Written by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a veterinarian with 40 years of experience, I've seen many dogs suffering from allergies. Watching a dog scratch incessantly, develop painful hot spots, or struggle with chronic ear infections is heart-wrenching. However, identifying the root cause of these symptoms through allergy testing can significantly improve their quality of life. If you're a dedicated dog parent willing to uncover the underlying source of your pet's discomfort, this guide is for you.
First, there are a lot of myths around allergy testing that we should clear. The first thing to understand is: what are the triggers or causes behind your beloved dog's allergy symptoms? Below are the common ones:
Food allergens: Beef, chicken, dairy, and wheat are frequent culprits.
Environmental allergens: Pollen, dust mites, and mold can trigger allergic reactions.
Flea allergens: Even a single flea bite can cause severe reactions in sensitive dogs.
Contact Allergens: Certain shampoos, cleaning products, and fabrics can also cause allergies.
So is allergy testing for dogs worth it? Depending on the type of allergy, the diagnostic testing and treatment are different.
Is Allergy Testing for Food Allergies in Dogs Worth It?
You may have come across those saliva tests or hair tests online. There is little evidence to support the validity of these tests, so it’s unlikely they are useful. The best method to determine if a dog has a food allergy is through an elimination diet (i.e. food trial).
Should You Do Allergy Testing for Environmental Allergies?
The short answer is yes. Let's discuss the terminology first. The term "allergy test" can be misleading. By the time we reach this stage, it's usually clear from the symptoms that the dog likely has an airborne allergy, such as atopic dermatitis. The upcoming testing isn't to confirm if your dog has allergies, but to identify the specific allergens involved. Once atopic dermatitis is diagnosed, there are two types of tests to understand the sources of allergen.
Intradermal Allergy Test
Small quantities of typical allergens are introduced into the skin through injections.
Following this, the skin's response to the allergen is monitored.
Usually require a mild sedative to relax the pet
Also require shaving large areas of your pet’s coat
Blood Testing for Allergies (or RAST testing)
A blood sample is collected and dispatched to a laboratory.
The levels of proteins (antibodies) in response to the allergens are assessed.
Which Allergy Test Should I Choose For My Dog?
Here are the benefits and downsides of the Intradermal allergy test:
Pros | Cons |
High Sensitivity Intradermal testing is considered the gold standard for identifying environmental allergens because of its high sensitivity. | Invasive Requires multiple injections, which can be uncomfortable for the dog. It also require shaving a large area of a dog's coat. |
Quick Results Reactions typically appear within 15-30 minutes, allowing for immediate analysis. | Sedation Required Often requires mild sedation to keep the dog still during the procedure, which can be stressful for both the pet and the owner. |
Specific Allergen Identification It can pinpoint specific allergens causing the reaction, which is crucial for targeted treatment. | Cost This test can be expensive, adding to the overall cost of allergy management. |
Below are the pros and cons of blood testing for allergies.
Pros | Cons |
Less Invasive Only requires a single blood draw, which is less stressful and painful for the dog compared to multiple injections. | Lower Sensitivity Blood tests may be less sensitive than intradermal tests, potentially leading to false negatives. |
No Sedation Needed Does not require sedation, making it safer, especially for older or medically compromised dogs. | Delayed Results Results take longer as the sample needs to be sent to a lab, often taking several day. |
Convenient Can be performed during a regular veterinary visit without the need for specialized equipment or preparation. |
In short, allergy testing can be a game-changer for dogs suffering from environmental allergies. It provides a clear path to effective treatment, improving your dog's quality of life and potentially saving money from medications in the long run. Remember, the goal is to help your furry friend live a comfortable, healthy life.
Is your dog suffering from persistent itching or suspected allergies?
Discover EverPal's Allergy Care Program, where we use advanced testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your dog's discomfort. Provide your pup with fast, long-lasting relief from allergies.
Learn more about our comprehensive approach and see how we can help your fur baby today!
Have questions? Schedule a same-day virtual consultation with Dr. Terry White at EverPal.
Consultations are currently available only for residents and pets living in California. Diagnostic testing available for residents and pets living in San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley areas.
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