Being a dog owner myself, I know how frustrating it is to watch my furry companion suffer from constant itching, licking, and gastrointestinal issues. And although it’s allergies that are to blame, not knowing the root cause of the problem only adds to the woes.
After all, pinpointing what your dog is exactly allergic to is like finding a needle in a haystack.
But that said, a home dog allergy test has become a promising solution lately. So much so that some test kit brands claim 100 percent accuracy with near zero false positive rates.
Now, for a lot of dog owners, at-home allergy tests are a new concept altogether. Also, others are skeptical if home allergy test for dogs work or not.
And that’s exactly what I’ve sought to answer, breaking down everything that you’ll ever need to know about dog allergy tests along with my insights as a Memphis pet groomer.
So, read on and know the reality of dog allergy tests and test kits.
What is a home dog allergy test in the first place?
Let me start with the most obvious question that you might have about at-home dog allergy tests.
At its very basic, a dog allergy test at home is meant to help you detect the allergens that might be affecting your dog. And this includes allergens from food for dogs, local weather patterns, etc., to name a few.
The best thing: These at-home tests are usually less expensive compared to the traditional allergy tests you get at your local vet.
Not to mention, the test is also quite convenient. All you’ve to do is collect a sample of your dog’s hair, saliva, or blood and mail it to a lab for analysis.
Talking about the test result itself, it will list potential allergens along with the severity of each allergen. This will give you enough clarity about what might be causing your dog’s symptoms.
What are the different home dog allergy test types?
A dog allergy home test is usually based on three samples, namely hair, saliva, and blood. Herein, you’ll collect either of the samples based on the type of suspected allergy and severity of allergens.
For instance, if you suspect that a minor allergy is caused by food or weather, a hair sample test will be good enough. But I can’t say the same for severe allergy symptoms where you need more invasive test samples.
All in all, here are the at-home dog allergy tests you can go for:
1. Hair sample test
The most popular of all dog allergy tests, a hair sample test is non-invasive and super easy to go about.
In fact, collect a few strands of your dog’s hair, send them to the lab, and you’re done.
You see, hair sample tests are effective at analyzing any mineral imbalances and allergens that might be present in your dog’s environment or diet. So, if you find your dog sneezing, losing hair, or with skin follicles, this should be your best recourse.
2. Saliva-based test
A saliva test is considered the best way to find out if your dog is sensitive to any food.
But this is also an invasive allergy test since you’ve to swab the inside of your dog’s mouth to collect a sample. Also, the sample needs to be stored correctly in an air-tight medical-grade container and then sent for testing.
However, the overall test is painless and straightforward; more so when compared to procedures like blood tests.
3. Blood spot test
This is the most invasive allergy test for dogs at home and for a lot of pet parents this could be a bit extreme too.
Here, you’ll have to do a small prick on your dog’s paw pad and collect a few drops of blood.
Now, although this test is more invasive, it is considered more accurate than saliva and hair tests combined. That’s because it can provide in-depth information about the allergens that your dog is suffering from.
For instance, let’s say you boarded your dog for the first time and they experience allergies right after coming back home. In this case, a likely cause seems to be the boarding environment but it could have to do with food too.
So, a blood spot test will help you determine what’s precisely causing the allergy.
How does a dog allergy home test work?
Complicated as it might seem, it is quite simple to do an allergy test for dogs at home. In fact, follow the right steps, and you can know the root cause of allergy in no time.
And the best thing is that you need not be a veterinary expert since at-home allergy tests are something anyone can carry out.
Overall, here’s how a dog allergy test at home is carried out:
Step 1. Sample collection
The first step in a home allergy test involves collecting test samples like your dog’s hair, saliva, or blood. Also, you’ll have to make sure the sample is not contaminated and package it securely.
To that end, I suggest you avoid feeding your dog for at least an hour before taking a saliva sample to prevent cross-contamination. And the same goes for a blood test sample which is best to take after a night long fasting.
Step 2. Packaging and mailing
Once you’ve collected the sample, package it by following the lab’s instructions. This will include using an air-tight container that is most likely provided in the test kit itself.
Thereafter, you can mail this sample to the specified lab, which is straightforward since most kits include prepaid shipping labels.
Step 3. Lab analysis
As the sample reaches the lab, it is analyzed for antibodies, sensitivities, and mineral imbalances, among others.
For instance, if you’ve sent a hair sample, it will be tested for exposure to certain proteins. Similarly, saliva samples will be used to detect immune response.
Step 4. Results review
You’ll receive a detailed report with a list of potential allergens and their severity levels. Also, the report might come with some personalized dietary and environmental recommendations.
Now, you can compare these with your dog’s symptoms, and, if required, consult your vet to interpret the findings.
Are at-home dog allergy tests accurate?
So far, you already know what a home dog allergy test is all about and how it works.
But does dog allergy testing at home really work, and if it does then how accurately?
These are questions that almost every pet parent has, including myself.
So, I decided to dive deep into the efficacy of home allergy test kits for dogs. And as it turns out, this is murkier than it seems.
How?
You see, certain home tests can be really useful in narrowing down potential allergens. But, they’re not as reliable as a dog pregnancy kit or traditional testing methods like blood tests or skin-prick tests performed by a veterinary professional.
Here’s what I learnt after reviewing expert opinions and user experiences in great detail:
1. Limited accuracy
First thing first, if you’re using an allergy test for dogs at home, you should know that the accuracy levels are limited. And this is especially true for hair and saliva-based tests.
After all, these tests often rely on sensitivity detection methods, which might not reflect true allergic reactions.
2. False positives and negatives
Yet another problem with at-home test kits is the high rate of false positives and negatives. So much so that pet owners admit the sensitivities found in test results don’t correlate with their dog’s symptoms.
At the same time, a negative result isn’t a guarantee that your dog is allergy-free.
3. Complementary benefits
Despite the flip sides, home allergy tests are actually a good first step if you want a quick answer to what’s wrong with your dog.
Not to mention, the test results can help you plan dietary changes or environmental adjustments before you seek a more thorough veterinary assessment.
Allergy test for dogs at home: 4 tips to consider
As you can see, a dog allergy home test might not be the best option in terms of accuracy.
But they are still an excellent way to get some idea about which allergens could be affecting your dog.
In fact, do it right and you might not need a second opinion from a veterinarian. And to that end, here are four things I suggest you consider before carrying out a home test:
1. Determine the type of test
Go for the test type that best suits your dog’s needs. For instance, if your dog has skin sensitivities, a hair or saliva test might be best for their non-invasiveness.
2. Check the manufacturer’s credibility
Always stick to reputable brands with strong customer reviews and transparent testing methodologies. For instance, companies like 5Strands and NutriScan have a strong reputation on the market, something you can consider.
3. Look at the severity of symptoms
Home tests are best for mild to moderate cases only. So, if your dog is showing severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or extreme itching, I suggest you consult a veterinarian immediately.
4. Factor in cost versus benefits
An at-home allergy test costs between $100 and $300. And although they’re more affordable compared to traditional vet tests, my advice is you weigh the cost against accuracy and usefulness.
Frequently asked questions
Is a home dog allergy test better than consulting a veterinarian?
No, home tests are complementary and not a substitute to a veterinarian’s expertise. Meaning, while these tests can offer insights, veterinary allergy tests are more accurate and reliable.
How long do home allergy test results take?
Most of the allergy test kits brands and test labels provide you results within 1-3 weeks. However, the exact timeline will depend on test type and shipping times.
What should you do if the test identifies allergens?
If the test identifies allergens, you can start by eliminating the identified allergens from your dog’s diet or environment. Also, you should monitor the symptoms for improvement and consult your vet for a personalized treatment.
To sum up: Is a home dog allergy test worth it?
By now, you know the ins and outs of home allergy tests. But to answer if a dog allergy home test is worthwhile isn’t so straightforward.
That’s because even though at-home dog allergy tests can be helpful to begin with, they aren’t the go-to solution for severe symptoms.
So, at the end of the day, you should always combine home tests with veterinary advice.
Got more questions or on the lookout for allergen-free food and care for your pet?
You can get in touch with us!
At Dawg Team Apparel USA, we’ve got an extensive range of dog food, clothes, pregnancy kits, and more. Also, from pet boarding to self-serve wash to grooming and more, our storefront has got it all.
In short, we’ve got all your pet requirements covered at one place.
