dog allergy testing?

Question

I am thinking of possibly getting my dog tested for allergies, so I can better control them. I am having him neutered soon and was going to talk to the vet about my options but I wanted to know if anyone has had their dog tested or done something similar. If so, do you know the cost of the tests. I would prefer the blood screen over the injections.
I am also going to ask the vet if there is any medicine that will help his itching and scratching more, bendreyl is not working.
If you have any insight or suggestion please feel free to comment. thanks.

Answer 1

Testing for environmental allergies can be fairly accurate. My vet does not test for food allergies as the results are unreliable and come back with many false positives.
Cost varies....but it isn't cheap. Good luck

Answer 2

i completely disagree you can control the food you feed you more than likely can't change the environmental allergen you live around unless you want to move and as far as the testing it is the same vets usually can tell whether it is an environmental or food allergy just by the signs but they usually recommend doing both both tests are usually around 150-250 dollars Its a simple blood test that you send out it is good to know what your pet is allergic to either way but honestly the shots efficacy is still being questioned and i dont think that i would ever do this to any pet i owned i would do both allergy tests if my dog had allergies god get her off the benadryl ASAP if anything get her on chloraphanaramine an over the counter antihistamine but you really need to get her on atopica which is perscription but spendy :( no no no no no ok so they will draw blood from a leg vein they will send it out to the lab it takes a while for results i want to say at least 4 weeks which is long in veterinary medicine but rather common in human they will get a report it will tell you everything they tested for and there will be elevations on the ones that she is allergic to then from that you either eliminate potential allergens but a lot of them you cant like grass unless you dig it up and pour concrete but then what if she gets out and walks through grass so if it a lot of allergens or ones that you cant eliminate like chicken etc. are present then you can do the allergy shots with this you are given 3 vials they all include all the allergens that your dog has then you give as directed which is usually once daily and then using all the vials you wean down you dont shave you just give it like a vaccine most often owners report no resolution but improvement there are also special prescription diets you can get really you need to seek a dermatologist or at least another benadryl should not have been prescribed for this type of allergy reaction if anything they could have prescribed temeril P instead

Answer 3

Read up on what your breed of dog may be sensitive to, or talk to a reputable breeder. Also, some allergies are seasonal and if you do medicate understand that in some dogs they need to pee a lot more, so if there are accidents don't get mad, simply make sure he gets a chance to relieve himself outside with greater frequency.
Also, try to stay away from lawns or grassy areas that have been fertilized recently or that have been sprayed with weed killer.. Especially with that 'granual' type fertilizer. DANGER! Can get in their paw pads (esp if the ground is damp), and can be irritating to a dog prone to allergies. ALSO, some dogs think it's something to eat and that is real no-no.
Understand also, that the temperature/humidity inside your house will also play a part in his coat condition as well as itching. Dry heat without a proper humidity level dries out our skin too, so if you are ' itchy', your dog probably will be too.
Yes, there are food issues too. You can go nuts worrying about it all. Just know, allergy testing is not always 100%...and can be very costly.
Keep his food as simple and straighforward as possible, try to avoid spraying air fresheners and scented products (very little attention is paid to this one and if more people did, they wouldn't have to pay for numerous visits to the vet...), avoid putting any chemicals on your lawn, avoid other places where you think there might have been chemicals used, and do not overbathe him (strips the natural oils from his coat)--take him for a walk in the rain instead....Hope some of this helps. Woof.

Answer 4

Its great that you are taking action against your dogs allergies. Allergy testing can run about 200 to 300 dollars.
Your best bet is to take your dog to a dermatologist for testing. They are able to do a skin testing which can be more sensitive.
I understand a blood test is easier than taking your dog to a dermatologist for testing.Whats important is that you are addressing your dogs issues.
Drugs like hydroxizine can help with the itching if benadryl isn't working.

Answer 5

I have an APBT that that was scratching all the time. She had a a rash all over her. I did the allergy tests, $280.00, they showed nothing. The best the Vet. could come up with was a food allergy. We put on a diet with fish and potato, no meat. She is doing fine now. Talk to your Vet. and see if this is a possibility. My pit is on Eukanuba F/P (fish and potato) and has had no problems for the last 4 years.