The Ultimate Pet Allergy Tests Buyers Guide

Best Pet Allergy Tests
Dec 2022

Best Pet Allergy Tests

Picking The Best Pet Allergy Test In 2022

Pets like people may be prone to allergies to various substances like plant particles and other allergens in the air and food. Allergens may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract and can stimulate histamine production, which results in inflammation.

Today food intolerances are the third most common sensitivity in pets. In this review, we’re going to discuss the top five pet allergy tests for 2022 and give you more information about the most common dog & cat allergies.

By submitting your pet to a pet allergy test, you’ll be able to see what caused your pet’s allergic reaction. Like people, dogs & cats can be allergic, sensitive, or have intolerances too many things, even plant particles, food ingredients, and substances in the air. Allergens are substances that, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract, will stimulate histamine production, resulting in inflammation. 

When you use a pet allergy test on your pet, you get to see what foods your pet is allergic to or potential intolerances your dog may have. Allergy tests are easy to use, and all you need is your pet’s saliva or hair.

After you get your pet”s allergy test results back, it’s best to work together with your veterinarian so that you can tailor your dog’s diet or environment to limit your pet’s exposure to any sensitivities that he may have.

Allergy testing results don’t take long to get, and you can learn more about what your pet should not be exposed to in the long run. Your vet will then try to formulate a specific immunotherapy treatment program.

Our Pick for The Best Pet Allergy Testing Kit for 2022

We’re going to run through our top five pet allergy tests and explain why these allergy testing kits for pet’s are our top picks for 2022.

Pros

Cons

The 5Strands Pet Standard Package determines the key intolerances your cat or dog may be having to 355 of the most common pet food ingredients & environmental items. With over 400 positive reviews, 5 Strands Pet Standard Package scans your pet’s hair sample (10-15 strands) using bioresonance technology to provide a comprehensive report.

This fast and easy test will help identify temporary imbalances that may be causing your pet’s painful intolerance symptoms. These symptoms are non-life-threatening responses and can take up to a few hours or several days to show up in pets. Intolerances do not involve the immune system.

You’ll get your pet’s test results within 7-10 days after the hair sample arrives at the 5Strands processing center. The Food Intolerance Test includes 250+ items: proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, fats, seafood, additives, and preservatives.

We like this test because your dog or cat does not have to have eaten or encountered any of the food or environmental items tested to register a response. 5Strands allergy testing kit checks for intolerances that can manifest in your dog’s or cat’s body because he lacks the digestive enzymes or from overconsumption or overexposure of an item.

The Environmental Intolerance Test includes 100+ items: fabrics, cleaning supplies, grasses, trees, mold, other animals’ dander, & chemicals. The severity of response upon exposure to each item is measured and provided in an instant 60-90-day elimination guideline. 

What do people think of 5Strands?

“I purchased this test because my dog was constantly scratching and the vet could not figure out what was causing it. She had been on steroid medications for several months and nothing was helping. After receiving the test results, it showed that my dog has an intolerance to beef which was the main ingredient in her dog food. Within 2 weeks of changing her dog food, the itching has stopped! This test has been a life saver! I would definitely recommend this product to any pet owner.”

Amazon user

“I  was skeptical but desperate to find out why my 3-year old cat had chronic diarrhea. I tried switching foods, a prescription diet and all kinds of tests and ultrasounds. The cat was diagnosed with IBD but without a clue as to the source of her condition. On a whim I bought this test and found out my cat is highly intolerant of “guard gum, agar” which are (like xantham gum) is found in almost all the grain free canned food I buy. So I experimented with a raw diet (Natures Instinct Raw Bites) and within 2 days she had solid stool! If it wasn’t for this test, this cat would’ve been placed on steroid medication! I’m so happy I bought this test!”

Amazon user

Pros

Cons

The Easy DNA testing kit for pets relays information about foods and supplements that their pets may be allergic to. There’s also a comprehensive guide showing the products, food, treats, and supplements that may be good for your dog. 

dThis allergy test also gives you detailed information about the allergens that your pet is tested positive for. The Easy DNA Dog Allergy test is super affordable at $99 and is one of the best choices for multi-pet households that need to do allergy testing. The Easy DNA Cat Test costs $89.

We like this allergy testing kit because it uses a three-tier ranking system: strong intolerance, mild intolerance, and no intolerance that’s easy to understand. Testing samples are only delivered to accredited laboratories.

What do people think of EasyDNA?

“Brilliant service. Good customer care team. Trusted and accurate results. Very professional.”
Trustpilot user
“Amazing customer service and fast results! Highly recommend it.”
Trustpilot user

Pros

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Pros

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Pros

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rast testing, also known as a radioallergosorbent test, is a blood test used to see whether a dog is allergic to specific antigens. This test is often done as part of atopy’s workup (a skin manifestation of inhalant allergy) in dogs. Allergy testing allows you and your veterinarian to check for which allergens may be triggering your dog’s atopy. This will enable you to formulate a plan to address these allergies.
There may be times when a few cases of atopy can be managed with symptomatic treatments. That said, it’s best to determine which allergens are triggering a reaction. Although it is almost impossible to prevent a dog’s exposure to common allergens, knowing which allergens are responsible for your dog’s allergies is essential. VCA Hospital says that “knowing the specific allergens causing an allergic response can be used to administer hyposensitization treatment to your dog. Hyposensitization involves giving your dog a small quantity of the offending allergens (as injections or by mouth) every 1-4 weeks, in order to build up immune tolerance.” VCA explains that as many as 60-80% of dogs will show improvement with hyposensitization, yet this may take time before you see results. You’ll also need to keep in mind that some dogs may need lifelong therapy.

Allergy testing can be done using two techniques: intradermal testing or RAST testing. There are advantages to both testing methods. Intradermal testing is the Gold Standard testing for atopic dermatitis and is done by veterinary dermatologists, with dogs being anesthetized for this procedure. Your dog will need to have his coat shaved so that the injection sites can be monitored for a reaction.

You’ll need to check with your pet insurance and see what coverage you have. Most pet health insurance will cover allergy testing together with the office visit for skin conditions and other related health conditions.

If your pet is constantly scratching or licking his paws, you should consider using a convenient at-home pet allergy testing kit to check for allergies. Not only will this help you discover what your pet may be allergic to, but it will save you tons of veterinary costs in the future. These tests are painless, easy to use, and affordable to do at home and are a must for every pet parent that suspects that their furry best friend is suffering from allergies.

  • https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120724144429.htm
  • https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180404133503.htm
  • https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/rast-testing-in-dogs
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