# Demographic features, health status, and behavioral changes associated with cannabidiol use in the Dog Aging Project. > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/dog-aging-project-cbd-use-patterns-companion-animals-study/ > **Published:** 2026-04-28T07:02:59-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:09:23-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Large survey study characterizes real-world CBD use patterns in dogs, revealing associations with owner demographics and potential behavioral changes. --- CED Clinical Relevance  #61Notable Clinical Interest Evidence Brief | CED ClinicDog Aging Project survey data reveals demographic patterns and behavioral changes associated with CBD use in companion dogs. VeterinaryCbdSurveyCompanion AnimalsBehavioral Changes Dog Aging Project survey data reveals demographic patterns and behavioral changes associated with CBD use in companion dogs. What This Study Teaches Us This survey analysis provides the first large-scale characterization of real-world CBD use patterns in companion dogs. The study demonstrates that owner decisions about canine CBD administration are influenced by multiple factors including geographic location, legal cannabis status, and perceived health needs. Why This Matters As veterinary [CBD products](https://cedclinic.com/fda-warning-on-cbd-products/) proliferate without robust regulatory oversight, understanding usage patterns helps inform both veterinary counseling and research priorities. The demographic associations suggest access and adoption barriers that may affect equitable care delivery. Study Snapshot Study Type Cross-sectional survey analysis with longitudinal subset Population Dog owners participating in the Dog Aging Project, dogs receiving CBD/hemp products Intervention CBD and hemp product administration to dogs Comparator Dogs not receiving [CBD products](https://cedclinic.com/fda-warning-on-cbd-products/) Primary Outcome Demographic patterns of CBD use and behavioral changes in dogs Key Finding CBD use patterns varied by owner demographics, state [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) laws, and dog health status Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science Year 2024 Clinical Bottom Line CBD use in dogs follows predictable demographic and geographic patterns, with some evidence of behavioral changes in long-term users. However, the observational design cannot establish causation or safety profiles for veterinary CBD applications. What This Paper Does Not Show This study cannot demonstrate CBD efficacy, establish optimal dosing, or prove causal relationships between CBD use and behavioral outcomes. Safety data, [drug interactions](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-liver-interactions-study-insights/), and long-term health effects remain uncharacterized. Where This Paper Deserves Skepticism Survey methodology relies on owner perceptions rather than objective measurements. Selection bias likely affects which owners participate and report CBD use. Behavioral assessments lack validated instruments and control for confounding variables. Dr. Caplan's Take While this provides useful epidemiologic context, I remain cautious about veterinary CBD recommendations given the regulatory void and limited safety data. The demographic patterns suggest we need more accessible, evidence-based guidance for pet owners making these decisions. What a Careful Reader Should Take Away This survey reveals widespread CBD use in dogs with geographic and demographic clustering, but cannot guide [clinical decision-making](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-mental-health-systematic-review-evidence-insights/) about efficacy or safety. The findings highlight the need for controlled veterinary studies and regulatory clarity. Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/forum/cannabis-industry/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Just%20read%20this%20on%20CEDclinic.com%3A%20Demographic%20features%2C%20health%20status%2C%20and%20behavioral%20changes%20associated%20with%20cannabidiol%20use%20in%20the%20D...%20%40drcaplan&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdog-aging-project-cbd-use-patterns-companion-animals-study%2F)[in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdog-aging-project-cbd-use-patterns-companion-animals-study%2F)[🦅 Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Just%20read%20this%3A%20Demographic%20features%2C%20health%20status%2C%20and%20behavioral%20changes%20associated%20with%20cannabidiol%20use%20in%20the%20D...%20via%20%40drcaplan.bsky.social%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdog-aging-project-cbd-use-patterns-companion-animals-study%2F)[📷 Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan)[📝 Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/)[🔔 Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) Table of Contents - [FAQ](#FAQ)[What factors influence pet owners’ decisions to give their dogs CBD products?](#What_factors_influence_pet_owners8217_decisions_to_give_their_dogs_CBD_products) - [Which medical conditions are most commonly associated with CBD use in dogs?](#Which_medical_conditions_are_most_commonly_associated_with_CBD_use_in_dogs) - [Are there observable behavioral changes in dogs that use CBD long-term?](#Are_there_observable_behavioral_changes_in_dogs_that_use_CBD_long-term) - [How common is CBD use among dog owners, and what usage patterns exist?](#How_common_is_CBD_use_among_dog_owners_and_what_usage_patterns_exist) - [What is the clinical significance of this research for veterinary practice?](#What_is_the_clinical_significance_of_this_research_for_veterinary_practice) - [Related](#Related) ## FAQ #### What factors influence pet owners’ decisions to give their dogs CBD products? According to the Dog Aging Project survey data, owner decisions to administer CBD are influenced by demographics, the legal status of [medical cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) in their state, and their dog’s health status. The study found patterns suggesting that geographic location and regulatory environment play significant roles in CBD adoption for companion animals. #### Which medical conditions are most commonly associated with CBD use in dogs? The cross-sectional analysis identified associations between CBD use and various medical conditions in dogs, though specific conditions aren’t detailed in the summary. Pet owners appear to be using CBD products as complementary treatments for their dogs’ health issues, suggesting perceived therapeutic benefits. #### Are there observable behavioral changes in dogs that use CBD long-term? The longitudinal data analysis examined age-associated behavioral changes in dogs with consistent CBD use for at least 2 years compared to non-users. The study investigated whether frequent CBD use over time was associated with behavioral modifications, providing insights into long-term effects of CBD supplementation. #### How common is CBD use among dog owners, and what usage patterns exist? The study categorized canine CBD use into three patterns: frequent use, infrequent use, and no use based on owner survey responses. These usage patterns were then analyzed for associations with demographic features and geographic location, revealing distinct trends in CBD adoption among dog owners. #### What is the clinical significance of this research for veterinary practice? This research provides veterinarians with evidence-based insights into CBD use patterns and associated factors in companion dogs. The findings help clinicians understand client demographics and motivations for CBD use, enabling more informed discussions about cannabis products in veterinary medicine. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).