If you're a dog owner, there's a good chance you've wondered if your furry friend might have allergies. Allergy testing for dogs is becoming more and more popular, as pet owners are looking for ways to keep their dogs healthy and comfortable. There are different types of allergy tests available, and each has its own benefits. Here's a look at the different types of allergy tests and the benefits they offer.
When should you consider allergy testing for your dog?
Allergies are a common issue in dogs, just as they are in humans. Many dogs suffer from seasonal allergies, while others have year-round allergy problems. If your dog is showing signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching, licking, or hair loss, it's important to consult with your veterinarian.
Allergy testing for dogs can also be beneficial for dogs who have persistent skin problems that haven't responded to other treatment methods. The only time when allergy testing for dogs is recommended is if the dog has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and the owner wants to try allergen-specific immunotherapy to treat it. Furthermore, allergy testing should be performed as soon as possible and early in the disease's course.
It is recommended that dogs with a history of nonseasonal pruritus (itching) have other causes of pruritus ruled out, including fleabite hypersensitivity, other parasitic infestations, and food allergy prior to considering allergy testing.
Allergy testing can be a helpful tool in determining what is causing your dog's allergy symptoms. Blood and skin (intradermal) tests are the most common types of allergy tests for dogs. These tests can help to identify the specific allergens that are triggering your dog's seasonal or environmental allergies. Once the allergens have been identified, you and your veterinarian can work on creating a treatment plan to help ease your dog's allergy symptoms.
What allergy tests are available for dogs?
There are two main types of allergy testing for dogs used by veterinarians to identify environmental allergens that may be causing a reaction in animals. These are intradermal skin and serum-based tests. Both can be useful, but they work in different ways and have different strengths and weaknesses.
1. Intradermal allergy testing for dogs (IDAT)
Intradermal allergy testing for dogs or IDAT is the allergy test most recommended by veterinary dermatologists. This allergy test is performed by injecting small amounts of allergens just under the dog's skin. If the dog is allergic to a specific allergen, you will notice a reaction at the injection site within 20 minutes in the form of a welt or wheel.
The main advantage of IDAT is that it can help to identify a wide range of potential allergens quickly and easily. IDAT is also relatively non-invasive and can be performed in a single office visit.
The main disadvantage of this allergy test is that it requires the dog to be sedated or anesthetized in order to be performed. Additionally, it requires experience to be able to interpret the responses properly. This is why most veterinarians will refer the dog to a veterinary dermatologist to have the test performed. Furthermore, the dog's allergy medication is required to be stopped for at least 2 weeks prior to the test and sometimes even longer depending on the medication your dog is receiving.
2. Serum allergy testing for dogs (RAST)
Serum allergy testing for dogs or RAST is a blood test that measures the levels of IgE antibodies in the dog's blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to allergens.
The advantage of RAST is that it can be performed without sedation or anesthesia and can be done in a single office visit by your regular veterinarian. The benefits of RAST are that serum allergy testing is more accessible to your veterinarian, can be done on dogs taking allergy medication, and allows for immunotherapy with owners who cannot or will not accept a referral to a veterinary dermatologist.
The main disadvantages of this allergy test are that it can take up to six weeks to get the results back from the laboratory and as there are many companies offering this assay, they will all perform the test differently which can result in varying accuracy between labs. RAST is best used as a screening test to help narrow down the potential allergens that are causing a dog's allergy symptoms.
Which allergy test is better?
There are only a few studies that compare the effectiveness of immunotherapy based on serum allergy testing to intradermal skin testing, and these studies were conducted by veterinary dermatologists. The results of these studies showed that there is no significant difference between the two methods. It's important to remember that these studies looked at groups of dogs rather than individuals, so some dogs may have better results with one method or the other. Some veterinary dermatologists suggest using both tests, but this significantly raises the cost.
What are the benefits of allergy testing in dogs?
The benefits of allergy testing in dogs are that it can help to identify the allergens that are causing a dog's symptoms and can allow for more targeted allergy management. Specifically, the results of the allergy test can then be used to formulate immunotherapy, which is the only curative treatment for allergies. Immunotherapy is a series of allergy injections that are given over the course of several months to years and work to desensitize the dog to the allergens they are allergic to.
Are there allergy tests for food allergies in dogs?
Allergy testing dogs for food allergies is not recommended as it is not very accurate. Neither serum allergy testing nor intradermal skin testing has been shown to be reliable in diagnosing food allergies in dogs. The best way to test for food allergies is through an 8-week elimination diet trial, which should be done under the guidance of your veterinarian provided they have experience in allergy testing and management.
Elimination diets are time-consuming and can be difficult to do, but they are the most accurate way to test for food allergies in dogs. It is important to work with your veterinarian throughout the process to make sure the diet is done correctly and that your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
Are in-home allergy test kits reliable for diagnosing allergies in dogs?
There is no evidence to support the claims that hair and saliva tests for dog allergies are accurate. The results of this study showed that it was no better than guessing and that the results were not consistent.
How much does allergy testing for dogs cost?
The cost of allergy testing for dogs can vary depending on the type of test, the number of allergens being tested for, and whether or not the test is being done by a veterinary dermatologist. Intradermal allergy testing typically costs much more than serum allergy testing because it is a much more involved process. Intradermal testing can range from $600 to $800, while serum allergy testing typically costs between $200 and $300.
In conclusion, allergy testing for dogs can be performed using intradermal skin testing or serum allergy testing. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but the decision of which test to use should be made by you and your veterinarian based on your individual dog's needs. Allergy testing is an important tool that can help to diagnose allergies and formulate a more targeted treatment plan. If you have any questions about allergy testing for your dog, please contact your veterinarian.