Latest Research From EVDC 2026: Global Pain Points And Industry Development Directions in The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Canine Allergic Dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis in dogs, especially canine atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent chronic disease in veterinary clinics worldwide, long troubling veterinarians and pet owners. At the European Veterinary Dermatology Congress (EVDC 2026), MSD Animal Health released significant research data from the "Canine Pruritus: A Global Survey of Pet Owners and Veterinarians," revealing the current state of diagnosis and treatment of canine allergic dermatitis and providing important insights for the development of the global pet healthcare industry.

This survey covered 1,413 veterinarians in 11 countries and 1,710 dog owners in 8 countries. Data shows that among the dogs treated by veterinarians, 27% suffered from itching or allergic skin diseases, and approximately two-fifths of dogs with skin diseases were only diagnosed for the first time during their veterinary visit. Allergic skin diseases not only severely reduce the quality of life for dogs, but 31% of dog owners reported that the disease also had a significant negative impact on their own quality of life. Chronic and recurrent flare-ups, difficulty in diagnosing the cause, and frequent changes in treatment plans are prominent clinical challenges. In the past year, 29% of dog owners and 41% of veterinarians worldwide changed their treatment plans, reflecting the many shortcomings of current treatment methods.

From a clinical perspective, veterinarians and pet owners share a high degree of consensus: they desire treatments that are fast-acting, highly safe, and easy to administer. However, there are subtle differences in their priorities: dog owners prioritize antipruritic effects and drug safety, while veterinarians place greater emphasis on efficacy and speed of onset. The survey also points out several practical challenges in the industry. Traditional antihistamines and corticosteroids are still widely used, while the usage rate of new targeted drugs such as JAK inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies remains low. Cost is an unavoidable obstacle, with 46% of veterinarians believing that the industry urgently needs cost-effective treatment options. Furthermore, there is a significant treatment gap in younger dogs; dogs aged 6-11 months with the disease cannot use some drugs approved only for dogs over 12 months of age. In addition, a communication gap is prevalent between veterinarians and pet owners. Many owners lack sufficient understanding of the disease's progression and medication adherence, leading them to arbitrarily stop medication or shorten treatment courses, further exacerbating recurring symptoms.

This survey from EVDC 2026 fully demonstrates that the management of canine allergic dermatitis is not only a matter of drug development, but also inseparable from standardized diagnostic and treatment hardware and the construction of standardized clinics. Professional pet medical institutions need complete examination equipment and treatment environments to complete consultations, skin screenings, and long-term follow-up management, thus better implementing chronic skin disease management programs. As a global pet medical equipment brand, TOPVETMED has been deeply involved in the veterinary medical equipment field for over 30 years. Relying on the strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities of Shanghai Huifeng Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., it provides complete veterinary diagnostic and treatment equipment solutions for pet hospitals and veterinary clinics worldwide.

TOPVETMED's product portfolio covers a full range of equipment, including veterinary examination lights, operating tables, ultrasound diagnostic equipment, pet monitoring equipment, and intensive care incubators. These devices are suitable for use in various scenarios, such as veterinary dermatology, internal medicine, and operating rooms, helping veterinary institutions build standardized treatment environments. High-quality hardware enables veterinarians to conduct more detailed clinical examinations, accurately assess the dog's skin condition, better explain the condition to pet owners, bridge the information gap between doctors and patients, and improve overall treatment compliance.

At this year's EVDC conference, MSD Animal Health also proposed that the industry needs to develop innovative therapies that are fast-acting, safe, and easy to use. A complete pet healthcare system is the foundation for innovative drugs to realize their value. Drug technology iteration and the upgrading of diagnostic hardware are mutually reinforcing; only when drug development, clinical education, and diagnostic equipment develop in tandem can the living conditions of dogs suffering from allergic dermatitis truly be improved.

For domestic pet industry practitioners, this global survey from EVDC 2026 is highly instructive. Addressing the treatment gap in young dogs, emphasizing veterinarian-patient communication, and balancing efficacy and cost are crucial directions for the management of canine allergic dermatitis. In the future, TOPVETMED will continue to monitor international advancements in veterinary dermatology, continuously provide high-quality veterinary medical equipment, empower pet hospitals, and jointly safeguard the health of companion animals.