Measuring the impact of your dermatological products on the skin microbiome of animals
Skin microbiome and veterinary
The skin microbiome of animals
A dog’s healthy skin microbiome forms a natural ecosystem composed of billions of microorganisms. It helps protect the skin, maintain its balance, and support its natural defenses. Its composition varies depending on the area of the body (hairy areas, mucous membranes, paws, ears) and each individual (1,2).
When the microbiome is out of balance, or dysbiosis, certain species become too prevalent, while others decline. This is particularly evident in atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition that affects around 10% of dogs. It causes itching and inflammation, often accompanied by secondary infections (1).
Interest in the animal microbiome is growing rapidly, driven by owners’ desire to improve their pets’ well-being and health. Events such as the CosmetoPet trade show reflect this enthusiasm, bringing together brands, formulators, and veterinarians to discuss innovations and scientific evidence in cosmetics and animal health.
Sources :
1. Rodrigues Hoffmann, A., Patterson, A. P., Diesel, A., Lawhon, S. D., Ly, H. J., Stephenson, C. E., Mansell, J., Steiner, J. M., Dowd, S. E., Olivry, T., & Suchodolski, J. S. (2014). The skin microbiome in healthy and allergic dogs. PLOS ONE, 9(1), e83197. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083197 PLOS
2. Štempelová, L., Micenková, L., Andrla, P., & Strompfová, V. (2025). The skin microbiome on healthy and inflammatory altered canine skin determined by next generation sequencing. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1528747. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1528747 Frontiers
The strategic role of the skin microbiome in animals
A balanced microbiome promotes:
Healthy, resilient skin
Natural protection against pathogenic microorganisms
Reduced irritation and itching
Optimal healing
Conversely, an imbalance can lead to:
Recurrent skin infections
Hair loss
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Deterioration of the skin barrier
Our methodology
At BYOME LABS, we exclusively perform in vitro tests based on culturomics:
- Direct work on living microorganisms
- Wild strains or reference strains selected according to genomic identification data from scientific literature
- Ability to reproduce targeted dysbiosis (atopic dermatitis, etc.) in vitro to measure the corrective effect of products
What we do:
- In vitro cultures with live strains representative of animal flora
- Reproduction of healthy and unbalanced microbiomes
- Simulation of specific dysbiosis such as atopic dermatitis
- Customized tests adapted to veterinary treatments and ingredients
Switch to in vitro microbiome analysis
Are you developing a veterinary dermatological treatment or an active ingredient for animal skin health?
Contact BYOME LABS for a personalized, scientifically validated protocol.
Your questions about the skin microbiome
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Why test a veterinary product on the skin microbiome?
To scientifically prove that it respects or restores the skin’s microbial balance, reduces side effects, and optimizes effectiveness.
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Can you simulate an animal skin condition?
Yes, we can reproduce imbalances such as atopic dermatitis in vitro in order to measure the corrective effect of a product.
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What is the average time frame for obtaining results?
Generally, between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on the protocol in place.
BYOME LABS, French expert in veterinary skin microbiome
Microbiology laboratory and R&D center – Clermont-Ferrand
We collaborate with:
- Manufacturers of veterinary products
- Animal health laboratories
- Suppliers of active ingredients
Benefits for your projects
- Scientific evidence tailored to the veterinary market
- Strong argument for your regulatory dossiers
- Evaluation of the corrective effect in cases of dysbiosis
- Optimization of product efficacy
Also in the skin microbiome
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