How much does an allergy test cost?

How much does a dog allergy test cost?

  • Answer:

    First you'll need to rule out food issues. Although the other poster is on the right track, your dog can be allergic to any type of food. Beef allergy tends to be high on the list, too. Ask your vet for a good diet that contains protein sources your dog has never tasted. The best one I know of is Science Diet z/d. The protein sources have been changed so that your dog's body cannot recognize them. Your dog would need to be on any food a good 12 weeks before you can know whether food is the problem. Also, you cannot give your pet anything other than that food and water for the months he's on that food. No snacks or treats, unless you use the food as treats. Allergy testing in my area is around $300, but that does not include the initial dosing nor the serum over time. Your vet can give you the exact cost before you agree to the testing. It may not work, keep that in mind. I believe it works about 2/3 of the time. But when it does, it is wonderful. If your dog is young, then allergy testing could be the way to go, after making sure as can be that isn't just a food allergy. You also will want your dog on a fast flea-killer, like Comfortis. Flea allergy is a fairly easy fix. Oh, and all your pets have to be on flea prevention every 30 days, year 'round. It is importat to work with your vet. It can pay off over time, with refills granted without another exam, etc. There is a wide variety of medication at your vet's disposal. He or she will need to try various things, and that takes time and compliance on your part. Allergy is one of the veterinarian's biggest problems. He tries to keep your pet comfortable, you involved and happy, and the cost down as much as possible. Not easy to do all three sometimes. Some effective products at your vet's fingertips: allergy testing and serum especially made for your pet; antibiotics for skin infections, sprays for foot licking; temaril p, pred; antihistamines; zymox for ears; steroid injections. Lots of things to try, for sure. If you aren't comfortable working with your vet, look for one whom you can work with --- on food, medications, testing, and follow-ups. Go in for a "consult" to find out all your options to help your dog. vet tech

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It will vary but it can be expensive depending on how quickly you discover the allergen. First put your dog on a grain free dog food. It's the most likely source. If that doesn't work then Google the problem for other solutions before spending the money. Are you sure its a allergy? You didn't describe the symptoms.

Orange County Ca

It will vary but it can be expensive depending on how quickly you discover the allergen. First put your dog on a grain free dog food. It's the most likely source. If that doesn't work then Google the problem for other solutions before spending the money. Are you sure its a allergy? You didn't describe the symptoms.

Orange County Ca

First you'll need to rule out food issues. Although the other poster is on the right track, your dog can be allergic to any type of food. Beef allergy tends to be high on the list, too. Ask your vet for a good diet that contains protein sources your dog has never tasted. The best one I know of is Science Diet z/d. The protein sources have been changed so that your dog's body cannot recognize them. Your dog would need to be on any food a good 12 weeks before you can know whether food is the problem. Also, you cannot give your pet anything other than that food and water for the months he's on that food. No snacks or treats, unless you use the food as treats. Allergy testing in my area is around $300, but that does not include the initial dosing nor the serum over time. Your vet can give you the exact cost before you agree to the testing. It may not work, keep that in mind. I believe it works about 2/3 of the time. But when it does, it is wonderful. If your dog is young, then allergy testing could be the way to go, after making sure as can be that isn't just a food allergy. You also will want your dog on a fast flea-killer, like Comfortis. Flea allergy is a fairly easy fix. Oh, and all your pets have to be on flea prevention every 30 days, year 'round. It is importat to work with your vet. It can pay off over time, with refills granted without another exam, etc. There is a wide variety of medication at your vet's disposal. He or she will need to try various things, and that takes time and compliance on your part. Allergy is one of the veterinarian's biggest problems. He tries to keep your pet comfortable, you involved and happy, and the cost down as much as possible. Not easy to do all three sometimes. Some effective products at your vet's fingertips: allergy testing and serum especially made for your pet; antibiotics for skin infections, sprays for foot licking; temaril p, pred; antihistamines; zymox for ears; steroid injections. Lots of things to try, for sure. If you aren't comfortable working with your vet, look for one whom you can work with --- on food, medications, testing, and follow-ups. Go in for a "consult" to find out all your options to help your dog. vet tech

Shawn

Switch to a raw diet and chances are the allergies will go away. Most dog foods contain grains which cause a LOT of problems in dogs including SEVERE allergies. Also all dog foods contain cooked protein, a lot of dogs can become allergic to these cooked meats (the most common is being allergic to chicken) but when fed raw these dogs don't have any problems with it. If you're interested in feeding raw instead of medicating to see if perhaps it may help, feel free to e-mail me, I'd be happy to help! Good luck!

Sonia

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