DR. JEREMY PROSSER, D.V.M.

brewertonvet@gmail.com

Every responsible dog owner naturally showers their furry friend with love and care, ensuring their happiness and health is a top priority. That’s why it is concerning when they are not feeling well.

Have you recently noticed your dog scratching excessively or having trouble with their food? Like us, dogs can experience allergies that lead to discomfort and health issues. Identifying what's causing your dog's allergies is crucial to providing effective solutions that enhance their quality of life. The first step in this process is allergy testing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of dog allergy testing. We'll cover what to expect during the testing, common allergies that affect dogs, signs indicating your dog may be dealing with allergies and much more. We aim to assist you in ensuring your cherished canine companion enjoys a life free from the discomfort of allergies, so read on to learn more!

The Process of Allergy Testing for Dogs

Allergy test for dogs involves identifying specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions in your furry friend. Here's what to expect when you sign your pet for allergy testing.

Initial Consultation

The first step is always the initial consultation. During this consultation, you will share your dog's symptoms, medical history, and any possible triggers you've noticed. After that, your dog will undergo a physical examination to rule out other health issues and determine if they need allergy testing.

Choosing the Right Test

The veterinarian will recommend the most suitable allergy testing method for your dog based on the initial assessment. There are two primary types of allergy tests: blood tests (serologic tests) and skin tests.

Blood Tests (Serologic Tests)

In blood tests, veterinarians draw a small blood sample from your dog and send it to a laboratory to analyze specific antibodies related to common allergens. Depending on the results, they may identify certain allergens that could be causing your dog's symptoms.

Skin Tests

Veterinary dermatologists typically conduct skin tests, such as intradermal and patch testing. In intradermal testing, they inject small amounts of potential allergens into your dog's skin and observe any allergic reactions. Patch testing involves applying allergens to your dog's skin and monitoring for reactions over several days. These tests help identify allergens responsible for skin-related allergies in your dog.

Interpreting Results

The veterinarian will interpret the test results and discuss them with you once the test results are out. This step is important in determining which specific allergens affect your dog.

Creating a Treatment Plan

After identifying the allergens, the veterinarian will create a treatment plan tailored to your dog’s situation. The plan can include allergen avoidance strategies, medication to manage symptoms, or getting allergy shots to desensitize your dog's immune system as time progresses.

Follow-Up Visits

Allergy testing is not a one-time process. It requires regular follow-up visits to monitor your dog's progress and adjust the treatment plan if needed.

How to Test Dogs for Allergies

There are two primary types of allergy testing for dogs; both have advantages and limitations. Let's explore them in more detail:

Blood Tests (Serologic Tests)

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This blood test measures the level of specific antibodies, such as immunoglobulin E (IgE), in your dog's bloodstream. High levels of IgE in response to particular allergens can indicate an allergy. ELISA tests are relatively quick and minimally invasive.

• Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST): Another blood test that detects allergen-specific antibodies. It's particularly useful when a dog can't undergo skin testing due to certain medications or skin conditions. RAST provides quantitative results, indicating the severity of the allergic response.
  

Skin Tests

• Intradermal Testing: Intradermal testing involves injecting small amounts of suspected allergens just beneath your dog's skin. Any allergic reactions, such as redness or swelling, indicate sensitivity to those allergens. This test is particularly effective for diagnosing environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold.

• Patch Testing: Patch testing is useful for identifying contact allergies, which occur when your dog's skin comes into direct contact with allergens like certain shampoos or cleaning products. During this test, potential allergens are applied to your dog's skin, usually on their back, and observed for adverse reactions over a few days.

What Are the Most Common Dog Allergies?

Understanding the most common allergies that dogs can have gives you more awareness and knowledge in identifying the different triggers and symptoms. Here are some common allergies found in our canine companions:

Food Allergies

Allergies in food can bring out skin problems, digestive issues, and even ear infections. Common food allergens for dogs include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. Once you find out that your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to eliminate this allergen in your dog’s diet immediately.

Environmental Allergies (Atopy)

Environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, and mold often cause atopy. Dogs experiencing environmental allergies may show symptoms such as itching, redness, and recurring ear infections. Veterinarians typically diagnose environmental allergies through skin tests and manage them with medications or immunotherapy.

Flea Allergies

Some dogs are extra sensitive to flea saliva, which leads to intense itching and skin inflammation. If your dog has flea allergies, it’s important that you exert extra care in preventing and treating flea infestations is essential for dogs with flea allergies. Consult with a veterinarian so they can recommend suitable flea control measures.

Contact Allergies

Contact allergies happen when your dog's skin reacts to substances they come into direct contact with, such as certain shampoos, soaps, or cleaning products. Identifying and avoiding the specific irritants can alleviate symptoms.

Inhalant Allergies

Airborne allergens such as pollen and mold spores trigger inhalant allergies. Dogs with inhalant allergies often experience respiratory symptoms like sneezing and coughing. These allergies are diagnosed through skin or blood tests and managed with medications or immunotherapy.

Signs Your Dog Has Allergies

How would you know if your dog has allergies? It’s important to distinguish the different signs in order to seek timely treatment. Here are some common symptoms that can possibly indicate your dog has allergies:

Itching and Scratching

Excessive itching, scratching, or licking, especially around the paws, ears, or belly, is a common sign of allergies in dogs.

Skin Irritation

If you see redness, inflammation, rashes, or hot spots on your dog’s skin, then it’s a sign of skin irritation.

Ear Infections

Frequent ear infections, with symptoms like redness, odor, and discharge, can be a sign of allergies, especially in dogs with atopy.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Food allergies can appear as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas.

Respiratory Symptoms

Inhalant allergies can cause sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge.

Chronic Paw Chewing

Dogs with allergies may excessively chew their paws, leading to further skin problems.

Watery Eyes

Allergies can also affect your dog's eyes, causing redness, discharge, and excessive tearing.

How Much Does Dog Allergy Testing Cost?

So now that you’ve read everything, you want your furbaby to undergo allergy testing but are unsure how much it will cost.

The cost of allergy testing for dogs depends on multiple factors, including the type of test, your location, and the specific veterinary clinic you choose. 

It's important to note that allergy testing is just one part of the overall cost of managing your dog's allergies. Additional expenses may include medications, special diets (for food allergies), immunotherapy, and follow-up visits. Discuss all potential costs with the veterinarian to make informed decisions about your dog's care.

Book Allergy Testing for Your Dog at the Brewerton Animal Hospital!

At Brewerton Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of your dog's well-being. Our experienced team of veterinarians and specialists is here to provide comprehensive allergy testing and treatment options for your furry friend. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a compassionate approach, we aim to identify and manage your dog's allergies effectively, ensuring they lead a comfortable and allergy-free life.

If you suspect your dog may have allergies or need expert guidance on allergy testing, don't hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment! We're dedicated to helping your canine companion thrive and providing you with peace of mind as a loving pet owner. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a happier, healthier life for your four-legged family member.