# How Does Allergy Testing in Dogs Work? Our Vet Explains - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-does-allergy-testing-in-dogs-work/ - Published: 2024-04-12 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- How Does Allergy Testing in Dogs Work? An Expert Vet Explains If your dog is always scratching, licking their paws, or battling recurrent ear infections, allergies are likely to blame. Allergies are one of the most common health issues in dogs, affecting an estimated 10-40% of the canine population. While there‘s no cure for allergies, your veterinarian has effective means of testing for and treating these bothersome conditions. We‘ll take an in-depth look at how allergy testing works, so you‘ll know what to expect and how to best help your furry friend. What Are Allergies and What Are the Signs in Dogs? An allergy occurs when your dog‘s immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance in the environment, like pollen, dust, or a certain protein in their food. The most common signs of allergies in dogs include: - Intensely itchy skin, especially on the face, paws, groin, and armpits - Recurrent ear infections - Chronic paw licking and chewing - Red, inflamed skin - Patchy hair loss - Runny nose and eyes - Gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea Any dog can develop allergies, but the breeds most often affected include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pit Bulls. Allergies usually first show up between 1-3 years of age, though they can develop at any time. If you notice any of the above signs in your dog, it‘s time to visit your veterinarian. How Do Veterinarians Test for Allergies? There are two primary methods vets use to decipher what a dog is allergic to: intradermal skin testing and serum IgE allergy testing (blood test). Figuring out which allergens are triggering your dog allows for tailored treatment with immunotherapy. Intradermal Skin Testing Intradermal allergy testing is considered the gold standard and is the most accurate means of determining your dog‘s specific allergens. The test is usually conducted by a veterinary dermatologist. Here‘s how it works: 1. Your dog is sedated or put under general anesthesia. 2. A patch of fur is shaved, usually on the side of the chest. 3. Small amounts of different allergens are injected just under the skin in a specific pattern. Typical allergens tested include pollens, molds, dust mites, and flea extract. 4. After a brief waiting period, the injection sites are analyzed. A red, swollen bump forming at the injection site indicates an allergy to that substance. Pros: - Highly accurate results - Large number of allergens can be tested at once - Helps identify exactly what the dog is allergic to for targeted therapy Cons: - Requires skill and expertise of a veterinary dermatologist to properly perform and interpret - Dog must be sedated or anesthetized - Can be expensive - Usually only offered by specialized hospitals - Certain medications like steroids and antihistamines must be discontinued 2-4 weeks before testing Serum IgE Allergy Testing For this test, a blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. The blood is analyzed for IgE antibodies against specific allergens. IgE is the type of antibody associated with allergic reactions. Pros: - Can be performed by most general practice vets - Only requires a blood draw, so sedation may not be needed - Good alternative when intradermal testing is not available Cons: - Less accurate than skin testing - Can show false positive or negative results - Does not test for as many allergens as skin testing - Certain medications must still be discontinued beforehand for accurate results What About Food Allergies? Surprisingly, food allergies are far less common than environmental allergies, and account for only 5-15% of allergic dogs. The allergens are usually animal proteins like beef, chicken, or dairy. Grains are uncommon triggers. Neither skin nor blood testing is considered reliable for diagnosing food allergies. Instead, an elimination diet trial is the gold standard test. Your dog is fed a "novel" protein (one they‘ve never eaten before like rabbit or kangaroo) or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for at least 8-12 weeks and monitored for improvement in symptoms. Then, the old diet is reintroduced to see if signs return. Putting Allergy Test Results Into Action Once you and your vet have determined what your dog is allergic to, a specialized treatment plan is made. Immunotherapy based on the test results is the only "cure" for environmental allergies. With immunotherapy, small amounts of what your dog is allergic to are injected under the skin or given orally. The dose is gradually increased over time. This slow, controlled exposure helps reprogram your dog‘s immune system, teaching it not to overreact to these allergens. It is effective in 60-80% of dogs, often allowing them to reduce or discontinue other allergy medications. Additional treatment tactics may include: - Eliminating the allergen from the environment when possible (ex: dust mite covers, air purifiers) - Medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint to reduce itch and inflammation - Medicated shampoos and sprays to soothe irritated skin - Antibiotics or antifungals to treat secondary skin and ear infections - Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support skin health - Diligent flea and tick prevention, as many allergic dogs are especially sensitive to flea bites Your vet will work with you to find the right combination of therapies to get your dog‘s allergies well controlled. While allergies are never truly "cured", the vast majority of patients can achieve an excellent quality of life with comprehensive treatment and dedicated owners. The Bottom Line If your dog is itchy and uncomfortable, allergy testing is the first step on the road to relief. Skin and blood tests, when interpreted by a skilled veterinarian, can reveal the root of your dog‘s sensitivities. At-home test kits are not accurate and are never a substitute for your vet‘s expertise. With the boom in veterinary dermatology in recent years, we have more safe, effective options than ever before to manage allergies in our canine companions. If you suspect your dog has allergies, don‘t hesitate to get help. Together with your vet‘s guidance and a little trial and error, you can conquer the itch and restore your pup‘s quality of life. --- Source: [How Does Allergy Testing in Dogs Work? Our Vet Explains](https://33rdsquare.com/how-does-allergy-testing-in-dogs-work/)