Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from allergies.
You may have noticed that your dog is scratching a particular area of their body a lot, even perhaps developing sores.
Perhaps your dog struggles with inverted sneezing, their eyes water a lot or you’ve noticed an increase in tear stains.
Your canine may suffer from a sensitive stomach that can lead to disinterest in food or a general lack of appetite.
Dogs can be allergic to certain types of food or other environmental factors, such as dust mites, fleas, pollen or mould.
If you suspect your dog may be suffering with an allergy problem, there are a growing number of allergy tests that pet parents can order to learn about potential allergies their canine companion may have.
These dog allergy tests can be a useful tool for pet parents when it comes to deciding what dog food to order as well as providing a lifestyle guideline to ensure your four-legged friend is comfortable.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best dog allergy kits available to order in the USA right now.
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What Is A Dog Allergy Test?
Dog allergy tests can give pet parents an insight into what food sources or external environmental factors could be detrimental to their pet’s health and overall wellbeing.
As pet owners, we all have our canine companion’s best interests at heart, so it’s important we know about the potential intolerances and sensitives they may have.
For example, you don’t want to be feeding your dog a beef diet if they’re allergic to beef as this could potentially cause some distress to your pet.
Most dog allergy companies will provide pet owners with the tools required to take a sample of your pet’s salvia which can be sent off to be examined by their experts.
The process can take a couple of weeks before you get the results, usually by mail or email, informing you of any potential allergies or sensitivities that your dog may be suffering with.
Once you’ve received the results, you can make immediate adjustments to your dog’s life to ensure they’re no longer exposed to the intolerances that they’re suffering from.
It’s also best to consult with your local vet or your dog food provider to learn how best to cater to your dog’s needs and avoid any potential ingredients that your pup is sensitive to.
What Causes Dog Allergies?
Just like humans, dogs can be exposed to potential allergens everywhere.
They could be allergic to a particular ingredients in their dog food, exposing your dog to high levels of pollen during walks in the countryside in the summer or fleas could trigger an allergic reaction.
The American Kennel Club writes that allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the body’s immune system, which, of course, both people and pets can suffer from.
In my case, I was intrigued to learn about what allergies my two dogs could have with regards to food. They’ve traditionally been extremely picky eaters and they’ve previously suffered from a lot of stomach problems.
The ability to learn what foods were triggering allergic reactions was extremely valuable so I could adjust their diet accordingly to ensure they can enjoy their food without gastronomical discomfort.
You’ll find that dogs are often exposed to allergens in their food, especially if you go for a brand that doesn’t clearly list the ingredients in their recipes.
If you order from a dog food company that tailors their recipes to meet your dog’s specific needs, the ability to disclose sensitivities to particular types of food is crucial, as this means that they can customise your dog’s meals appropriately.
Types Of Dog Allergies
The American Kennel Club states that there are three main types of allergies in dogs: skin allergies, food allergies and acute allergies.
The most common type of allergies in dogs are skin allergies, called allergic dermatitis. There are three main causes of skin allergies: flea allergy dermatitis, food allergy and environmental allergens.
While food allergies can trigger skin problems, they can also prompt a bout of gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhoea or vomiting. In some extreme cases, it can even cause a severe reaction resulting in anaphylaxis.
Acute allergies can be very alarming. It’s the equivalent of a human being exposed to nuts if they’ve got a nut allergy. Dogs can go into anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate treatment to avoid a fatal result.
IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergies can occur within minutes of ingestion or exposure and are usually diagnosed through a blood test or skin prick test by veterinarians.
What Allergies Can You Test For?
Dog Allergy Tests will usually test for food sensitivities and/or environmental factors.
You’ll usually find that a Dog DNA Allergy Test will provide a clear list of the allergens that they can test for.
It’s important to remember that a Dog DNA Allergy Test is not a substitute for a consultation with your vet.
If your dog does show up with an allergy to a particular type of food, we recommend talking to your vet to learn how best to avoid this food source.
Once your dog’s sample is analyzed, you’ll usually be sent a thorough report of any severe or mild intolerances for your reference.
Best Dog Allergy Tests – Three Of The Best
So, with the introductions out of the way, let’s get right down to it and bring you our pick of some of the best dog allergy tests in the USA right now.
1) Easy DNA Dog Allergy Test
Where to order: www.easy-dna.com
A Siberian Husky gets his ears checked at the vet (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Easy DNA have over 18 years of experience in the DNA testing industry. They’ve got a variety of different tests catering for humans and canines.
Their website explains that their DNA tests are performed by internationally accredited laboratories and operate a network of offices and agents in over 25 countries worldwide and growing.
Easy DNA look to provide pet parents with peace of mind on their website by stating that they only use the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Main Points
• Over 110 allergens test – Easy DNA’s Dog Allergy Test will test for over 110 allergens.
• Ranking System – Easy DNA use a three-tier ranking system: strong intolerance, mild intolerance and no intolerance.
• 2-week waiting period – They’ll deliver your dog’s tests results within two weeks of receiving the sample.
• Simple at-home sample collection – EasyDNA have a specific testing kit to allow pet parents to take a sample for analysis.
Price, Shipping and Where To Buy
EasyDNA’s Dog Allergy Test is priced at $104 on their official website. If you order a second or third EasyDNA Dog Allergy test, you can get a $10 discount.
You can only buy EasyDNA’s Dog Allergy Test from their official website, so you won’t find this product in shops or on other online marketplaces.
Dog owners will be able to select their preferred shipping option: standard or USPS tracked mail. If you don’t live in the USA, there’s an international shipping charge.
What Are Customers Saying About This Product?
EasyDNA had a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on independent review website Trustpilot at the time of writing.
A customer with two dogs was delighted with the information attained from the allergy test.
I had my 2 dogs allergy tested. The results were remarkable, totally different from what I expected. After eliminating the trigger foods and supplements from their diet, I now have happy healthy dogs.
Another dog owner was thrilled with an even faster turnaround than advertised.
I was told I would get my results by email within 10 working days but I actually received them within 4!
Any Negatives?
Dog Allergy Kits aren’t cheap so you can expect to pay a premium price, especially given the high-tech testing and detailed allergen report that you’ll receive. If you order two dog allergy kits, your second kit will be discounted by $10.
Their Dog Allergy test is not a DNA test. It is also not a typical allergy test. This test uses the proteins in the dog’s system to help you learn the sensitivities and intolerances your pet may be experiencing so you can have a better understanding of what they may not be able to tolerate.
Conclusion
EasyDNA’s Dog Allergy Test is one of the leading options within this particular market.
Having tried their test, I was impressed by the level of detail in the report. I was surprised to learn that my dog was allergic to certain foods that I had regularly been feeding her.
My results also came back within two weeks as promised on their website.
With a wealth of experience and internationally accredited laboratories, you and your dog will be in reliable and safe hands if you opt for EasyDNA.
2) My Pet Sensitivity
Website: mypetsensitivity.com
Cute puppy dog licking the bandage on its paw (Photo: Adobe Stock)
My Pet Sensitivity operate in the USA and in the UK and they’ve got a wealth of experience where testing pets is concerned.
They’re goal is help pet owners get an in-depth and unique insight into their dogs and cats so they can live happy and fulfilled lives.
My Pet Sensitivity are striving to make allergy testing affordable to pet owners, while ensuring a straightforward testing process. They offer a 100% money back guarantee if pet parents aren’t satisfied.
Main Points
• Over 460 items tested – they cover common sensitivities for proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, fats, seafood, additives and vitamins, plus many more.
• Hairs for testing – Unlike other tests in this feature, My Pet Sensitivity require a hair sample rather than a salvia sample. So pet owners will need to collect 4-5 strands.
• Results within 3 days – Your results will be delivered securely to your inbox within 3 days after being analysed by their team of experts against a range of food & non-food products. They’ll be split into High Reactivity and Moderate Reactivity.
• 100% money back guarantee – They offer a full money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your results.
Price, Shipping and Where To Buy
You can only purchase My Pet Sensitivity’s tests on their official website.
Their dog sensitivity test costs $40, their cat sensitivity test costs $40 and horse sensitivity test costs $40.
If you buy two or more tests, the cost of each test will be $30.
Our Verdict
It’s easy to order the test and you don’t have to wait for the company to send out a testing kit. You’ll receive an email with simple instructions so you can get started without delay.
The hair samples were relatively easy to collect and it was easy to follow the steps to send back to My Pet Sensitivity. They were extremely quick to turnaround my results. They did so in less than 48 hours!
The results were split into High Reactivity and Moderate Reactivity. I was surprised to learn that my male Alaskan Klee Kai had a high reactivity to peanut butter – which I usually give as a treat.
My Pet Sensitivity are competitively priced within the market and they typically test for more items than other companies so I feel their service represents good value for money.
What Are Customers Saying About This Product?
My Pet Sensitivity appears to be a relatively new to independent review website Trustpilot. At the time of writing, they’ve got an average score of 4.6 stars based upon less than 30 reviews.
Charlotte praised the company for a rapid turnaround so she could make adjusts to benefit her pet.
My dog was constantly scratching and had red patches under his belly and legs. And now after we’ve got his results we’ve cut everything out that came back he was sensitive to and he’s so so much better barely any redness at all.
Tiffini explained how My Pet Sensitivity’s results helped her to cut out allergens in her dog’s diet.
My dog was having allergies to something so I decided to get this test and basically the dog food she was eating she was very sensitive to. So we have switched up her protein and a few other foods and she’s doing so much better. The test is very easy to read.
Vicky was delighted to save money on a potential trip to the vet.
My poor boy started with fur loss at Christmas …. This service is simple to use and once I sent his sample got the results quickly. Now I know what foods / environmental factors to avoid his skin and poos are much improved. I’m really pleased I used this service it’s made him a much happier less itchy and poorly dog. It’s also so much cheaper than taking him to the vets.
Any Negatives?
We struggled to find any real negatives with My Pet Sensitivity. However, some pet owners may find it more difficult to collect a hair sample (it needs to be as close to the root as possible). For some pet parents, it might be easier to secure a salvia sample. It’ll depend on each individual owner.
Conclusion
My Pet Sensitivity offer a welcome alternative in the pet allergy testing marketplace.
If you’d prefer the simplicity of collecting a hair sample rather than a salvia sample, this test is for you.
You don’t have to wait for a test to arrive at your home as My Pet Sensitivity will send all the necessary information via email.
They’ve got a quick turnaround in three days (mine arrived in 48 hours) and the results are neatly displayed in two categories.
You can get a 5% discount by using the coupon code BARK5 at the checkout to make a 5% saving on your purchase. Click here to purchase your My Pet Sensitivity Test now.
3) 5Strands Pet Intolerance Test
Where to order: www.5strands.com
A pug at the vet (Photo: Adobe Stock)
5Strands Pet Intolerance Test will test for any potential allergies that your dog may have.
Their website explains that their mission is to empower families with a voice about their own health care and that of their pets.
5Strands go on to add online that they want to provide pet owners with an affordable option when it comes to testing for allergies.
Main Points
• Hair analysis – 5Strands use a non-invasive method to test for any potential intolerances your dog may have by analysing samples of their hair (10-15 strands).
• 255 Potential Food Intolerances – 5Strands test on over 255 common pet food ingredients to help you zero in on the key sensitivities.
• 5-7 day turnaround – 5Strands write that pet parents can expect to receive their pet’s test results within 5 – 7 days after the hair sample arrives at the processing centre.
Price, Shipping and Where To Buy
5Strands Pet 255-Food Intolerance Test is available to buy directly from 5Strands’ website. The test costs $88.
What Are Customers Saying About This Product?
5Strands Affordable Pet Test gets an average rating of 3.9 out of over 130 reviews on Amazon’s website.
One Amazon customer shared her success story using this test.
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!
It was a similar story for another pet parent and her dog.
I purchased this test for my dog because he would always behave differently when I would change his food. I found out through the test that he is allergic to fish. I no longer purchase any food that contains fish and now he is great.
Any Negatives?
IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergies, which are caused by the body’s immune system, are NOT tested for by 5Strands Affordable Pet Testing.
If you want to test for environmental intolerances, allergies to metals and minerals or nutritional deficiencies, you’ll have to order separate tests.
Conclusion
5Strands 255-Food Intolerence Test is a good option for pet parents who want to learn about potential allergens in their dog’s diet.
They’ve got a quick turnaround and provide an easy-to-read report so pet parents get a clear idea about any issues with certain foods.
5Strands, as the name suggests, analyse hair strands rather than a sample of salvia to create your detailed report.
For more information and to order now, visit: www.5strands.com
4) Affinity DNA Dog Allergy Test
Where To Order: www.affinity-dna.com
Samoyed at the vet (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Affinity DNA write on their website that their test can help pet parents discover the possible reasons for your dog’s problems, whether they’re behavioral or biological,
They go on to add that their Dog Allergy Test can help dog owners to take steps to avoid potential allergens, ensuring your pet is no longer exposed.
Affinity DNA’s at-home Dog Allergy Test is done at home and the company promise a “painless” experience for your canine companion, with minimal hassle and distress possible.
Main Points
• 116 allergens – Affinity DNA will produce a report that details the 116 most common possible allergens, whether they’re food related or in items found in the household.
• 2-3 week turnaround – This DNA-testing company will aim to get your results back to you within 2-3 weeks.
• Simple – Their website writes that the test is simple. You’ll be provided with a kit that provides instructions on how to collect a suitable sample.
• Detailed Report – Affinity DNA’s detailed report will outline some of the foodstuffs and products that you dog has shown to reaction to, giving you peace of mind that your pooch is safe around them.
Price, Shipping and Where To Buy
Affinity DNA’s Dog Allergy Testing is priced at $104 on their official website. You can select free standard shipping or pay for USPS tracked shipping. Customers outside the USA will have to pay an international shipping fee.
You can only purchase Affinity DNA’s Dog Allergy Testing kit on their official website.
What Are Customers Saying About This Product?
AffinityDNA gets an average rating of 4.5 based upon 15 reviews on Amazon’s website.
Peter was delighted to find out that his dog was allergic to an ingredient in their dog food.
Our dog was itching a lot so we wanted to find out if she had any allergies. After using the saliva collection device and sending off, 3 weeks later we got the report detailing all the things she had an intolerance to, one of which was a main ingredient in her daily food! We have now removed that from her diet and already seeing an improvement.
A Staffie owner gave this dog allergy test a glowing review.
My Staffie had terrible skin allergies and the vet kept giving him monthly injections and steroids. This test clearly indicated he was allergic to chicken and eggs. He is now happy, not itchy and has a beautiful glossy coat.
Any Negatives?
This is not DNA test. Affinity DNA will test the proteins present in your dog’s immune system to measure your dog’s sensitives to 116 common substances.
Dog Allergy Testing is designed to test for sensitivities in your pet, not true allergies which are immediate and can have severe consequences. You should contact your vet to learn more about true allergies.
Conclusion
Affinity DNA offer a Dog Allergy Test to help improve the quality of life of American dogs throughout the country.
They’ll test the proteins in your dog’s system to assess their potential intolerance to 116 common substances.
For more information and to order now, visit: www.affinity-dna.com
What Are The Common Symptoms Of Allergies?
Just like humans, there are some tell-tell signs to look out for that your dog has an intolerance or sensitivity to a type of food or common household substance.
If you do suspect that your dog is exhibiting signs of an intolerance or sensitivity, you should speak to your vet to get professional advice.
Some of the potential symptoms associated with a potential allergy, intolerance or sensitivity include:
• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
• Increased scratching
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Itchy ears and ear infections
• Sneezing
• Diarrhoea
• Constant licking
WebMd go into even greater detail with regards to common signs of a food allergy in dogs. Their website outlines that anything from your dog suffering with chronic ear inflammation, gastrointestinal problems and chronic diarrhea, licking their feet or itchy rear end could suggest a potential food intolerance.
Do Different Breeds Suffer From Different Allergies?
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, you’re probably wondering right about now whether certain breeds are prone to different allergies. First off, it’s a good idea to speak to your breeder or your vet about potential health issues associated with particular breeds or mixes.
Generally speaking, some breeds do appear to be more susceptible to specific allergies. It’s a good idea to do your research and speak to veterinarian professionals, ethical and experienced breeders and current owners of the breed to learn more.
WebMd list German Shepherds, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels as some of the dog breeds that appear to be most prone to food allergies. However, this is just a sample size.
Shipping And Where To Buy
The majority of the Dog Allergy Tests listed in this article are available to purchase online. You’ll need to make sure that your Dog Allergy Test can be shipped to your country if you live outside USA. You should bear in mind that there could be custom duties to pay.
Some of the companies listed in this article have different versions of their website.
If you’re not based in the USA, you may be able to select the version of their website specific to your country, which could make shipping the Dog Allergy Test cheaper and quicker.
Anything Else To Consider?
It’s important to remember that the Dog Allergy Tests listed in this article test for intolerances and sensitivities to food and common substances.
However, they won’t be able to determine whether your dog has an acute allergy. For this, you’ll need to speak to your vet who can explore this further with you.
Remember that these tests are not designed to offer medical or veterinary advice. If you’re concerned that your dog could be suffering from an acute allergy, contact your vet immediately.
Wrapping Things Up – Our Final Thoughts
So there we have it, our guide to some of the best ‘dog allergy tests’ on the market at the moment.
We’ve walked you through some of the basic things you need to know about the potential dog allergies, intolerances and sensitivities.
We’ve picked out some dog allergy tests that can help pet parents learn more about any allergies their canines have.
EasyDNA offer an experienced and thorough service with a quick turnaround so you can take control of your dog’s wellbeing and health.
If you want a cheaper option that is still really effective, you should consider My Pet Sensitivity. You can also get a 5% discount by using the coupon code BARK5 at the checkout to make a 5% saving on your purchase when you order here.
Alternatively, 5Strands can collect some hair samples from your dog and analyze these to find up to 255 food allergens.
Affinity DNA offer a similar service to EasyDNA, testing your dog’s sample against 116 common substances to check for potential sensitivities.
