If your pet suffers from allergies, your vet may recommend allergy testing. This test helps to determine the specific substances (allergens) responsible for your pet’s symptoms in order to make your pet more comfortable. Read on to learn answers to questions like “how much is a dog allergy test?”and “are allergy tests for pets covered by insurance?”
Is allergy testing covered by insurance? Yes. As long as your veterinarian recommends it, pet insurance can help pay for dog allergy testing if your pet is suffering as a result of their itchy skin or other issues. Some pet insurance plans (like ours at Fetch) reimburse not only the vet-recommended canine allergy testing, but also the complete sick visit, too. Does insurance cover allergy shots too? Yes, as long as your vet recommends it. With Fetch Pet Insurance, you’ll be reimbursed up to 90% on dog allergy shots cost, skin allergy test cost, allergy test for cats cost and more. Feel free to tell the vet, “Yes, allergy test my pet!”
One allergy test price alone can range anywhere from $275 to $350.† That does not include the cost of the examination, additional testing or medications, meaning the entire sick visit may result in a bill for over $1,000.
According to Fetch Pet Insurance claims data, one insured pet exceeded $5,000 in allergy-related care. When you have Fetch Pet Insurance, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of unexpected vet bills — making it a lot easier to give your pets the best care possible.
For pets with allergies, there are two vet-recommended tests: intradermal skin testing and serum (blood) allergy testing. This is how to test for cat allergy and for dog allergy. You may be referred to a veterinary dermatologist, as they can perform and interpret the results from both test types. In some cases, both tests may be needed.†
Serum allergy testing requires a blood sample that is analyzed at a laboratory chosen by your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist.
Intradermal skin testing is more time-consuming than serum allergy testing. First, a large patch of fur is shaved from the pet’s chest region and approximately 60 small allergen injections are placed between the layers of the skin (intradermal). If your pet is allergic to a particular allergen, a hive will form at the injection site. Some pets may have to be sedated for this procedure.
Allergy testing evaluates the body’s immune response to common environmental allergens for dogs and cats, such as:
Allergy test results allow veterinarians and veterinary dermatologists to tailor a pet’s individual treatment plans by knowing which allergens to have your pet avoid, if possible, and which allergens to select for immunotherapy.
Types of pet allergies
Allergies in pets fall within four types:
While flea allergies are the most common allergy seen in pets,* food allergies are the least.** In some cases, pets may suffer from more than one type.
Immunotherapy, commonly known as “allergy shots,'' is the most effective treatment for atopy.* It slowly builds your pet’s tolerance to their specific allergen(s) by injecting small amounts under the skin or placing drops under their tongue.
* Allergy shots may bring relief to itchy dogs. College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
** What every pet parent should know about food allergies. Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University
† Allergy testing for your pet. UW Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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