What is a dog's full allergy test?

Understanding a Full Allergy Test for Dogs

Allergies in dogs are a common and often frustrating issue for pet owners. Symptoms such as chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, and digestive upset are signs that a dog may be suffering from an allergic reaction. A comprehensive allergy test for a dog involves a structured approach that starts with a clinical diagnosis and proceeds with various testing methods to identify specific allergens.

Diagnosis Before Allergy Testing

Before conducting any form of allergy testing, it's important that a veterinarian performs a thorough evaluation. This process typically includes:

• Review of the dog's medical history
• Assessment of clinical symptoms
• Elimination of other possible conditions like flea infestations or skin infections

Only after a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis—a common type of environmental allergy—should allergy testing be initiated, to ensure other similar-looking conditions have been ruled out.

Main Types of Allergy Tests for Dogs

There are several types of tests available, each with specific uses and levels of reliability. Here's a breakdown:

1. Intradermal Skin Testing (IDAT)

Often called the gold standard for identifying environmental allergens, this method requires the following:

• Shaving a section of the dog's skin
• Sedating the dog for comfort and accuracy
• Injecting small amounts of various allergens such as pollens, molds, and dust mites
• Observing for raised welts (hives) within 15-30 minutes

Pros: Highly specific and reliable
Cons: Invasive, requires sedation, and pre-test medication withdrawal.

2. Serum (Blood) Allergy Testing

More convenient and less invasive than skin testing, this approach involves drawing blood to measure levels of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens. Pros: Can be done in general practice, usually doesn't require stopping medications
Cons: Less reliable due to variability in lab standards and false positives caused by non-specific antibodies (e.g., CCDs)

3. Food Allergy Testing with Elimination Diets

Food allergies are best diagnosed through elimination diet trials rather than testing. Steps in an elimination diet:

• Feed the dog a novel or hydrolyzed protein with a unique carbohydrate
• Avoid all other treats, foods, and flavored medications for 6-12 weeks
• If symptoms improve, reintroduce previous foods during the challenge phase

A return of symptoms confirms a food allergy. Blood, saliva, or hair tests are not reliable for diagnosing food allergies.

At-Home Allergy and Intolerance Tests

Many over-the-counter kits advertise the ability to detect allergies or sensitivities using hair or saliva samples, but these have significant limitations:

• Lack scientific validation
• Can produce false positives from healthy animals or even synthetic samples
• Do not measure IgE antibodies essential for allergy diagnosis

Bottom line: These should not be used for medical decision-making without veterinary input.

When to Consider Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is most useful when a diagnosis of environmental allergies has already been established. Testing helps:

• Confirm specific allergens responsible for symptoms
• Guide allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT)
• Create customized allergy shots or drops for long-term management

Preparing for Allergy Testing

Preparation is crucial for accurate results, particularly with intradermal testing:

• Medications like steroids and antihistamines usually need to be stopped days to weeks in advance
• Dogs must be free of skin infections
• Pregnant, in-heat females or dogs under 1 year are not ideal candidates

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT)

Once allergens are identified, ASIT involves administering small amounts of the allergen over time to reduce the immune system’s overreaction. This treatment:

• Takes months to years to complete
• Can be given as injections or oral drops
• Helps reduce reliance on medications

Common Allergy Symptoms in Dogs

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
• Red, irritated skin
• Hair loss
• Recurring ear infections
• Vomiting or diarrhea (for food allergies)

Common Allergens That Affect Dogs

• Fleas (flea allergy dermatitis)
• Dust mites
• Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
• Molds
• Food proteins like chicken, beef, or dairy

Limitations and Costs

• Testing costs range from $200–$500 depending on method and location
• Elimination diets require months and can be costly due to special foods
• No test is 100% definitive; interpretation by a qualified vet is essential

Key Takeaways

• Intradermal testing is the most accurate for environmental allergies
• Blood tests offer convenience but may be less accurate
• Elimination diets are the only reliable method for diagnosing food allergies
• At-home kits should not be used for clinical decisions

In summary, a dog’s full allergy test is a multi-step process that must be carefully tailored and interpreted by veterinary professionals. Accurate diagnosis and appropriately chosen tests lead to more effective management and a better quality of life for your pet.