If your dog has been itching, sneezing, or showing signs of discomfort, you might wonder if allergies are to blame. Dog allergy tests can help you get to the bottom of what’s causing your pet’s issues.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!These tests look for common triggers like pollen, food, dust mites, or even fleas. There are a few different types of dog allergy tests out there.
Some need a vet visit, where they’ll test blood or skin samples. Others are kits you can use at home—usually just a hair or saliva sample you send to a lab.
Both options try to help you understand your dog’s sensitivities. That way, you can make changes to their care or environment.
Not all allergy tests are created equal. Before you buy one, it’s smart to check what kind of sample is needed, how stressful the process might be for your dog, and how accurate the results tend to be.
Also, see if the test checks for food, environmental allergens, or both. Price and how long it takes to get your results matter to a lot of people.
With so many types and brands, picking the right allergy test for your dog can get confusing. Let’s take a closer look at how these tests work and what you should know before diving in.
Best Dog Allergy Tests
If your dog scratches a lot or just seems uncomfortable, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up the top dog allergy tests to help you get answers and support your dog’s well-being.
Dog Sensitivity Test Kit
If you want a quick, easy way to check for possible allergies or sensitivities in your dog without stress, this kit might help narrow things down at home.
Pros
- Simple, non-invasive fur collection is gentle for your dog
- Fast turnaround with results by email in just three days
- Covers over 300 food and environmental items for more insight
Cons
- Some customers haven’t received results or struggled with customer service
- Effectiveness isn’t guaranteed and it shouldn’t replace advice from your vet
- Reports may be confusing or include information that’s hard to understand
This Dog Sensitivity Test Kit lets you collect a sample at home using just a few strands of your dog’s fur. There’s no need for blood or a stressful vet trip, which is honestly a relief for most pets and owners.
The process is simple: fill out the card, pop the sample in the envelope, and wait for your results by email. The speed is a big plus—you could see your results in just three days, which means you can make quicker decisions about what to feed your dog or what to avoid.
This test checks against a wide range of foods and materials, so you get a detailed overview. Some people have mentioned trouble getting results or found the info a bit confusing, though.
It doesn’t promise to cure anything or give medical advice, so always talk to your vet before making big changes to your dog’s health routine. If you want to gather more information before seeing your vet or changing your dog’s diet, this test could be a helpful starting point.
Drool Dog Allergy Test Kit
If you care about fast results and reliability, you might want to look at other options before choosing this kit.
Pros
- Tests a wide range of common dog allergens
- Instructions are simple and easy to follow at home
- Sample collection is quick and not stressful for your dog
Cons
- Many buyers report never receiving results
- Some users mention long delays after sending samples
- The overall rating is pretty low, so experiences seem mixed
You might try the Drool Dog Allergy Test Kit if you want to check your dog’s reaction to foods like gluten, lactose, and eggs from home. The instructions are clear, and you can collect a sample easily without stressing your pet.
This kit covers a big list of 700 food and non-food items, which could help you get a deeper look at possible triggers. But concerns about reliability keep coming up—some owners say results never arrived, while others waited much longer than the 5–7 days they expected.
Poor communication and missing updates can be frustrating when you just want to help your dog feel better. With a low average score, you’ll need to weigh the risks. The kit is easy to use, but the disappointment in reviews suggests you might want to compare other options if speed and trust are important to you.
5Strands Dog Allergy & Sensitivity Test
If you’re trying to find possible food and environmental triggers for your dog’s discomfort, this test gives you a personalised list so you can take the next steps.
Pros
- Highlights which foods and environmental factors might bother your dog
- Covers a huge range of 400+ items, including both food and chemicals
- Provides quick results, usually within a week
Cons
- Requires a hair sample, which may not suit all dogs
- Needs you to make diet or environment changes yourself
- Some pet owners find the results a bit broad
If your dog is scratching, biting their paws, or dealing with an upset stomach, it’s tough to watch. The 5Strands test helps you figure out which foods or materials might be at fault by checking for hundreds of potential irritants.
You just send in a small hair sample, and you’ll get a clear list of what your dog could be sensitive to. No more endless guessing—this lets you make smarter choices for meals and your home.
The quick turnaround helps you act fast, and the results are easy to read, with no confusing medical jargon. This kit won’t diagnose medical allergies, but it’s a solid tool for anyone starting an elimination diet or just wanting to know more about their pet’s possible triggers.
5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test
This test could help you identify possible food intolerances in your dog, though it’s not a quick fix and needs your active involvement.
Pros
- Non-invasive—no blood needed, just a hair sample from your pet
- Helps you pinpoint specific foods that might be causing discomfort
- Simple process you complete at home, with results usually in about a week
Cons
- Requires you to follow an elimination diet plan strictly for several weeks
- Only tests for items included in their list, so some foods may not be covered
- You must commit to making diet changes for the results to be helpful
If your dog is struggling with scratching, upset stomach, or other signs of food sensitivity, the 5Strands Pet Food Intolerance Test gives you a hands-on way to narrow down the problem. All you need is a small hair sample from your dog, which you send off in the post.
Results are emailed to you, usually within a week of them getting your sample. Instead of guessing or trying endless food brands, you’ll get a list showing exactly which foods your dog reacted to and at what level.
The test sorts them into three categories, which can make it easier to plan the right diet. You’ll have a clear elimination guideline to follow, so you know what to avoid and when you might be able to reintroduce certain foods.
Just keep in mind, it takes time and commitment from you. The biggest benefits come when you really stick to the elimination phase and make the diet changes suggested.
If you’re ready to get involved and want a tool that might help your pet live more comfortably, this test offers structured guidance on where to start. It’s not magic, but it could make a real difference if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Berkeley Allergy Self Test Kit
This kit is a quick choice if you want to test at home and get simple answers about your dog’s allergy risks.
Pros
- Quick results in just a few minutes
- Simple instructions make the process user-friendly
- Lets you test without a trip to the vet
Cons
- Only checks for overall allergy, not specific causes
- Results may not always be reliable
- Comes with just one test, so no second chance if something goes wrong
If you’re worried your dog might be reacting to dust, pollen, or pet hair, this kit might help point you in the right direction.
Results show up fast, so you’re not left waiting to find out if allergies could be the issue.
Testing at home can also save you the trouble of making an appointment.
Easy-to-follow steps make this test friendly for most people.
You don’t need much medical know-how.
However, it only gives a general answer about allergies—it won’t tell you the exact trigger.
You might still want to talk to your vet if you need a more detailed result.
Some users had trouble with faulty kits or getting accurate results.
Since there’s just one test inside the box, you can’t try again if you run into problems.
Buying Guide
When you’re searching for a dog allergy test, it helps to know what matters most.
Let’s look at what you should keep an eye out for.
Test Type:
There are a few kinds of allergy tests you can buy.
Some use a hair or saliva sample, while others need a blood sample taken by a vet.
Think about what your dog would tolerate best, and what’s easier for you.
Accuracy:
You want a test that gives you results you can trust.
Home tests can be easier, but tests done at the vet may offer more reliable results.
Ease of Use:
Choose a test with simple instructions.
If the process is complicated, you may feel stressed, and your dog might get anxious.
What’s Included:
Make sure you know what is in the kit.
Some tests come with everything you need, while others require extra items.
Price:
Allergy tests can range in price.
Sometimes spending a bit more means a better experience or clearer results, but not always.
Here’s a simple table to compare features:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Sample Type | Hair, saliva, or blood |
| Results Time | How quickly you get results |
| Support | Clear instructions and customer support |
| Price | Fits your budget |
| Reviews | Positive feedback from other users |
Support:
Look for a test that provides help if you have questions.
Good customer service can make you feel more confident with your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing more about allergy testing can help you spot signs and select the right tests.
It also helps you understand what to expect in terms of cost and accuracy.
How can you check if you’re allergic to dogs?
If you sneeze, itch, or get a rash when around dogs, you might have an allergy.
The surest way to find out is by seeing your GP, who may suggest a skin prick test or a blood test.
Sometimes, doctors recommend spending time around dogs to see if your symptoms get worse.
Always discuss this with a healthcare professional first.
What options are available for conducting dog allergy tests at home?
Home test kits for human dog allergies are available online or in chemists.
These usually require a small blood or saliva sample that you send to a lab.
For dogs, some companies offer at-home allergy test kits.
These kits often use saliva or hair samples from your pet.
Which are considered to be the best allergy tests for our canine friends?
The most reliable tests for diagnosing allergies in dogs are blood tests (like the IgE test) and intradermal skin testing.
Vets usually recommend these tests rather than home kits since they provide more accurate results.
You will need to visit a vet for the best advice on which test suits your dog’s symptoms.
How much might it typically cost to have my dog tested for allergies?
A vet-administered dog allergy test in the UK can range from £150 to £400, depending on the type of test and your location.
Home kits for dogs are usually cheaper, starting at about £60.
Prices for follow-up visits, treatments, and medication are separate from the test fee.
Your vet can provide an estimate based on your dog’s needs.
What steps should be taken to accurately diagnose allergies in dogs?
First, your vet will examine your dog and ask about symptoms, diet, and environment.
They may rule out other causes, such as fleas or infections.
Next, allergy testing can be arranged.
Sometimes, a diet trial is also recommended to find out if food could be the cause.
Can you tell me if dog food allergy testing is reliable and where to get it done?
The most reliable way to check for food allergies in dogs is with an elimination diet. Your vet should supervise the process.
Blood tests and home kits for food allergies just don’t stack up to diet trials. Honestly, they’re not nearly as accurate.
You can get allergy testing done by a vet or a veterinary dermatologist. It’s best to work with professionals to avoid stress or harm to your dog.
