Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is thought to be the most common form of allergy in dogs, affecting up to 15% of the dog population and accounting for 25% of dogs referred for pruritus. Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary allergy whereby the dog is sensitive to airborne substances from the environment, such as pollens, mites, moulds and dander. The most obvious symptom of an atopic condition is pruritus. Pruritus is caused by inflammation of the skin, typically of the paws, head, armpit or groin. Dogs often lick or bite their feet and can be seen rubbing their heads along the floor or other objects. The skin inflammation can be exacerbated by bacterial or yeast infections, such as Staphylococcus and Malassezia. First symptoms typically occur at 1–3 years of age (~75% of all cases). Occasionally symptoms occur in animals under 6 months of age.

When other triggers of the symptoms are ruled out, atopy is diagnosed. The next step is to perform an allergy test to identify which allergens are causing the allergic reaction. SPOT Platinum+ Serum Test uses the latest technology in allergy testing. It has three proprietary monoclonal antibodies from a specific recombinant IgE as well as CCD blockers, resulting in the highest level of specificity and sensitivity.

Atopic dermatitis is a lifelong condition, and for this reason any treatment must be continued for life. The recommended choice for treating atopy is Hypo-sensitization (also called allergen-specific immunotherapy). Immunotherapy is the only treatment that will stop the allergy from progressing, by making the immune system less sensitive, or totally insensitive, to the allergens that trigger the allergic reaction.