Of the top 10 reasons dog parents take their dog to the veterinarian, skin conditions are in the top three. Dog allergies can manifest in many ways, including skin infections, hot spots, yeast infections, or dandruff. Fortunately, dog allergy tests at home are a convenient option for pet parents looking for a convenient way to help their pups.
What starts as itching and scratching can quickly escalate into infection, discomfort, and costly medical bills. Like people, dogs develop allergies and sensitivities to a variety of environmental and food-based reasons. According to a report published by Banfield Pet Hospital, dog allergies are always in season.
Allergens can vary by a pet parent’s climate and region, but many common triggers are found in the home where your dog resides. Common triggers include:
The good news is there’s a diverse range of dog allergy tests available on the market these days. These at-home tests are designed to pinpoint the potential triggers of your pet’s symptoms.
Within this article, you’ll learn which dog allergy tests are best, how they work, and the difference between a dog allergy and a dog intolerance or sensitivity.
After purchasing your dog allergy test kit, you’ll receive a box with everything you need to test your dog. Home allergy tests use your dog’s hair or fur samples or a saliva sample.
Once you’ve collected the sample, you mail it back to the company in a provided envelope or container. Within a few weeks, which varies by company, you receive results via email and/or snail mail.
The kits are not intended to replace a veterinary visit or allergy testing performed by your veterinarian. However, they can be incredibly helpful to get to the bottom of your dog’s symptoms.
There are a whole host of things your dog could be allergic to. These include:
Dogs can also be allergic to things that touch their skin, such as carpet fibers, flea and tick repellants or treatments, laundry detergent or fabric softener, and plants.
There are so many terms being used interchangeably or in the wrong context. Dr. Jean Dodds, founder of HemoPet and NutriScan, states, “Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities (or intolerance) is a common mistake, not only among dog guardians, but also among veterinary professionals.”
Food allergies in dogs are more immediate according to Dodds. Signs include rashes, hives, swollen hives, and sometimes life-threatening reactions. She likens food allergies to the anaphylactic shock some people get when they eat peanuts.
A food sensitivity or intolerance is a chronic condition that builds up with time. Common signs of food sensitivity include gastrointestinal issues, chronic itchy or scratching of the skin, chronic burping or gassiness, or chronic skin/ear/paw infections, especially with yeast.
Coping with a dog who is uncomfortable can be very frustrating for you and your pooch. Constantly itching or chewing themselves can lead to infections, sores, and bigger problems.
Some of the more common signs your dog has an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to one or more things include, but are not limited to:
People have many of the same symptoms when it comes to allergies. According to the Veterinary Information Network, while people with allergies may sneeze or have asthma, dogs tend not to exhibit those symptoms. Instead, they will have red and itchy skin, hair loss, and recurring skin or ear infections.
In order to select the very best allergy tests for dogs to use at hone, we focused on these aspects:
Ratings/reviews. We want to ensure a broad range of reviews are given for each of our dog allergy tests. We looked closely at pet parent reviews and what they liked and disliked.
Number of allergens tested. Making sure your dog is tested for more than a few allergens is very important. No one wants to repeat a test or have to purchase multiple tests to get a true picture of their dog’s immune response to allergens. We included a variety of options that offer food, environmental, and other allergens tested.
Reputation. We examined each of the brands included on our list. We dove in to find out how long they’ve been in business, what is said about them on social media, and who endorses them.
Ease of use. Convenience is key when it comes to testing your dog for allergies at home. No one has time to chase their dog around, wait, hope they get a good sample, and then have to try again. There’s something for everyone on this list, and all of the tests can be performed from the comfort of home.
When you’re ready to test your dog for allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities to foods or environmental factors, here are our favorites to consider.
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Our pick: My Pet Sensitivity
My Pet Sensitivity gives pet parents the opportunity to learn if their dog is sensitive to 300 commercial pet food ingredients. This includes things like meats, vegetables, seafood, preservatives, grains, additives, and more. Once receiving your kit, you’ll register it online using a unique reference code. The only task you perform is clipping 5 to 10 strands of your pet’s fur as close to the root as possible. Mail the hairs to the company and all future communication takes place through email.
We received a 32-page PDF sent via email outlining our Cocker Spaniel’s sensitivity results. These included foods, additives, environmental, nutrition, metals, and mineral sensitivities. You’ll also receive the next steps, a possible elimination diet, and potential meat sources to try. What’s really nice about My Pet Sensitivity results is the attention to detail with a breakdown by category.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Our pick: 5Strands
Pet parents who wish to focus sensitivity testing solely on food intolerances should consider the 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test. Each kit tests for over 275 commercial pet food ingredients from your dog’s hair sample. Some of the things tested include proteins, grains, food dyes, dairy, fruits, additives, and probiotics. Results are sent to you via email.
According to the company, following their analysis as a guideline, pets should start feeling better within 60 to 90 days. The easy-to-understand report is designed with the colors of a stop light. For example, a green dot by a food item means mild intolerance, while red indicates severe intolerance. 5Strands touts their technology as holistic to get to the “root cause of any dietary discomforts.”
Highlights
Things to Consider
Our pick: NutriScan
This patent-protected test was developed by renowned veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds. The salivary-based food sensitivity and intolerance test is touted as an alternative to food trials, serum-based food allergy testing, and skin patch testing. It does not test for true food allergies, but it measures antibodies to 24 primary foods and a total of 112 related food ingredients in your dog or cat’s saliva.
NutriScan’s saliva test may reveal pre-clinical issues before they actually appear in your pet. The test can be easily performed at home or in conjunction with your veterinarian. Unlike hair tests, this saliva test measures two types of antibodies. Pet parents receive a complete summary with results within a few weeks of the lab receiving the sample.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Our pick: Glacier Peak Holistics
Glacier Peak Holistics offers a cheek swab/hair sample test for overall pet wellness. Like the other tests on our list, pet parents mail the samples to the company using the form and pre-paid box provided. Within two weeks in the United States, the results are sent to your email.
In addition to dietary testing, Glacier Peak’s process includes over 300 common and uncommon environmental stressors for dogs and cats like insects, grasses, pollens, and chemicals. They use an energetic analysis with an SCIO (Scientific Consciousness Interface Operations System) biofeedback device. It is touted as a non-invasive therapeutic device that combines bioresonance and biofeedback fields for energy balance and body analysis.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Our pick: Allergy Test My Pet
Allergy Test My Pet is a quick, affordable, painless test to learn your dog’s sensitivities and intolerances to 100 factors. These include foods, environmental, and household allergens. The test takes about two minutes with results in about two weeks after receiving your pet’s sample.
Using the included sample collection kit, the test is a swab of your dog’s cheek. Allergens are also added to the company’s database from time to time. Dogs over six months of age can be tested, but the sensitivities can change as they age. This test is affordable, and results are sent via email.
Highlights
Things to Consider
Our pick: DNA My Dog Allergy Test
Using an oral sample, DNA My Dog Allergy uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to measure your dog’s sensitivity to over 100 allergens. These include food, environmental, and household-based things. After swabbing your dog’s cheek for a saliva sample with the provided kit, pet parents send the sample in and receive results within two to three weeks.
The results feature a detailed analysis outlining items your dog has a strong intolerance to plus a care guide with actionable tips. Your report also includes items your dog did not react to. The company was formed in 2008 with a canine DNA test. The cost of the kit is reasonable and is touted as an “alternative to expensive testing and harmful medication.”
Highlights
Things to Consider
When attempting to get a saliva sample that requires more than a swab, here are some tried and true ways to make it happen:
No. At-home allergy kits involve saliva and/or hair samples. In-office veterinary testing is performed in a clinical setting. Tests in-office involve intradermal skin testing and/or blood tests. In-office allergy tests on dogs are more comprehensive.
Many satisfied pet parents attest to their satisfaction with at-home allergy test kits for their dogs. The accuracy of an allergy test is often measured in terms of sensitivity. If you suspect your dog has allergies, starting by talking to your veterinarian is best.
Yes, any time your dog has an at-home allergy test performed, you should provide your veterinarian with a copy to discuss the results. Allergic reactions may also be due to another condition, which your dog’s medical team can investigate.
Some pet intolerance tests and allergy tests for dogs have specific age restrictions, limits, or recommendations. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
CANADIAN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – With warmer weather bringing snake populations out of hibernation in Texas,…
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to…
Celebrities and entrepreneurs Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have joined forces to introduce their new…
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Animals Services had a big weekend for adoptions, but more…
Staff from Fresno Humane Animal Services were patrolling the area to locate animals in need.…
Thanks to compassionate animal rescuers, many precious lives have been saved. In this story and…