Allergic disorders are rapidly evolving into global health issues.

There is an epidemic sweeping the Western world. It is a disease that takes many forms. Fifty years ago it barely existed, yet in parts of the Western world allergy now affects almost 40 percent of children. 
(BBC Animal Planet, 2009)

The rapidly increasing incidence of allergies is a clear indicator that environmental rather than genetic factors plays a central role. These are lifestyle diseases, since the late 1980's it has been understood that a reduced exposure to bacteria during infancy increases the risk of allergies. An all too hygienic lifestyle results in poor stimulation of the immune system and tolerance mechanisms necessary for protection against allergy development.

The trend of increasing allergy development is also evident in dogs. Many of the environmental factors linked to the increasing incidence of allergy in humans are consistently found in the environment of dogs. Today, an estimated 25 percent of veterinary visits are connected to allergy and allergy related skin problems.

• A steady increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases globally has occurred with about 30-40% of the world population now being affected by one or more allergic conditions.
  (Source: White Book on Allergy, World Allergy Organization, 2011)

• It is forecast that allergic problems will increase further; by 2015 half of all Europeans are estimated to suffer from allergies.