On June 16, 2026, Chelsie Estey, MSc, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), and Alyssa Toillion, BS, MPH, PhD, discussed the evolving relationship between microbiomes and skin health in veterinary dermatology. Dermatological conditions are prevalent in veterinary practice, often influenced by food and environmental factors, but their underlying causes can be more intricate.

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Estey explained the gut-skin axis—how the gastrointestinal microbiome can affect immune regulation, systemic inflammation, and skin barrier function. A substantial part of a pet’s immune system resides in the gut, meaning that imbalances there can lead to skin-related inflammation. This shift encourages veterinarians to look beyond surface symptoms to better understand how gut health may be influencing skin conditions.

Toillion added that a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for producing metabolites that support organs, including the skin. These metabolites play a significant role in maintaining skin barrier function, indicating the gut microbiome as a potential therapeutic target in dermatology. At Hill’s Pet Nutrition, research into this relationship has influenced their approach to formulating dermatological nutrition.

Estey noted that disruptions in the gut microbiome can heighten systemic inflammation, exacerbating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Treating skin issues without addressing the gut may leave a critical factor untreated. Toillion elaborated that when beneficial bacterial populations decline, harmful bacteria can increase, which compromises the intestinal barrier and leads to heightened immune responses and susceptibility to secondary infections.

The understanding of the gut-skin axis influences how veterinarians diagnose and treat skin conditions. Estey highlighted the importance of thorough patient histories and emphasized a shift in discussing therapeutic nutrition as a first-line intervention rather than merely employing it to avoid allergens.

Toillion mentioned that an elimination diet can serve as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic intervention, promoting a healthy microbial environment while reducing food antigen exposure. Veterinarians should incorporate nutritional elements into their multimodal treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

When selecting therapeutic diets for dermatological conditions, Estey recommended looking for ingredients that address multiple aspects of the condition. For instance, hydrolyzed proteins can help counter food-mediated immune responses, while vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants support overall skin health. Toillion emphasized the importance of targeted prebiotic fibers to enhance beneficial gut bacteria, reduce irritation cycles, and minimize immune reactivity.

Both experts agreed that nutrition should be a key aspect of treatment plans from the initial consultation. Hill’s offers specialized diets like Prescription Diet Derm Complete and z/d tailored for such cases. Estey encouraged practitioners to focus on the biological impacts of these foods during client discussions.

Toillion advocated for a microbiome-centered design in therapeutic diets, indicating that this approach is essential for effectively managing inflammation and overall skin health. She invited veterinary professionals to attend Hill’s Global Symposium in June for further insights into therapeutic nutrition and its systemic influences.