6. March 2026

Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Skin Allergies)

And the environmental factors contributing to the increased prevelance

There was a great paper recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and written by a board-certified dermatologist, Rosanna Marsella. Many folks struggle with red and itchy dogs, so here are some things to consider…

Before continuing, let me just point out that Atopic Dermatitis (environmental cause of skin allergies) can only be officially diagnosed once all parasites (fleas especially), bacterial and fungal infections, and food allergies have been conclusively ruled out.

In her paper, Dr. Marsella points out that there has been an increase in atopic dermatitis in both people and pets in the last decade. She discusses how certain breeds are genetically predisposed to having skin allergies, but a suboptimal environment can lower the allergic threshold, allowing for disease to develop. In her paper, she cited many studies on the risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis.

Factors that can increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis:

• Being of a breed predisposed to atopic dermatitis (I often see German Shepherds, Pit Bulls and French Bulldogs, but several breeds are on this list)
• Having a coat that is >50% white
• Living in an urban environment
• Living in a very clean home
• Living indoors
• Regular bathing, especially with shampoo containing sodium lauryl sulfate
• Obesity
• Eating primarily an ultraprocessed carbohydrate-rich diet (most, but not all, kibbles)
• High levels of chronic stress - often correlated with owner stress levels
• Indoor pollution (cleaners, food additives, microplastics)
• Outdoor air pollution
• Exposure to second and third-hand smoke (toxic residues settling on surfaces)
• Antibiotic exposure

Factors that reduce the risk of developing Atopic Dermatitis:

• Living rurally
• Being exposed to other animals
• Walking in a forest
• Regular outdoor exercise, especially in a rural environment
• A properly balanced, real foods diet
• Maintaining a lean body condition

Dr. Marsella concludes that “it is reasonable to recommend a natural lifestyle with increased exposure to rural environments, decreased exposure to pollution, elimination of passive smoking, increased outdoor exercise, weight control and reduced stress.” In addition, “Antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the microbiome and should be used sparingly. They are often prescribed to atopic dogs, leading to a harmful cycle of skin and gut dysbiosis.” She also advised on the careful selection of regularly-used topical products to ensure they do not contain anything that is known to disrupt the skin barrier.

If you need help checking your shampoos for toxins, getting your dog to lose weight, transitioning to a more appropriate diet or managing allergic skin disease in a holistic way, you can contact me for a virtual consultation by emailing consultaholisticvet@gmail.com. 

Link to the full paper: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/264/1/javma.25.06.0391.xml