[Batdad]

My pup has off-and-on problems with itchy skin and digestive issues. I’ve heard about at-home allergy tests for dogs, but I’ve seen some conflicting info online about them. Any advice here about their reliability and if one stands out from another?

[Sally Jones]

Hi Batdad, First, it’s important to know that these companies only test for intolerances or sensitivities rather than IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergic reactions. Most at-home dog allergy tests use hair strand analysis to determine food or environmental items that could be causing your pup’s symptoms. There’s no scientific evidence that this method is accurate. However, some of these tests (5 Strands and My Pet Health Store) get many positive reviews from customers.

Nutriscan uses saliva analysis that measures antibodies to 24 primary foods, and their testing method showed promising results in two clinical trials. The drawback with Nutriscan is that it’s limited to few foods and no environmental factors and it’s very expensive. I encourage you to read my article on the best at-home dog allergy tests to learn more. I hope this helps!

• This reply was modified 2 months ago by Sally Jones.
• This reply was modified 2 months ago by Sally Jones.

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