![]() The intensity of the reaction can determine its severity. If the dog reacts to an allergen, the injection site will turn red and swell (like a hive) within minutes. Most dermatologists test approximately 60 to 70 allergens. A series of injections are placed just under the skin with a tiny needle. The dog lies on one side while hair is shaved on the chest-abdomen area. ![]() The vet will give the dog a relaxing sedative to prevent discomfort. A dog's common allergies can include dust mites, fleas, grasses, cockroaches, and even human dander. It generally costs more than serum testing but is considered the most precise testing method for allergies. Intradermal or skin testing is the standard method for testing and obtaining the most accurate results.Ī veterinary dermatologist typically does intradermal allergy testing. Veterinary dermatologists usually do not recommend this type of test. The accuracy of serum allergy testing is highly questionable and depends a lot on the expertise of the lab performing the test. This test is minimally invasive to your dog and typically costs a few hundred dollars. The lab tests the antibodies in the serum against an array of common allergens and measures which allergens the antibodies bind to. Serum testing involves taking a blood sample from your dog and sending it to a lab for analysis. There are two types of allergy testing commonly used for dogs: Discuss allergy testing with your vet and whether or not it is right for your dog. Though this type of allergy testing and treatment may seem cost prohibitive at first, it may end up costing less in the long run compared to years of treatment for flare-ups and secondary infections (not to mention the turmoil your dog goes through). Typically, improvement is seen in the first six months, though it can take up to a year for some dogs. Not all dogs will respond in the same way, but most will improve. It is important to understand that your dog's allergies will require lifelong management. Immunotherapy is not a cure for allergies, but it can reduce your dog's sensitivity to allergens. The injections are sometimes followed up with oral treatments. These injections can be easily given at home by most owners (it's similar to administering insulin to diabetic dogs). Using this therapy, a customized serum is created to expose the dog to tiny amounts of allergens over a long time period, slowly increasing the amount of exposure. Immunotherapy is considered safe and effective. ![]() Dermatologists recommend and perform skin testing for allergies with a specialized way to identify true allergens.Īfter testing comes treatment with immunotherapy, also called desensitization or allergy shots. Your vet will likely refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist if your dog's symptoms are severe. If your dog's skin issues seem severe or are not responding to treatment, your vet may want to find out what's causing the allergy using allergy testing. Finish all courses of medications, follow instructions for all treatments, and return for follow-up visits as recommended. If the vet sees evidence of fleas, the treatment will include flea protection, and this should be used year-round in allergic dogs to prevent flare-ups.īe sure to comply with your vet's recommendations. This may be used as more of a long-term management approach. Prescription shampoos can also be very helpful in soothing the itch and helping to remove surface bacteria from the skin. Sometimes additional medications are needed to treat secondary infections. ![]() ![]() In cases of mild to moderate skin issues, your dog may be prescribed an anti-itch medication to ease symptoms, such as an antihistamine, or a short course of steroids in more severe cases. If your vet feels that an allergy is the cause of your dog's skin problem, you will likely be given a few treatment options. There are many causes for red, itchy skin so it is important to have your vet diagnose the cause before trying home remedies. Visit your veterinarian right away if your dog's scratching persists, if hair loss occurs, or if the skin appears irritated, red, scaly, or otherwise abnormal. Contact your vet at the first sign of itching. ![]()
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