Slovenian Pet Owners' Experience, Attitudes, and Predictors Regarding Cannabinoid Use in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the personal experience and attitudes of Slovenian pet owners regarding cannabinoid (CBD) use and to identify the predictors of the first use and reuse of CBDs in dogs and cats. We hypothesized that positive attitudes toward CBDs, postmodern health values, and personal experience would be significant predictors of CBD use in animals. An open online survey targeted randomly selected Slovenian dog and cat owners, regardless of their experience with cannabis products. The questionnaire consisted of six sections related to demographic data and personal experience with CBD use, information about the participant's animal, experience with CBD use in the participant's animal, reasons for not using CBDs in their animal, attitudes toward CBD use in dogs and cats, and postmodern health values. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze demographics, personal experience with CBD use, and experience with CBD use in dogs and cats. Hierarchical multiple regression using the enter method was performed to analyze the important predictors of CBD use. A total of 408 completed questionnaires were included in the statistical analysis. A substantial proportion (38.5%) of owners had already used CBDs to treat their animal. Positive attitudes and previous personal experience were significant (p < 0.05) predictors of first use and reuse of CBDs in pets, while postmodern health values were not. In conclusion, the decision to use CBDs for medicinal purposes is based on acquired information and personal experience. Veterinarians should be informed and familiar with CBDs as a treatment option. However, further research is essential to establish the use of CBDs in veterinary medicine. Improved laws and regulations are also needed to ensure that only high-quality medications are prescribed to dogs and cats.

Use of Cannabidiol Products by Pet Owners in Slovenia: A Survey-Based Study

“…The most common sources of information about CBD products in our study were the Internet and experiences of other users. This is generally consistent with similar studies in which the Internet was the most popular source of information about CBD products (33,34,37,48).…”

“…In our survey, most respondents reported using commercial CBD products and 35.3 % used homemade products. It is important to point out that CBD is preferred to conventional medications because it is perceived as a natural remedy (33,34,37,48). Many people rely on CBD formulations as a treatment for themselves (37,48,49) or their family members (50,51) and pets (33,34,37).…”

“…It is important to point out that CBD is preferred to conventional medications because it is perceived as a natural remedy (33,34,37,48). Many people rely on CBD formulations as a treatment for themselves (37,48,49) or their family members (50,51) and pets (33,34,37). Cannabidiol products are often purchased from uncertified manufacturers or are homemade, and the products usually contain an unknown concentration of cannabinoids (28,43,44), which can lead to product inefficacy or the occurrence of adverse effects.…”

Danish dog owners’ use and the perceived effect of unlicensed cannabis products in dogs

“…In Denmark, the recreational use of cannabis is illegal, and human medical cannabis prescription is in its infancy, which may affect owner's awareness and willingness to use cannabinoids in their dogs. This assumption is supported by a Slovenian study which found a slight association between owners' personal experience with cannabinoid and their use in pets [39].…”

“…The reason for this is not clear, but it could be speculated to be linked to the higher educational level of the general population in this area, making these owners more adherent to evidence-based therapies, and less motivated for “alternative treatments”. This statement is however contradicted in the Slovenian study which did not find owner educational status as a predictor of treating pet animals with cannabinoids [ 39 ].…”