujváry & Hanus, 2016). 7‐COOH‐CBD and 7‐OH‐CBD, major CBD's metabolites in humans, may not as be prevalent in dogs (Wakshlag, Cital, et al, 2020; Wakshlag, Schwark, et al, 2020).…”

“…CBD and THC have similar pharmacokinetic properties, most likely due to the similarity of their structures (Greb & Puschner, 2018). These phytocannabinoids have been reported to have low bioavailability after oral administration, with reports of levels of less than 19% in dogs (Samara et al, 1988) and humans (Mcgilveray, 2005).…”

“…Intravenous applications were described experimentally in humans and animals (Englund et al, 2012). In dogs, the pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids have been evaluated in studies involving the administration of different doses of THC, CBD, or products containing both phytocananbinoids by oral, transdermal, intravenous, and sublingual routes (Bartner et al, 2018; Chicoine et al, 2020; Deabold et al, 2019; Fernandéz‐Trapero et al, 2020; Gamble et al, 2018; Greb & Puschner, 2018; Hannon et al, 2020; Samara et al, 1988). Most hemp‐based products intended for use in dogs are currently been administered orally, aiming primarily at the practicality for the owner, but other methods of deliver like creams (Hannon et al, 2020) or sprays for sublingual administration (Fernández‐Trapero et al, 2020) may be used.…”

Use of cannabis in the treatment of animals: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

“…It is rich in phytocannabinoids, a class of terpenophenolic compounds, including the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) (Landa et al ., 2016). THC is more related to the psychotropic effects of the plant, while CBD is more related to the therapeutic effects (Greb and Puschner, 2018). More than 100 cannabinoids have been isolated from leaves and flowers (Thomas and ElSohly, 2016).…”

“…Cannabinoids exert their actions by binding with cannabinoid receptors (mainly CB 1 and CB 2 ) widely distributed in the peripheral and central nervous systems of human beings and other animals (Greb and Puschner, 2018). These receptors play important roles in many physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, immune function, and anxiety (Hartsel et al ., 2019; Repetti et al ., 2019).…”