How do you diagnose dog allergies?

If you’re worried that your cat or dog may be suffering from an allergy, it’s a good idea to head to your vet to complete a pet allergy test kit. Allergy testing helps to determine the particular substances (allergens) that cause allergic reactions in your animal. Allergy testing works by assessing your pet’s immune response to common environmental allergens for dogs and cats, including pollens, grasses, dust mites, mould spores, mite and flea bites, cat or other pet dander (dead skin cells) and food. Serological (blood) testing This involves testing the blood, looking for allergen–specific antibodies (IgE) which react to a number of common allergens, expected to contribute to atopic dermatitis. Intradermal skin testing (IDST) This is considered the gold standard of pet allergy testing amongst veterinary dermatologists. The test involves clipping the hair on the side of your pet’s chest and giving multiple (40-60) small allergen injections into the skin. If your pet reacts to an allergen, a hive will develop at the injection site. As part of testing for an allergy, your vet will likely suggest carrying out an elimination diet for your pet. Before a diagnosis of atopy can be made, things like parasites, skin infection and other potential causes of itching and inflammation symptoms must be ruled out.