ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN DOGS: EPIDEMIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, AND THE ROLE OF DIET
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37000/abbsl.2025.117.05Keywords:
atopic dermatitis, dogs, allergy, microbiome, urbanization, stress, One Health, nutrition, pollution, exposome.Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common allergic diseases in dogs, with its prevalence steadily increasing worldwide. According to international veterinary databases, the incidence of environmentally induced allergies in dogs has risen by 30–40% over the past decade. A similar trend is observed in Ukraine, where veterinary clinics report a significant increase in cases of pruritus, erythema, alopecia, and secondary skin infections, particularly among small companion breeds.
This paper reviews recent epidemiological data indicating that urbanization, excessive hygiene, environmental pollution, stress, and diet play major roles in the development of AD. Comparative analysis between Ukrainian and European data shows that the prevalence of canine AD in urban regions of Ukraine reaches 12–15% of all dermatological cases. Similar patterns in the EU are linked to reduced microbial diversity in urban environments and decreased exposure of dogs to natural microbiota. Excessive use of household chemicals, synthetic flooring, and industrial pet food contributes to epidermal barrier disruption and immune sensitization. Conversely, feeding with natural or minimally processed diets and exposure to outdoor environments exhibit a protective effect by maintaining a balanced gut and skin microbiome. Cohort studies in Finland and Sweden demonstrated that raw feeding during lactation and early growth significantly reduces the risk of allergic diseases in offspring. Psychological stress also plays an important role: studies show that dogs with AD have higher hair cortisol concentrations compared to healthy ones, correlating with the emotional state of their owners. This synchrony emphasizes the human–animal emotional connection and supports further interdisciplinary research within the One Health framework. Environmental pollutants such as particulate matter, detergents, microplastics, and tobacco smoke have been identified as major disruptors of epithelial integrity, leading to microbiome imbalance and epigenetic alterations associated with allergic inflammation. In summary, the increasing prevalence of canine AD is multifactorial, reflecting the combined influence of urban lifestyle, dietary habits, stress, and environmental pollution. Comprehensive prospective studies in Ukraine are essential to investigate the exposome–microbiome relationship in AD pathogenesis, which will serve as a basis for national preventive guidelines and evidence-based veterinary recommendations.
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