All In The Family: Maine Mother & Son Charged in Massive Drug Bust
Veterinary Dermatology Drug Market Is Projected To Continue Growing
An increase in disease diagnoses, greater awareness of pet skin health, and other factors are driving an increase in demand for veterinary therapies
Photo: Ольга Симонова/Adobe Stock
The veterinary dermatology drug market is forecasted to experience significant growth, with one estimate suggesting an increase to nearly $18 billion (USD) worldwide by 2032.1 Factors driving this projected growth include an increase in pet ownership, advancements in veterinary treatments, and a greater awareness of dermatological health.2
Dermatology drugs and their demandAs specialized pharmaceuticals, veterinary dermatology drugs are used to treat skin conditions in a range of species, including companion animals and livestock. These drugs address allergies, infections, inflammatory skin diseases, and parasitic infestations, including a variety of other conditions.3
In canines, dermatological issues are the second-most common reason for veterinary visits. Frequent issues veterinarians encounter include skin allergies, bacterial infections, insect bites, hot spots, rashes, impetigo, mange, and dermatitis. In fact, more than 10% of all diseases in pets are skin disorders, according to research. In cats, itching, dry or flaky skin, and over-grooming are the most common symptoms of a skin disorder.1
Products in the veterinary dermatology market consist of antibacterial drugs, essential fatty acids, antifungal drugs, vitamins and minerals, antiparasitic drugs, antihistamines, hormonal treatments—like corticosteroids—, immunomodulators, and psychotropic agents.3 These therapies may come in the form of topical treatments, oral medications, and injectables.1 However, topical treatments are the most common route of administration in the dermatology drugs market.1
Meanwhile, dermatology drugs that treat allergies "tend to dominate" the dermatology drugs market, according to research.1 Given that allergies are prevalent among both companion and livestock animals, often causing symptoms like itching, redness, and skin inflammation, there is a high demand for medications to address allergic reactions in animals.
In 2022, the veterinary dermatology drugs market size was $7.1 billion (USD), according to Ameco Research. By 2032, analysts forecast the market will reach $17.9 billion (USD), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% during the 2023 to 2032 period. The market's regional scope includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.1
Growth drivers in the marketDrivers of this market's growth are a combination of various factors. First, there has been a surge in pet ownership. The US alone has seen a growth over the last 35 years, with 66% of US households owning a pet compared to 56% in 1988.4 Moreover, 97% of pet owners view their pets as part of their family.4
Still, this growth is not exclusive to the US, as an increase in pet ownership has been observed worldwide. Currently, the global pet population is estimated to be 85.8 million cats and 78 million dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association.1
Moreover, regional expansion in North America has been observed, with this region taking the largest market share in 2022. Canada and the US having high adoption rates, making these countries the principal reason for regional expansion. From 2021 to 2028, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to reach the fastest growth rate.1 As pet owners increasingly prioritize their pets' health and well-being, the demand for effective dermatological solutions is growing.3
Additionally, dermatological disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in animals. This increase is being driven by things like environmental allergies, poor diet, and parasitic infections, driving the need for veterinary dermatology drugs.
Ongoing innovations in veterinary medicine is another driver. The market continues to grow as more effective and targeted drug formulations and advanced treatment modalities are developed.
Sabyasachi Ghosh, associate vice president at Future Market Insights, a provider of market research reports, spoke on another driving factor in the market's growth in a news release. "The increasing awareness among pet owners about the importance of skin health in their pets is one significant driver for the veterinary dermatology market," he said.5 Educational programs and resources are boosting the espousal of veterinary dermatology drugs, increasing the demand for specialized treatments, according to research.3
Additionally, the expansion of veterinary clinics and services is greatly contributing to the increase in the market. As more veterinary clinics and specialized dermatology practices open, dermatology drugs are becoming more accessible to pet owners.
References
What Will The Cats Of The Future Look Like?
In just 10,000 years, cats have come in from the wild and accompanied humans on their journeys around the globe, but felines have been around for an estimated 37 million years of evolution in a world free of humans.
Even during the thousands of years cats have spent in the company of people, we have had little influence on when and with whom they have mated. Physically, domestic cats vary relatively little from their wild relatives; most cat breeds are less than 200 years old and are fairly uniform in size and shape. All of this helps to underscore just how recently cat domestication took place.
Breeds apartOnly recently have breeds like Ragdolls and Birmans appeared, as well as the curly-haired Cornish Rex and the hairless sphinx. Other breeds like Persians are older (their origins can be traced back to the Middle East in the 1600s), but they're still relative youngsters compared to many dog breeds.
And though some dog breeds have marked differences in instincts and personality, most cat breeds differ primarily in appearance, not especially in temperament or size. Cat breeders are still actively creating new varieties, including domestic/wildcat hybrids. The Bengal was originally an Asian leopard cat crossed with a house cat. The Savannah is a cross between an African serval and a domestic cat. Some think that both breeds are controversial because of their wild ancestry.
Cats of the futureIn Europe more than 1,000 years ago, cats were used both as pest control and as a source of fur. When a group of Scandinavian archaeologists compared the size of cat pelts from the time of the Vikings to the bodies of modern-day kitties, they found that 21st-century cats were 16 percent larger.
What made these results so unusual is that domestication usually shrinks an animal. Dogs are a quarter smaller than wolves; livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are also smaller than their wild counterparts.
And it's not just the availability of energy-dense kibble that has led to bigger cats. Scientists have also documented larger body sizes in free-roaming and feral cats in the Australian bush. Although those cats might steal human food scraps, they aren't all being regularly fed by people. Of course, cats won't magically grow to be Godzilla-size any more than they will suddenly evolve opposable thumbs.
Domestic cats, unlike this solitary snow leopard, may become friendlier in the future from their ongoing contact with humans.
Photograph by Steve Winter, National Geographic Image Collection
Big and friendlyBut what kind of cat will they become? One possibility is that the cats of the future will be larger than today's felines.
Continued contact with humans may also help cats grow friendlier. By nature, cats tend to be more solitary and standoffish than dogs, which have a long evolutionary history as pack animals rather than lone hunters. Ongoing contact with humans may have helped give friendlier cats a survival advantage, making them more likely to pass on more sociable genes to their offspring.
Over time, this might have helped create a more relaxed pet—without ruining one of the most endearing parts of living with a cat: that when your kitty cuddles, you know it's for real.
When scientists compared the social behaviors and personalities of domestic cats with clouded leopards, snow leopards, African lions, and Scottish wildcats, they found that house cats weren't exactly suited for group living. They tended to be domineering, neurotic, and impulsive—not exactly the traits you want in a friend.
However, the personalities of house cats were most like those of the more sociable African lion, which has figured out a way to live in groups. This suggests that cats have the raw material to adapt to a more sociable future. And though large cat colonies may not be the same as lion prides, lions do show that cats can live side by side when the circumstances are right.
As humans spend more time learning about cat psychology and behavior, this effort creates an opportunity to improve our relationship. By understanding what makes cats tick—what motivates them, what makes them happy, what they can and can't tolerate— we can ensure that our cats have the best lives possible.
Portions of this article have previously appeared in Secret Life of Cats, by Carrie Arnold, Copyright © 2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Available wherever books and magazines are sold.
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IAPWA: Saving Aspins And Endangered Animals In The Philippines
Unknown to many Filipinos, a UK-based animal welfare group engaged in the fight against the dog meat trade in the Philippines from late 2017 to the close of 2019. Over those two years, their rescue operations led to numerous raids and the rescue of over 60 dogs destined for slaughter.
International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) funded at least 10 operations against the dog meat trade (DMT) and provided for the upkeep of the rescued Filipino dogs.
IAPWA has been a beacon of hope for animals in need. Founded by Nicky Stevens, this UK charity has been instrumental in fighting the cruel dog meat trade here in the Philippines, albeit cut short by the onset of the 2020 global pandemic. Their commitment extends beyond rescue, also ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of these animals. From its humble beginnings aiding a single stray dog in Borneo, IAPWA's reach has expanded significantly, offering veterinary care and securing loving homes for thousands of cats and dogs around the world. This organization exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated individuals and groups can have on animal welfare and the fight against inhumane practices worldwide.
This dog is one of many saved from dog meat traders. The dog was also treated for severe mange. (Photo from author.)Continuing its campaign in the country at the onset of 2024, IAPWA has indeed made significant strides, this time, in wildlife conservation in the Philippines.
With the passionate desire to save animals, Nicky Stevens, founder and chief executive officer (CEO), and Rebecca Lewthwaite, head of Individual Giving, in collaboration with a dedicated team on the ground, have been instrumental in the rescue of endangered species since March 2024. This includes the Philippine pangolin and the Talking Mynah in the Palawan region.
These efforts are crucial, especially considering the vulnerable status of the pangolin, which is often cited as the most trafficked mammal in the world. The organization's proactive operations in Palawan reflect a growing global awareness and commitment to animal welfare.
Despite being a younger organization, IAPWA's impact is noteworthy, demonstrating that with dedication and targeted actions, even smaller groups can contribute meaningfully to the global conservation effort and influence positive change for wildlife protection.
You can read more about IAPWA's Philippine wildlife campaign on their website: https://iapwa.Org/ and Facebook page: https://www.Facebook.Com/IAPWA where you can also sign the petition to protect these adorable, but greatly vulnerable species: https://iapwa.Org/pangolin-petition/
The rescued dog above is now completely healed. (Photo from author)An excerpt from the petition:
Wildlife protection groups are willing to join the fight against this abhorrent criminal activity. However, we need the serious participation of local leaders such as governors and mayors, as well as law enforcement agencies, to effectively operate against this illicit trade and bring the criminals to justice. Please sign and share the petition below and play your part in protecting the Philippine pangolin and other endangered wildlife from further decline.
Please support IAPWA and sign the petition today: Pangolin Petition – IAPWA
About the Author: Greg Salido Quimpo played a big part in the rescue of thousands of slaughter-bound dogs in the country. Together with a group of British and Filipino advocates, he significantly advanced the awareness on animal welfare in the Philippines. He is currently a consultant to the UK's NoToDogMeat movement.By Greg Salido Quimpo Inline image
Unknown to many Filipinos, a UK-based animal welfare group engaged in the fight against the dog meat trade in the Philippines from late 2017 to the close of 2019. Over those two years, their rescue operations led to numerous raids and the rescue of over 60 dogs destined for slaughter.
International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA) funded at least 10 operations against the dog meat trade (DMT) and provided for the upkeep of the rescued Filipino dogs.
IAPWA has been a beacon of hope for animals in need. Founded by Nicky Stevens, this UK charity has been instrumental in fighting the cruel dog meat trade here in the Philippines, albeit cut short by the onset of the 2020 global pandemic. Their commitment extends beyond rescue, also ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of these animals. From its humble beginnings aiding a single stray dog in Borneo, IAPWA's reach has expanded significantly, offering veterinary care and securing loving homes for thousands of cats and dogs around the world. This organization exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated individuals and groups can have on animal welfare and the fight against inhumane practices worldwide.
Continuing its campaign in the country at the onset of 2024, IAPWA has indeed made significant strides, this time, in wildlife conservation in the Philippines.
With the passionate desire to save animals, Nicky Stevens, founder and chief executive officer (CEO), and Rebecca Lewthwaite, head of Individual Giving, in collaboration with a dedicated team on the ground, have been instrumental in the rescue of endangered species since March 2024. This includes the Philippine pangolin and the Talking Mynah in the Palawan region.
These efforts are crucial, especially considering the vulnerable status of the pangolin, which is often cited as the most trafficked mammal in the world. The organization's proactive operations in Palawan reflect a growing global awareness and commitment to animal welfare.
Despite being a younger organization, IAPWA's impact is noteworthy, demonstrating that with dedication and targeted actions, even smaller groups can contribute meaningfully to the global conservation effort and influence positive change for wildlife protection.
You can read more about IAPWA's Philippine wildlife campaign on their website: https://iapwa.Org/ and Facebook page: https://www.Facebook.Com/IAPWA where you can also sign the petition to protect these adorable, but greatly vulnerable species: https://iapwa.Org/pangolin-petition/
An excerpt from the petition:
Wildlife protection groups are willing to join the fight against this abhorrent criminal activity. However, we need the serious participation of local leaders such as governors and mayors, as well as law enforcement agencies, to effectively operate against this illicit trade and bring the criminals to justice. Please sign and share the petition below and play your part in protecting the Philippine pangolin and other endangered wildlife from further decline.
Please support IAPWA and sign the petition today: Pangolin Petition – IAPWA
About the Author: Greg Salido Quimpo played a big part in the rescue of thousands of slaughter-bound dogs in the country. Together with a group of British and Filipino advocates, he significantly advanced the awareness on animal welfare in the Philippines. He is currently a consultant to the UK's NoToDogMeat movement.
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