December 14, 2011
Posted in Pet Health

Dogs can develop allergies similar to humans and because pets can't express how they're feeling with words, tests need to be conducted to help them feel better.

In most cases, dogs will get tested for allergies after developing atopic dermatitis, or allergic inhalant dermatitis, commonly called atopy. Many dogs will show signs of this painful and itchy skin disorder as a result of their environmental allergies.

According to the news outlet, dogs can be allergic to a wide variety of issues, though the most common include a flea allergy or a food allergy. Dogs who develop atopy tend to suffer from being allergic to pollens, grass, dander, mold or dust – once a dog gets atopy it will have the side effects until the allergen is found and removed.

If you notice that your dog has developed a rash or is constantly itching certain areas of its body that haven't cleared up even after you used soothing pet supplies like Malaseb Shampoo or oatmeal shampoo for dogs, you should consult a veterinarian. The vet may recognize the symptoms and have you bring the dog in for allergy testing.

At the vet, the dog will most likely be tested with one of two procedures – either an intradermal skin test or a serum allergy test. In intradermal testing, a patch of fur will be shaved off from the dog's side or abdomen to expose an area of skin. Then, using small needles, tiny amounts of the test allergens will be injected under the pet's skin. The vet will then wait and then examine each injection site to measure the allergic reactions of each possible culprit, such as a hive or redness. Allergens your dog isn't allergic to won't cause reactions.

Serum allergy testing is when a vet takes blood from your dog and then mixes the blood with each numerous allergens to look for reactions.

Once one or both of these tests are performed, the vet will have a much better idea of what is causing your dog to have allergic reactions so you can understand what needs to be done to prevent such issues in the future. If the dog is allergic to pollen or grass, the vet may prescribe pet meds like Atopica to ease the itch. Anti-inflammatory medication like Prednisone may also be prescribed. Slip the medicine in Greenies Pill Pockets to ensure your pooch ingests the entire capsule. 

Related posts:

1. Treating your dog’s food allergy
2. What’s the need for heartworm testing?
3. What is miliary dermatitis?
4. How to prevent hot spots this spring
5. How to relieve your dog’s itching – naturally!