Pet Allergy Testing

If you or a family member have allergies, you may already know about the allergy testing that we at Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf offer. After all, the ways that we identify the allergens responsible for your pet’s itching, swelling, sneezing, nausea, rashes, diarrhea, and other symptoms are similar to the testing and control associated with their human parents.

Accurate diagnostics are fundamental. Led by our primary veterinarian, Dr. James Gillen, our hospital offers a range of in-house diagnostic tools to help rule out suspected allergens and zero in on the actual cause of your dog’s or cat’s distress. Once we confirm the allergen, Dr. Gillen will recommend the appropriate strategies to eliminate or minimize the risk of exposure to the offending substance. When your pet is not exposed to the allergen, he or she does not have the opportunity to react to this trigger.

Depending on the type of allergen that is suspected, we may recommend one of the following tests:

The approach we take to resolve your pet’s symptoms depends on what we determine to be the allergen following the above testing. The most straightforward method is to avoid the allergen. If your pet has an environmental allergen, such as dust, pollen, or perfumed products, lifestyle changes may be in order. Additionally, we can help to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms with medications or medicated topicals, such as shampoos.

There are numerous potential allergens. Accordingly, there are many likely testing and management options. Schedule a visit to our hospital today to get your pet looking and feeling its healthy best.