Dog Allergy Testing: How Much Does It Cost And Is It Worth It?

When a dog experiences itchy scratchy skin, ears or eyes, it's a typical sign that they have allergies. Along with the other possible symptoms, allergies can cause intense discomfort for your pet. Today, our Turlock vets talk about allergies in pets, allergy testing at the clinic and at home and how knowing your dog's allergies can help.

Having Your Dog Tested For Allergies

Instead of IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergies, which are caused by the body's immune system, at-home allergy test kits test for sensitivity or intolerance to food and environmental factors that develop over time. IgE allergic reactions occur within minutes of ingestion or exposure and are diagnosed by veterinarians using a blood test or skin prick test.

However, if you suspect your dog has allergies, these kits are not intended to replace a consultation with your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatology specialist. Instead, you should discuss the results of these kits with your vet. These tests can also supplement blood or skin allergy testing performed by your veterinarian.

At-Home Allergy Tests for Dogs

How do you conduct a dog allergy test at home? You only need to collect a saliva or hair sample (depending on the company) and send it to the company's lab. The results will be sent to you via email within a few weeks. You should discuss your findings with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your puppy.

Allergy Testing at our Animal Hospital in Turlock

There are two types of allergy diagnostic testing: intradermal allergy testing and serum allergy testing. Your veterinarian will recommend allergy testing based on your pet's symptoms and a variety of other factors.

intradermal Allergy Testing: The gold standard in allergy testing for environmental allergies is intradermal testing. A sedative is administered to relax your pet, a shaved area on the side is performed, and multiple allergens common to the Southeast are injected into the skin. After 20 minutes, the test site is examined again to determine which allergens caused a red, raised reaction.

Serum Allergy Testing: Serum allergy testing for pets entails obtaining a small sample of your pet's blood for diagnostic purposes. The serum from your dog will be tested for sensitivity to a variety of potential allergens, including pollen from trees, grasses, weeds, and shrubs, as well as fungi, house dust and mites, and a variety of potential food ingredients found in commercial dog food preparations.

What are the most common allergies for dogs?

Dogs, like humans, can develop allergies to a wide range of substances, including food, medications, and environmental pathogens. Dairy products, beef, egg, chicken, lamb, wheat, and soy are the most common food allergens. Fleas and dust mites, as well as molds and pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers, are common environmental triggers.

What are the symptoms of allergies in dogs?

Allergy symptoms in dogs can vary depending on the cause. A dog in anaphylactic shock, for example, will have a drop in blood pressure followed by shock, which is not the same for a dog with a skin condition.

But In general, some of the most common signs that your dog may have allergies include:

By making an appointment with your vet for a routine exam and diagnostics, you can be sure that your pet is accurately diagnosed.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Is your dog in need of treatment for allergies? Contact our Turlock vets to schedule a consultation today.