Canine allergy testing helps determine the specific environmental or food allergens triggering a dog’s allergic reactions. These tests can range from simple skin prick tests performed in a veterinary clinic to more complex blood serum analyses sent to specialized laboratories. A veterinarian will evaluate the dog’s symptoms and medical history to determine the most appropriate testing method.
Identifying specific allergens allows veterinarians to tailor treatment plans for individual dogs, improving their quality of life. This may involve allergen avoidance strategies, medication, immunotherapy (allergy shots), or dietary changes. Historically, managing canine allergies relied on symptomatic treatment. Advances in allergy testing now enable more targeted and effective interventions, reducing the reliance on long-term medication and improving overall outcomes for allergic dogs.