Overview

Allergies such as skin, bacterial, and food sensitivities make life uncomfortable for your pet. Protect your cat, dog, or other animal from irritating allergies with a proper diagnosis.

How does allergy testing work?

Veterinary allergy testing begins with an examination. Once your pet has been examined, testing can be done in a variety of ways. Most people imagine one test that can conclusively provide specific information on their pet’s allergies, but that is not the case. There are many different ways to test for allergies, including hypoallergenic diet testing to determine food allergies. We can diagnose and address these types of allergies in hospital, or we can refer you to a dermatologist or other specialist.

When should my pet get tested?

Your pet deserves to be free of discomfort. The first step in allergy treatment is preliminary testing through a routine wellness exam. If your pet is currently showing signs of discomfort, please schedule an appointment with our veterinarians as soon as possible. Allergic reaction symptoms include:

• scratching

• shaking of the head

• rubbing of the ears or muzzle

• licking of the feet

• raised circular lesions

• generalized flakiness and hair loss

• intense itching

Allergy Types

Bacterial Allergy

Staph bacteria that are normally present in the environment can produce an allergic response in some dogs. In animals with poor immune systems, the bacteria can invade the deeper layers of the skin and cause an infection called pyoderma.

Contact Allergy

Contact allergies are not commonly seen in pets. This form of allergy is a local reaction to some type of chemical.

Inhalant Allergy

Inhalant allergies, or atopy, is the most common kind of allergy seen in pets. Allergic reactions may be from tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, mold spores, and house dust mites.

Food Allergy

Food allergies typically take a long time to develop and can display themselves as skin problems or digestive issues.

Why should my pet get tested for allergies?

With a proper diagnosis, we can implement a long-term treatment plan to help relieve symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life. Every environment is unique, and every animal species and breed have their own reactions to those environments.