Allergy Testing for Dogs and Cats
Allergy testing helps identify which environmental allergens are most relevant to your pet once environmental allergy has been diagnosed and immunotherapy is being considered. These may include pollens, grasses, moulds, dust mites and insects associated with recurring skin, ear or coat problems.
The gold standard is intradermal allergy testing (IDAT), performed under light sedation by one of our veterinary dermatologists. Serum (blood) allergy testing is a less accurate alternative reserved for the small number of pets that cannot be sedated. IDAT results are used to formulate personalised allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) targeted to your pet's triggers, with the aim of long-term relief and control.
When Is Allergy Testing Recommended?
Airborne environmental allergy testing is typically recommended for dogs and cats with ongoing or recurrent skin and ear disease, particularly where environmental allergy is suspected. It is most often considered after initial assessment, when symptoms persist or recur despite routine treatment.
This may include pets showing signs such as:
- persistent itching, scratching or chewing at the skin in dogs or itching, scratching or overgrooming in cats
- recurrent ear problems or ear infections in dogs or ear problems, irritation or discharge in cats
- licking or chewing paws in dogs or paw, nail or claw conditions in cats
- ongoing skin redness, irritation or rash in dogs or scabs, sores or skin lesions in cats
In many cases, these signs are associated with conditions such as:
- dog allergies or cat allergies (environmental, food or flea allergy)
- ear disease in dogs or ear disease in cats
- skin infections in dogs or skin infections in cats
Allergy testing is used as part of a structured diagnostic approach to help identify environmental triggers and guide allergen-specific immunotherapy, supporting more effective long-term control.
What At-Home Dog Allergy Test Kits Can and Cannot Tell You
At-home fur and saliva testing kits are widely available, and it is fair to ask whether they can identify what is causing your pet’s itching. Two published studies evaluated commercial hair and saliva tests marketed for identifying allergies in pets. The tests examined did not reliably distinguish allergic animals from healthy animals. Positive results were also returned for synthetic fur and water or saline samples. Some at-home testing kits also carry disclaimers stating that they are not intended to diagnose medical conditions.
Relevant studies:
Hair and saliva test fails to identify allergies in dogs (Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2019)
Hair and saliva analysis fails to accurately identify atopic dogs or differentiate real and fake samples (Veterinary Dermatology, 2019)
For this reason, we do not recommend fur, saliva or at-home pet allergy test kits for diagnosing allergic skin disease.
The intradermal allergy testing we offer is a specialised test used to guide personalised allergen-specific immunotherapy. Before recommending this testing, your veterinary dermatologist assesses your pet’s history, clinical signs and examination findings, together with appropriate investigations for other causes of itching. This may include checking for parasites, assessing skin infections and an elimination diet trial to investigate food allergy.
Once environmental allergic skin disease has been diagnosed and immunotherapy is planned, intradermal testing assesses reactions to a range of environmental allergens. Results are interpreted alongside your pet’s history and likely exposure to help select the allergens to include in treatment.
What Our Allergy Testing Involves
Our clinicians may recommend targeted diagnostic testing to help identify your pet’s allergy triggers. Testing is tailored to your pet’s individual needs, taking into account their health, temperament, and history, to ensure the most accurate results and a safe, comfortable experience.
Testing options include:
- Intradermal allergy testing (IDAT) – Considered the gold standard. Small amounts of allergens are injected into the skin under mild sedation, and the skin’s response is observed. When recommended, this method provides the most accurate insight into your pet’s true sensitivities and triggers.
- Serum (blood) testing – Measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in a blood sample. While generally considered less accurate than IDAT, it can sometimes be a suitable alternative for pets that cannot undergo sedation or have recently received medications that may interfere with skin testing.
Some pets benefit from one form of testing, while others achieve the most accurate results through a combination of both. Our clinician will explain which testing method is most appropriate for your pet and how the results can guide treatment such as allergen-specific immunotherapy, so you can make informed decisions.
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Intradermal Allergy Testing (IDAT)
Administration
- A broad selection of environmental allergens are selected based on your pet’s history and region.
- Carefully measured amounts of the selected allergens are administered into the superficial layers of the skin.
- Testing is performed under light sedation to ensure comfort and accuracy.
Preparation
- Testing is typically performed on the lower right side of the chest.
- A small rectangular area, approximately the size of a postcard, is shaved for allergen administration.
- The allergen injections are placed side-by-side within the same prepared area.
Interpretation
- Skin reactions show sensitisation and must be interpreted alongside your pet’s clinical history and likely allergen exposure.
- Our clinicians are trained to assess the pattern and strength of each reaction.
- These findings inform your pet’s personalised allergy management plan, including allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).
Ongoing Care and Management
Allergy testing is usually performed to guide immunotherapy, rather than as a standalone treatment.
Once our clinicians have interpreted your pet’s allergy test results and identified relevant environmental allergens, we may recommend immunotherapy. This can be delivered via allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), using a personalised allergen formulation, typically by injection or oral liquid, to retrain the immune system over time.
Immunotherapy is the only approach that aims to address the underlying cause of environmental allergies, rather than just managing the symptoms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pet need sedation for testing?
Intradermal allergy testing (IDAT) is performed under mild sedation to ensure your pet remains calm and comfortable.
Serum (blood) testing does not require sedation and can be used for pets where sedation is not suitable.
Does my pet need to have hair shaved for testing?
For Intradermal allergy testing (IDAT), a small area of the coat will be trimmed to allow the allergens to be applied and the skin’s response observed. Hair trimming is minimal and targeted, ensuring your pet’s comfort while providing accurate results.
How long does testing take?
Testing usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the method used and the number of allergens being assessed. Your clinician will provide an estimated timeframe when scheduling your allergy test appointment.
What Does Allergy Testing Cost?
The listed fee for intradermal allergy testing for a Dog or Cat is $900.
During an intiial consultation, our clinician will first assess whether testing is appropriate, and the team can explain which fees apply to your pet, what is included and any additional costs. An initial dermatology consultation is $425.
If required, Serum IgE testing is quoted individually.
How soon will results be available?
IDAT results can often be interpreted on the same day, while serum testing results are typically available within 15-20 business days. Your clinician will review the findings and explain the implications for your pet’s care.
What happens after the test?
Once the results are reviewed, our clinician will discuss which allergens your pet reacts to and outline recommended next steps, including potential treatments or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) if appropriate.
For IDAT, mild skin reactions, such as redness or small raised bumps at the injection sites, are common and usually settle within a few hours. In some cases, mild redness may persist for up to 24 hours. Most pets are comfortable and can return to their normal activities on the same day. Severe or prolonged reactions are uncommon, and your clinician will provide guidance if any additional care is needed.
Pricing
Initial consultation: $425
Revisit consultation: $205
Cytology: $99
Intradermal allergy testing: $900
All other fees discussed during consultation
Referring Vets
If you are a veterinarian referring a patient for this service, please use our referral form or contact our team with relevant history, previous test results, current medications and treatment response.