Is the popularity of CBD for pets on the rise?

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE revealed that 38% of the respondents used cannabinoids – mainly cannabidiol (CBD) – for their pets.

Despite CBD products being unlicensed for veterinary use in Denmark, owners are predominantly using cannabidiol in oils or drops (93%).

Only a small percentage of pet parents in the Nordic country opt for CBD ointments (9%) or use THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) products for their pets (4%).

The study, led by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen, surveyed 2,002 pet parents in the Nordic country.

Behavior and allergies

According to the study, the most commonly cited reasons for using these products included managing pain, addressing behavioral concerns and treating allergies in dogs. 

Nearly 8 out of 10 respondents (77%) believed they observed beneficial effects on their pets’ mental and physical health, with benefits extending to various conditions, including cancer, seizures, appetite and general well-being.

Rising popularity in the US

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) also reports a rise in pet CBD usage in the US for conditions like anxiety, pain and arthritis.

According to APPA’s 2024 Dog and Cat Report, CBD use for calming dogs increased from 4% in 2018 to 12% in 2024. Similar trends were observed in cats, where 7% of owners in the US are believed to use it as a calming tool. 

A 2023 survey by PETS International and Yummypets of pet parents in the US, Canada, France and the UK concluded that 16% had bought a CBD-based product for their pets. Additionally, 41% of respondents would be interested in trying one and 13% weren’t really interested.

Further regulations 

With the increase in CBD’s popularity, regulatory developments have recently intensified.

California’s emergency regulations to ban THC-containing hemp products came into effect in September 2024. The new law prohibits consumable hemp products containing any detectable level of THC – the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects – as well as other intoxicating substances like delta-8 THC. 

This emergency action follows the failure of bill AB 2223, which aimed to regulate intoxicating hemp products. 

Sean Zyer, founder of Colorado’s Earth Buddy Pet Products, an online retailer of CBD supplements, warned that the AB 2223 bill could categorize pet CBD with banned synthetic cannabis, potentially limiting safe and effective treatments for pets in California.

He admits that this regulation could force consumers toward higher-cost dispensary products with higher THC levels, which may not be safe for pets.