Dog Allergy Test

The most common allergies in dogs fall into three categories:

• Environmental: house dust mites (the most prevalent), grass and tree pollens, moulds, and flea saliva
• Food: chicken and beef are the most frequently identified food allergens in dogs, followed by wheat, dairy, and lamb
• Contact: reactions to certain shampoos, chemicals, or plants the dog walks through

In the UK specifically, house dust mites and grass pollens (especially Timothy grass) are the leading environmental triggers. Many dogs react to more than one allergen simultaneously, which is why a comprehensive panel is often most useful.

The most common signs of allergic disease in dogs include: persistent itching or scratching (especially face, paws, ears and groin), recurring ear infections, paw licking or chewing, red or inflamed skin, tear staining around the eyes, skin thickening or darkening in chronic cases, and recurrent skin or ear infections. Digestive signs (loose stools, vomiting) can sometimes accompany food allergies. These symptoms can also have other causes, so a blood allergy test helps distinguish true IgE-mediated reactions from other conditions.

Allergies in dogs typically develop between 6 months and 3 years of age, though they can appear later in life. Testing is generally most meaningful from around 12 months onwards, once the immune system has matured and has had sufficient allergen exposure to produce measurable IgE levels. Testing very young puppies (under 6 months) is less reliable and not usually recommended. Please consult your vet about the best time to test your dog.

Yes. Certain breeds have a significantly higher prevalence of atopic (allergic) skin disease, including West Highland White Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, and Dalmatians. However, allergies can affect any breed or crossbreed. If you have one of these predisposed breeds showing allergy symptoms, early testing is especially worthwhile.

A dog allergy test measures IgE antibody levels in your dog's blood against specific allergens. It is used to:

• Identify which specific allergens are triggering your dog's symptoms
• Distinguish between food and environmental causes
• Guide dietary changes (e.g. switching to a hypoallergenic food avoiding identified triggers)
• Inform your vet's recommendation for environmental management or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT)
• Provide a baseline to track your dog's allergy profile over time

The results are a diagnostic and should be interpreted alongside your dog's clinical history and discussed with your vet.

• Panel 1 is best if your dog's symptoms are worse seasonally (spring/summer = pollens) or year-round indoors (likely dust mites), and you suspect environmental causes

• Panel 2 is best if symptoms are consistent regardless of season and you suspect diet — particularly if your dog is on a commercial food with chicken, beef, or grain

• The Bundle is recommended when you're unsure, or when your dog has complex or overlapping symptoms. Using one blood draw to screen all 125 items is the most cost-effective and thorough approach, and avoids the need for a second blood draw later

If in doubt, most of our customers opt for the Bundle.

IgE (immunoglobulin E) is the specific antibody produced by the immune system during an allergic reaction.

Measuring IgE concentrations in blood is the clinically recognised method for allergy testing - the same approach used by veterinary dermatologists and specialist allergy clinics. Hair sample and bioresonance tests do not measure IgE.

IgE blood testing gives you results that your vet can use to guide treatment decisions, including allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Our test uses validated IgE multiplex serology which is the same platform used in professional veterinary allergy investigations.

All results are scored against canine-specific clinical reference ranges. No allergy test can claim 100% sensitivity or specificity and results should always be interpreted in the context of your dog's symptoms and history.

Food allergy results in particular are most useful when combined with a dietary elimination trial. We will always recommend discussing your results with your vet.

Yes. My Pet Sensitivity holds ISO 9001 accreditation and our laboratory team operate within a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No.4236 who also hold ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Every sample is processed and reviewed by qualified laboratory technicians.

Here you can place an explanation or answer to the question.

Once your blood sample arrives at our laboratory, results are typically available within 5 business days. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your report is ready.

Total time from ordering to results is usually 10–14 days, depending on how quickly you send your blood sample and how long the postage takes.

Your dog allergy test kit contains:

• Easy-to-follow instructions
• Alcohol cleansing wipe
• Absorbent pad
• Adhesive Plaster
• Cohesive bandage
• 3x single-use lancets
• Blood spot card
• Blood spot card transport bag
• Postage paid return envelope

Everything you need is included - you don't need to provide anything extra.

Certain medications particularly immunosuppressants like ciclosporin, steroids (prednisolone) and some antihistamines can suppress IgE levels and may affect test accuracy.

Ideally, your dog should be off immunosuppressive medications for a period before testing (typically 4–8 weeks for steroids - your vet can advise).

Antihistamines have a lesser effect on IgE blood tests compared to intradermal skin tests. Always discuss your dog's current medications with your vet before proceeding.