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

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.