How to Interpret Allergy HS Results for a Dog

Dogs can be allergic to several environmental factors.

Summer is a terrible time for allergies for both humans and animals. Depending on the severity of your pet's scratching and chewing, you may choose to do allergy testing to find out what your pet is allergic to and how strong his allergy is. The process is simple and something to discuss with your veterinarian before taking action.

Instructions

1. Take your dog to the vet and have him test your pet's allergy high sensitivity, or HS. You may notice that your pet has severe responses to items such as food items, grass, trees or mold. There are two main tests are used: skin scraping and blood testing. Allergy HS testing tests for a whole range of allergens such as dander, food ingredients or pollen.

2. Interpret the results. Each test has its own range. For example, the University of Florida's skin scrape has a range of 0 to 4 and VARL Liquid Gold (blood testing) has a range of 0 to 6. If your dog has a severe allergy to lamb and wool, on the skin scrape testing the wool may be a 4 and on the blood testing the lamb may result in a 5. The higher the number, depending on the test range, the more severe the allergy.

3. Treat your pet based on the results. If your pet is highly allergic to lamb, feed it special diets to see if his reactions subside. These foods can include limited ingredient choices like Natural Balance, or a prescription diet from your veterinarian like Hill's. If your pet is highly sensitive to wool change his bedding, or any blankets or rugs he lays on. If you've tried all other solutions and your pet's reactions do not subside, your vet may advise you to administer an allergy serum.

References

• VARL Allergy: Allergy in Dogs and Cats
• Pet Education: Allergy Testing