Is your dog itchy and scratching? If so, your vet may have suggested allergy testing. Skin and blood tests are the most common allergy tests for dogs.
But you may have also heard about another type of testing which lets you purchase a kit, do the test on your dog at home, and submit the sample to a lab.
We can help you choose the finest dog allergy testing kit! For your dog’s sake, we also include a list of common dog allergy symptoms and a description of each dog allergy test.
Dog Allergy Symptoms
Dog allergies are rarely fatal, but they can be quite painful. Most symptoms are modest but if left untreated for too long can become chronic.
Here are some common allergy symptoms in dogs:
- excessive licking
- compulsive scratching
- periodic chewing on body parts
- regularly rubbing the body against the ground, walls, furniture, etc.
- frequent sneezing and/or wheezing
- skin irritation and/or fur loss.
Most signs appear in their second year. During their first year, dogs are exposed to several allergies via skin contact. Food and inhalants can cause some.
In the second year, a dog’s immune system can overreact to these, causing a release of immune cells that release inflammatory substances.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your pup you should get them checked out with an allergy test.
Dog Allergy Testing Types
Allergy testing can be very effective in identifying the cause of your dog’s allergy. It typically takes one of two forms: intradermal skin testing, or blood testing.
Intradermal Allergy Testing
This type of testing on dogs involves injecting small amounts of allergens into their skin and is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, following a strict monitoring protocol.
About 40-60 injections are given in a single area of the body.
A positive response to an allergen is seen through visible swelling that forms at the injection site.
It is observed for 20 minutes. But if the swelling does not occur, then a patient is not allergic to that specific allergen.
This type of testing is considered the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
This means that when other allergy tests are evaluated, they are usually compared to intradermal testing.
This procedure should not be used on pregnant or lactating females. All dogs should also be tested at the end of allergy season.
They shouldn’t be bathed five days before the test, and they should fast the morning of.
Intradermal testing has more limitations. For instance, it cannot be performed if your dog is under certain medications like steroids and antihistamines.
Last but not least, this testing requires an experienced dermatologist to administer the test and interpret the results.
Check out the best probiotics for dogs with allergies.
Blood Allergy Testing
A blood sample from the dog is sent to a lab for analysis. The lab looks for antibodies against numerous allergens that cause atopic dermatitis.
Blood allergy testing is super convenient because it can be performed in a general practice and does not require a specialist to administer it.
Your dog is not required to be sedated and shaved. It’s as simple as getting a blood sample!
But these tests often provide false positives or results that cannot be verified by skin testing. These findings raise questions about serum allergy testing.
When conflicts arise between the results of intradermal and blood allergy testing, intradermal testing is typically considered to be more accurate.
Best Dog Allergy Tests
Thanks to innovations, you can now test your dog for allergies from the comfort of your own home.
Review the top three at-home dog allergy test kits to find out what’s bothering your pup.
5Strands Pet Intolerance Test
5Strands Pet Intolerance Test Kit tests for 200 food ingredients and preservatives, and 100 environmental items!
They do this by scanning your dog’s hair sample, which can be about 10-15 strands. The company also uses bio-resonance technology and provides you with an easy-to-understand report.
Although the website doesn’t have a sample report you can view, the results will come to you in 7-10 days.
They are color-coded with those flagged red being foods and other triggers to avoid and those flagged as yellow to use caution.
They don’t indicate whether they offer a consult or advice with results, yet they provide customer support through phone and email.
Allergy Test My Pet
Allergy Test My Pet, or AT My Pet, tests for over 110 items, such as food, environmental, and common household products.
They check the antibody reaction in your dog’s saliva against each allergen and report if there is a positive or negative reaction to each.
The pricing is competitive, and the kit is straightforward and easy to use, requiring only a basic saliva collection procedure.
Easy DNA Dog Allergy Test
The Easy DNA Dog Allergy Test Kit is one of the most popular testing kits for dogs.
It measures the antibodies in your dog’s saliva against 114 common food and environmental allergens. High antibody levels indicate sensitivity and intolerance.
With this kit, you may test your dog’s saliva for affordable and receive results in two weeks via email. As mentioned on their website, this is not a standard allergy test.
It will help you learn your dog’s sensitivities and intolerances. The report ranks strong intolerance, mild intolerance, or no reaction.
They give you a report with details that are easy to understand about each substance and associated symptoms to look for!
The kit also has dietary and lifestyle guidelines such as elimination diets, topical treatments, supplements like probiotics, and the use of corticosteroids.
Should I Test My Dog for Allergies at Home?
If you are seeing symptoms in your dog, then definitely! While not usually life-threatening allergies can pose several risks to your dog.
Aside from discomfort due to itching and pain, symptoms associated with dermatologic problems may cause chronic health issues if untreated for a long time.
These at-home dog allergy test kits work with a simple hair or saliva sample from your dog that you send away.
Wait a few weeks and they will send you the results showing your dog is allergic or sensitive to!