Pet Allergy Testing Cost

• Blood testing, which is more convenient than skin testing, costs $200 to $300. It's more convenient, and therefore more common, because any general veterinarian can take blood and then send it to a lab for diagnostic work.
• Skin testing involves pricking the skin and introducing a possible allergen to see if the skin reacts. Skin testing is more precise than blood testing and could cost less than blood work. Prices range from $195 to $250. Some general veterinarians can conduct the skin test, too, but generally a pet dermatologist does this.
• Owners suspecting a food allergy may opt to try an elimination diet. This is an effort to pin down what an animal is allergic to by isolating ingredients in the dog or cat's diet. Along with being time consuming, this can be costly, with hypoallergenic foods costing from $28 to $66 for dry dog food and $22 to $37 for dry cat food. This process requires a 12-week supply of hypoallergenic food, which is available online at RXPetFood.com or National PetPharmacy.com, as well as at local pet store such as PETCO or PetSmart.

• The most common symptom of both environmental or food allergies is intense itching; other symptoms include rashes, eye discharge and hair loss.
• The ASPCA summarizes allergy symptoms and treatments.
• If you opt to try an elimination diet, you'll need patience. While on this elimination diet, your dog won't be allowed to have any other food, including treats and table scraps. The elimination diet may be performed in conjunction with other allergy testing, such as while you're waiting for lab test results from blood work.

• As allergies progress, infections can result. These can be treated with antibiotics, which can cost between $30 and $50.
• Allergy treatments can be as simple as antihistamines, which cost around $10 over-the-counter, or as complicated as a monthly vaccine, a seven-month supply of which costs between $65 and $185.

• Ask your veterinarian how often they do skin testing for allergies. A veterinarian with a general clinic might not regularly administer the test, and therefore may not know precisely what to look for in a skin test. A general vet might recommend a veterinary dermatologist who specializes in skin disorders.
• For a list of recommended hypoallergenic pet foods, ask your veterinarian or, for dogs, visit the hypoallergenic dogfood blog. For cats, search "hypoallergenic" at CatFoodReviews.com.

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