Allergy Testing

Understanding Pet Allergies

Pet allergies occur when an animal's immune system overreacts to typically harmless substances, such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or certain foods. These allergens can cause a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact a pet's quality of life.

Common Symptoms

Itching and Scratching:
Persistent itching, often leading to excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the skin.

Redness and Inflammation:
Inflamed or red skin, especially around the ears, paws, face, and belly.

Ear Infections:
Frequent ear infections, characterized by shaking the head, scratching at the ears, and a foul odor.

Digestive Issues:
Vomiting, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal problems, particularly with food allergies.

Respiratory Symptoms:
Sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing in cases of airborne allergens.

Our Allergy
Testing Process

At Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic, we prioritize the health and comfort of your pets. To accurately identify and manage allergies, we utilize the Veterinary Allergy Reference Laboratory (VARL), known for its precise and reliable allergy testing.

During your pet's initial visit, our veterinarians will conduct a thorough examination and discuss symptoms and medical history.

We will evaluate potential allergy triggers and recommend allergy testing if needed.

Initial Consultation

Laboratory Analysis

The blood sample is sent to VARL, where it undergoes comprehensive analysis to detect reactions to specific allergens.

Once the analysis is complete, we receive a detailed report from VARL outlining the allergens affecting your pet on a scale from 1 to 6.
Anything above a 2 needs to be treated!

Results Interpretation

For allergy testing, a small blood sample is collected from your pet. This is a quick and minimally invasive procedure.

Sample Collection

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on the test results, we will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your pet's needs.

Total time before your pet’s first allergen-specific therapy begins:
3 weeks

Other Options for Allergies:

Apoquel Chewable

The #1 prescribed oral medication for allergic itch in dogs.
Controls itch within 24 hours!

Cytopoint Injection

Works like your own' dog’s immune system. Specifically designed to target & neutralize the itch signal.
One injection last 4 to 8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Our FAQ section addresses common questions about pet allergy testing and treatment at Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic. Here, you'll find valuable information to help you understand the process and make informed decisions about your pet's health.

  • No, allergy testing is not accurate for diagnosing food allergies in pets. Specialists recommend a food elimination trial or a novel protein diet to diagnose and manage food allergies effectively.

  • Apoquel is a daily oral medication that provides fast relief by blocking allergic itch at the source. Cytopoint is a monthly injection that targets and neutralizes itch-causing proteins. Both are effective, and the choice depends on your pet's specific needs.

  • Yes, managing pet allergies often requires lifelong treatment. However, the maintenance injections for VARL is every 3 weeks.