Veterinary Dermatology Market: Growth, Size, Share, and Trends

The veterinary dermatology market is expanding with the growing population of companion animals and pet ownership across the globe. In developed regions such as North America and Europe and emerging economies such as India and China, more individuals are keeping pets, which is increasing the demand for veterinary dermatological services. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicated that 86.9 million US households (66%) had a pet during the 2023-2024 period, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) indicated an increase in households owning dogs from 31.3 million in 1996 to 59.8 million in 2024. In 2021, about 63.0 million US households had dogs, and 41.8 million had cats as pets. Additionally, as per the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), there was an increase in the number of dogs from 104.34 million in 2022 to 106.36 million in 2023. According to the Indian Dairy Association, India had a cattle population of more than 305 million in 2021, the highest in the world. With more companion animals in need of special skin treatment, the veterinary dermatology market is set to grow and develop in the future

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that the expense of veterinary care ranked second compared to other pet expenses, and the total amount of money spent by consumers in 2024 stood at USD 150.6 billion, which has a projection of reaching USD 200 billion by 2030. The price of prolonged dermatological procedures serves as a primary factor towards this expense. PetMD suggests that an average pet would incur between USD 250 and USD 4,500 for veterinary charges, while specialized veterinarians may claim between USD 5,000 and USD 20,000 for dermatological surgeries. The prices associated with the treatment of skin ailments through immunotherapy, laser surgery, and allergy testing are steep, thus making it expensive for pet owners. Furthermore, these steep expenses negatively impact uninsured pet owners and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, thus restraining market growth. Despite the growing availability of pet insurance, coverage for dermatological services remains substantially restricted, resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses for pet owners. The annual increase in veterinary treatment costs, approximately 12%, can be attributed to escalating fees associated with specialist consultations and the lower income levels experienced by veterinarians relative to other medical professions. Consequently, these dynamics discourage pet owners from seeking veterinary care for skin conditions, thereby impeding the expansion of the veterinary dermatology market.

Emerging technologies and product launches are being witnessed in the veterinary dermatology market. Merck & Co., Inc. (US) received approval from the European Commission for marketing authorization of BRAVECTO TriUNO (Tablet) in November 2024; the tablet is a new formulation of a fluralaner for internal and external parasites in dogs. The product is also authorized in several key markets, including Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Zoetis Inc. (US) launched Apoquel Chewable (Tablet) in the US in October 2023; it marked the first chewable formulation for the treatment of pruritus and atopic dermatitis in dogs. In November 2024, Bimeda expanded its antiparasitic portfolio with the launch of MoxiSolv Injection (Injectables), an FDA-approved injectable solution available in a non-shattering 500 mL plastic bottle. Such innovations improve the convenience and efficacy of treatment and augment product portfolios and competitive tension in the market. This highlights how technological advancements and the introduction of new products are enabling better management of dermatological conditions in animals, thus creating growth opportunities in the veterinary dermatology market. Investing in the development of dermatological products will continue to bring enhanced treatment adherence and accessibility for curing dermatological conditions for pets.

In veterinary dermatology, antiparasitic resistance refers to the ability of parasites to survive treatments that were previously effective, a phenomenon caused by the selection of resistant parasites after susceptible ones are eliminated. Resistant parasites pass on their genes, resulting in a population that is difficult to control. This challenge is particularly critical in managing dermatological conditions like mange or flea infestations in animals. According to the US FDA, the agency launched the Antiparasitic Resistance Management Strategy in 2024, emphasizing the sustainable use of dewormers and antiparasitic drugs in livestock, poultry, and horses to mitigate resistance. It underscores the importance of precise dosing, rotation of effective drugs, and alternative control measures to prolong the efficacy of available treatments. In 2023, researchers at the University of Queensland discovered ivermectin-resistant strains of mange-causing mites in cattle and sheep in Australia, significantly impacting animal welfare and farm productivity. In addition, research was conducted in 2023 through databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using terms related to ivermectin, human and veterinary ectoparasites, and resistance, which identified ivermectin resistance, such as target site resistance, and metabolic resistance in ectoparasites. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Parasitology highlighted growing resistance in fleas treated with fipronil among dogs in the US, leading to recurring infestations despite regular treatments.