What are the types, costs, and duration of dog allergy testing?

Allergies are caused by an overreaction of our body's immune system. Hay fever is a well-known example. Allergies can be caused by a variety of things, including dogs.

Dog allergies can be a real pain for dog lovers. This time, we'll introduce testing for them. If you're considering getting a dog, getting tested in advance to see if you or your family have allergies can help you feel more at ease before welcoming one into your home.

There are various tests available at hospitals, and there are also ways to test yourself for dog allergies.

Dogs live long lives. If you develop a severe allergy to a pet, both you and the dog will have a difficult time. It's your responsibility to check for dog allergies before welcoming a pet into your family.

What are allergies?

What are allergies? 】Why Do Allergies Occur?

Simply put, allergies are an overreaction of the immune system. So, what exactly is immunity? Why does an overreaction cause such painful symptoms?

The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against the invasion of foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria. While normally functioning normally, this immune system can sometimes overreact to harmless substances such as pollen and foods.

The resulting negative symptoms are called an "allergic reaction."

Mild dog allergies can cause cold-like or hay fever-like symptoms. As the condition progresses, it can affect various parts of the body.

Eyes can become itchy, red, and swollen, and the skin can develop eczema and itchy hives.

As symptoms worsen and become severe, symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and even difficulty breathing can occur. And like hay fever, dog allergies can develop suddenly.

【What are allergies?】Major allergens

So, what substances cause allergies? Causing substances are called "allergens" and can be divided into three main categories.

"Food allergens" are those in which symptoms are triggered by eating the allergen.

*Foods such as eggs, wheat, shrimp, and crab.

Inhalant allergens occur when allergens are inhaled through the mouth, nose, etc.

*Dust, mold, dust mites, pet hair, etc. Pollen also falls into this category.

Contact allergens occur when touching something with your hands or skin.

*Cosmetics, lacquer, paint, etc.

In the case of dog allergies, the main allergens are lipocalin and albumin, substances secreted by dogs' bodies. These substances are found in large amounts in dog sebum, saliva, and dander.

Dog allergy test

There are various methods for testing for dog allergies. Broadly speaking, there are "blood tests" and "biopsy tests" conducted at a hospital, and "contact tests" where you interact with a dog yourself.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so we will introduce them along with the testing method.

【Dog Allergy Testing】Blood Test

As the name suggests, a blood test is a method for determining whether you have an allergy based on your blood.

A very small amount of blood is taken and a specific protein in the blood is examined. This protein, called an IgE antibody, works to eliminate foreign substances. The higher the level of IgE antibodies, the stronger the suspicion of dog allergy.

The advantage of blood tests is that they are less stressful on the body. They are easy to perform, requiring only a blood sample, but it takes time to get results, sometimes several days. In addition, they are often relatively expensive.

[Dog Allergy Testing] Biopsy

A biopsy is a test method that directly contacts the skin with an allergen to check for an allergic reaction.

The advantage of a biopsy is that results are relatively quick. Results can be obtained in as little as a few minutes, and the cost is lower than a blood test, making it a recommended testing method for those in a hurry or looking to save money.

However, there are also disadvantages. Since the allergic reaction is checked on the skin, slight inflammation may remain for several days.

Another major disadvantage is the possibility of anaphylactic shock due to allergies.

【Dog Allergy Test】Contact Test

Contact testing involves actually interacting with a dog to determine whether an allergic reaction occurs.

If you're considering adopting a dog, we recommend undergoing this contact test in addition to blood tests and biopsies.

This is because, while blood tests and biopsies performed at hospitals can reveal reaction results for the major allergens that cause dog allergies, they cannot reveal reaction results for other allergens that are not included in the test.

Actual, thorough interaction with dogs can sometimes reveal dog allergies that would not have been detected at the hospital.

It's also a good idea to ask a friend or acquaintance who owns a dog if you can touch their dog. If you don't have a dog nearby, you can also inquire about dog training classes and visit them.

Make sure you can touch the dog beforehand. Touching a dog can often reveal a lot. It's best if you can interact with the dog as a family, rather than alone.

What if I develop a dog allergy?

Dog allergies can be extremely painful for dog lovers. And yet, there is currently no cure for dog allergies.

If you develop dog allergies, consult a doctor, follow the diagnosis, and take measures at home. There are many things you can do at home to manage dog allergies.

First, what you should do about the dog that is causing the allergy is to keep it clean. Shampoo it gently but not too much, and brush it daily, aiming to remove dandruff and loose hair.

And we, too, should be mindful of cleanliness. Wash your hands and gargle after interacting with dogs. It's also important to ventilate frequently and keep the air clean. Using an air purifier is also a good idea.

Also, be sure to wash any fabrics your dog has touched, such as blankets, separately from your own laundry.

Learn about dog allergies and live safely with your beloved dog

The most painful thing about dog allergies is that they develop after you have welcomed a dog into your family. If you have never had much experience with dogs and are planning to keep one as a pet, it's a good idea to get tested for allergies together with your family to avoid any hardships for either you or your dog.

Dogs live long lives. To ensure that every day you spend with your dog is fun and happy, be sure to get tested and check your dog beforehand.