A survey published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition by researchers from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro finds that CBD is widely used among small animal veterinarians in Portugal, particularly for dogs and cats, with many reporting positive outcomes across a range of conditions.
The study analyzed responses from 166 veterinarians working in small animal clinics. Just 5% said they had never used CBD supplements, while 71% reported using them frequently in dogs and 59% in cats. Among those who had not used CBD, 75% cited a lack of knowledge about its properties and applications as the primary reason, indicating that limited familiarity remains a barrier for a small portion of practitioners.
Among veterinarians who do use CBD, satisfaction rates were notably high. A total of 93% reported being satisfied or very satisfied when using it for oncological conditions, while 92% said the same for chronic pain management. Additionally, 83% reported positive outcomes for behavioral issues such as stress, and 76% for its use as an anti-inflammatory.
Some respondents also indicated they use CBD for a variety of additional purposes, including cognitive dysfunction, appetite stimulation, feline gingivostomatitis, geriatric care, and wound healing.
Adverse effects were reported but appeared relatively limited. The most common were hypersalivation (28%) and apathy (25%), while 34% of respondents said they had not observed any adverse effects in their patients.
Researchers note that while the findings point to widespread use and confidence among veterinarians, the survey is based on self-reported data and does not establish clinical efficacy.
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