Life can be deplorable for a dog with allergies . eff which allergens are creditworthy for the itchiness , irritation , and stomach upset , however , is n’t always obvious . With dog allergic reaction testing , your veterinary surgeon is better positioned to identify offending allergens and offer your pup relief .
There ’s a hatful to take out about allergy testing for dog – from empathize the difference between test to determine whether it ’s worth it . Here we answer your most urgent questions so you could be more informed when talking to your vet .
Can Dogs Have Allergies?
Yes , dogs can have allergy and they ’re actually quite common , says Amber LaRock , a commissioned veterinary technician forEmergencyVetsUSA , who explains that “ about 20 percent of dogs return dupe to allergies throughout their life . ”
More instances of dog allergic reaction are being describe in recent years than in the past . In its2018 land of Pet Health Report , Banfield Pet Hospital describe that over the past 10 age , environmental allergies in dogs ( like pollen , dust , and molding ) had increase by 30.7 percentage , andflea allergiesby 12.5 percent .
It ’s difficult to say whether allergies in detent are increasing or if the upgrade in cases is due to a heightened consciousness of pet owners and better phonograph recording / information safekeeping by veterinarians . Regardless , more pet parents are look for out allergy examination and treatments for their dogs .
Types of Allergiesin Dogs
Though dogs can develop allergies to just about anything , the most rough-cut character , allot to Dr. Christina Restrepo , a add-in - attest veterinary dermatologist , are :
“ Environmental allergens for pets change by region and climate , but many are found in a typical pet owner ’s rest home , including pollen , sign of the zodiac debris mite , hackles , molds , and cleaning solutions , ” say Restrepo , who works atBluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospitalin Naples , Florida .
Food allergic reaction in dogs are relatively rare , say LaRock , “ but they still come in some unlucky pup . ”Veterinarians estimatethat 0.2 percent of dogs are afflict , with mutual trigger foods include kick , crybaby , egg , corn , wheat , Glycine max , and Milk River .
While any dog can develop allergies , veterinarians believegenetics dally a office . Certain breed , include Golden Retrievers , Dalmatians , Boxers , Labrador Retrievers , Boston Terriers , and West Highland White Terriers are at higher risk of infection .
All three type of dog allergies can induce symptoms ( itchiness is the most common dog allergic reaction symptom ) , vet say . Dogs with allergy may also itch or lick orchew themselves to a fault , and their hide may appear red and inflamed .
What is Dog Allergy Testing?
Dog allergic reaction testing is used to determine how a pup ’s immune scheme will respond to specific environmental allergen like flea , pollen , and mould spores . Veterinarians rely on two types of test to accomplish this .
One test , calledintradermal testing – or skin testing – is always perform by a board - certified veterinary skin doctor . “ Intradermal skin testing is typically performed under anaesthesia or sedation , ” says Dr. Frank Gomez , an associate veterinarian atHeart + Paw , who form at several of their mid - Atlantic locations . “ A patch of skin is shave and a number of allergens are injected individually under the skin to assess a reaction . ” This is considered the most accurate way to essay for allergies , but is also more expensive , and may not be veracious for all dogs .
The 2d psychometric test , calledserum testing – or blood allergy testing – is a basic blood test that most vet can perform . Once rake is draw and quarter at the veterinary clinic , it ’s sent to a laboratory for analysis .
Both types of dog allergy trial can nail the specific environmental allergen cause sensitivity , tell Dr. Susan Jeffrey , an associate veterinarian atOdyssey Veterinary Carein Fitchburg , Wisconsin . The purpose of these tests , she say , is to determine which allergens are most appropriate for the dog ’s immunotherapy cocktail treatment . “ For deterrent example , if the dog is n’t allergic to dust speck found on the tests , then we would not include dust mite allergens in the allergic reaction shot or sublingual fall . ”
These tests have been in existence for many decades , says Restrepo , and “ examination continues to improve and evolve . ”
Neither of these tests , however , can currently identify a dog ’s sensitiveness to food allergies . This process usually involves feeding the dog a restricted diet over a few weeks , and waiting to see if dog allergic reaction symptoms improve .
Types of Dog Allergy Tests
When you ’re quick to speak to your veterinary surgeon about dog allergy testing , the conversation will in all likelihood revolve around either ( or both ) intradermal allergy testing and serum examination .
Intradermal Allergy Testing for Dogs (AKA Skin Allergy Test)
The intracutaneous skin allergy psychometric test for dogs is performed entirely by veterinary dermatologists . They screen for a wide of the mark image of environmental allergies , like trees , weed , and grass pollen , house dust mites , mildew spores , and fleas , explains Restrepo . “ Overall , dermatologists are capable to pinpoint the allergic reaction in about 75 percent of dog and khat . ”
The outgrowth typically requires meek drugging , Restrepo says . “ We lop the haircloth from the side of the chest . About 60 humble injectant are given just under the pelt of this surface area . If the pet is hypersensitised to certain environmental allergen prove , a “ hive ” form at the site of one or more injection . ”
Serum Testing (AKA Blood Allergy Test)
Unlike intradermal allergic reaction examination for wienerwurst , which is performed alone by board - certified veterinary dermatologist , almost any veterinarian can perform a blood test , have a go at it as a radioallergosorbent ( RAST ) test . Once the blood is take in , the veterinary clinic direct the sample to a testing ground for depth psychology .
“ The blood is then tested for the mien of IgE antibodies ( Immunoglobin E are antibodies created by the immune organization ) that get itchy skin , ” explains Jeffrey . “ The IgE antibodies are then screen against many dissimilar environmental allergen such as tree and industrial plant pollens , molds , and dust mites . The allergen with the highest concentrations of IgE are then choose to make a “ cocktail ” of allergic reaction drops ( or shots ) for the given dog . ”
The termination are typically available in two to four weeks , says Restrepo . “ This type of examination requires more careful interpretation than hide testing . In increase , we believe only a few sure laboratories put up more precise upshot . ”
Gomez says both tests can be helpful , though intradermal skin testing is considered the “ gold criterion for accuracy ” when diagnose environmental allergies .
It ’s not that one test is more accurate than the other , says LaRock . “ But rather that each dog will respond differently to each test . If it ’s in your budget to do both , many vets will recommend that you explore both options and compare the result . ”
Dog Food Allergy Testing
Veterinarians do n’t use the intradermic skin test or RAST rip psychometric test to shield for intellectual nourishment allergic reaction in dogs . “ The best way to determine if a frankfurter has a food allergy is to put it on a hypoallergenic dieting for about 8 weeks , ” says Jeffrey . “ If the frank becomes less itchy throughout the 8 - week period , then the blackguard is ‘ challenge ’ by being fed the diet it ate before the trial to see if the itchy hide restoration . If so , then it can be learn that there is a food allergy . ” Naturally , if the hypoallergenic diet function , many pet owner elect to persist on the dieting rather than see if itch and other symptoms come back off of the diet .
At Home Dog Allergy Tests
The at home dog-iron allergic reaction test kits on the market claim to screen for potential environmental , menage , and food allergens . Some kits take to try for all of these allergens , while some may just offer a wiener food allergy test .
With most at home dog allergic reaction trial , you take a mop of your dog ’s saliva then mail it to the companionship ’s laboratory for analysis . After a few week , the ship’s company sends you a visibility with your dog ’s potential allergens with suggestions of items that could be eliminated from the dog ’s environment or diet .
One issue with at home bounder allergic reaction tests , veterinary professionals say , is truth . “ There are now multiple brands that declare oneself at domicile saliva testing for dogs with allergies , but grounds show that they have a high pace of false positives , ” enjoin LaRock .
Many veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists do n’t recommend at - home detent allergic reaction tests as an effective step in diagnosing a Canis familiaris ’s allergic reaction .
Dog Allergy TestingBenefits
An allergy test for dogs can help your veterinarian pinpoint which allergens are causing your puppy ’s distress . It also has very few false positive reactions , aver Restrepo , so there ’s a good prospect for winner .
Once the hurt allergens are identified , your veterinarian can grow an immunotherapy design specific to your pawl . “ If it is successful , the Canis familiaris will no longer have fretful skin in the brass of these allergens , ” enunciate Jeffrey .
This also translates into cost ( and time ) saving . “ If the dog answer , the owner will be save money controlling antsy peel and subsequent secondary barm and bacterial infections ( and vet appointment fees ) in the recollective run , ” adds Jeffrey . Also , your dog will feel good , and you wo n’t be observe up at nighttime by itch and manducate .
Drawbacksof Dog Allergy Testing
Allergy testing for dogs is an involved process . “ It call for an intensely consecrated pet owner ( both time and financial commitment ) , an conformable pet to receive treatments , and skilled expertise by a veterinary dermatologist to maximize successful intervention event , ” suppose Restrepo . Veterinarians say it can take a year or more to see optimal result .
There are also no guarantees . Though the success charge per unit for immunotherapy , says Restrepo , is 60 percent to 75 percent , your bounder may be part of the small percentage of pup who do n’t find resolution through allergy testing .
Dog allergy examination can also be expensive . Plus , “ Some patient may need both line testing and intradermic testing for diagnosing . Intradermal skin testing also requires sedation or anesthesia to do , ” says Gomez .
As with any routine , there are always risks . Sedatives used for intradermal allergic reaction testing for dog , for case , can carryside effectslike puking .
Dog Allergy TestingCosts
Dog allergic reaction examination toll diverge by veterinary clinic and is base on which test ( or tests ) your veterinarian orders , though they can typically escape anywhere between $ 80 to $ 350 . RAST blood tests , says LaRock , are usually much cheaper than hide tests . CareCreditputs the average estimate for a blood test between $ 80 to $ 200 , and $ 195 to $ 350 for a skin test .
This cost tag does n’t include additional toll . For example ,
An at home dog allergy testtypically ranges between $ 100 and $ 250 .
Is Dog Allergy Testing Worth It?
Though the road to relief from allergies can be farsighted and expensive , veterinary professional say a dog allergy test can be worth the effort .
“ If a dog is suffering with their inveterate allergy , I always think it is worth exploring allergic reaction examination if your budget allows you to do so , ” says LaRock . “ This can allow for your ex-serviceman to pinpoint the specific allergen , observe a discussion plan that patronage your favorite when this allergen is present , and make a positivist impact on their quality of life . ”
When done properly , most veterinarians can make a right diagnosis in 75 percent of cases , says LaRock . “ For most pawl that are suffering from allergies , this success rate is high enough to persuade most proprietor to give it a try . If budget is ever an issue , pet parents can set off with a RAST blood run , as this is often significantly chintzy than the dermal tests . ”
You may also require to discuss other selection with your veterinary . “ I generally do n’t jump to allergic reaction examination in dogs , ” aver Jeffrey . Instead , she recommend medications that can cursorily keep the dog comfortable .
“ I prefer this route for dogs who have seasonal allergy . For model , itchiness for a few month out of the year , ” she explain . “ However , if a detent is allergic to something that ’s present all twelvemonth round ( such as dust mites or reposition mites ) , I ’d recommend immunotherapy to hopefully replace or abridge the motive for oral medicinal drug . ”
To determine if allergy testing is right for your dog , we recommend mouth to your veterinarian or a board - certified veterinary dermatologist .
