A Pomeranian puppy receiving ear treatment (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
DAEJEON, Nov. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — A new South Korean study has found that heavy metals contained in indoor fine dust can worsen atopic dermatitis in dogs, highlighting growing concerns about environmental health risks for household pets.
The National Research Foundation of Korea said Wednesday that a research team led by Professor Kim Ha-jung of Chonnam National University’s College of Veterinary Medicine identified heavy metals in indoor particulate matter as a significant aggravating factor for canine atopic dermatitis.
The team had previously shown that higher levels of indoor fine dust and mold toxins correlate with more severe skin inflammation in dogs. Building on that, the latest study examined the role of heavy metals—already known in humans to contribute to cardiovascular, neurological, and allergic conditions—in exacerbating pet skin disease.
Researchers conducted environmental surveys, clinical skin assessments, and blood tests for inflammatory biomarkers on 77 dogs with atopic dermatitis and 50 healthy dogs treated at Chonnam National University Animal Hospital. They also analyzed heavy metal concentrations in hair samples from each group.
A dog smiling as if reacting to good news about pet health. (Yonhap)
Dogs with atopic dermatitis were found to be exposed to significantly higher levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and had correspondingly elevated concentrations of heavy metals in their fur.
Increased heavy metal levels were linked to higher scores on the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and greater transepidermal water loss—both key measures of skin barrier damage.
“The findings confirm that heavy metals in fine dust play a role in worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms,” Kim said, adding that her team plans further studies to develop preventive and management strategies for pet skin conditions.
The study was published online on October 20 in the international journal Allergy.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
