Description

Allergy test for dog allergen

Picture this. You’re in the office, and your colleague has brought their beautiful dog in to say hello. Waggly tails and wet-nosed kisses later, and suddenly your arms won’t stop itching and break out in rash or hives. 

Either that or you notice:

• You start sneezing.
• Your nose becomes uncontrollably runny or stuffy.
• Your face might even start to hurt  (from nasal congestion)
• You start to experience coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
• Your eyes become watery, red or itchy.

Unfortunately, these are all potential symptoms of a dog allergy. With 12 million dogs in the UK as of 2023, dog allergies are on the rise thanks to cultural differences, environmental factors and an increase in pet ownership since the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The concentration of dog allergens are highest in indoor environments where these animals are kept, but can also be detected in other indoor or public places where dogs have never been kept because of passive transfer.

Unfortunately, you don’t need to contact a dog if you have a dog allergy to react to dog fur or dander. You just need contact with someone who’s had contact or transference, depending on the severity of your reactions. And with a rise in dog-friendly offices and public spaces, exposure is increasing.

What causes it 

Dog allergens (Canis familiaris Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4, and Can f 6) are present in dog hair, dander (flakes of skin), saliva, and the urine of non-neutered males. 

Why can it be a problem?

“Hypoallergenic” dogs don’t exist. Some dogs might produce fewer allergens. Certain breeds are more susceptible to eczema and oily seborrhea, while older dogs have drier skin and produce more dander than younger dogs (22). Seasonal variation can also affect the levels of dog IgE antibodies. Some dogs don’t shed or drool as much. However, it’s important to know that all dogs produce allergens. So even if you keep your private spaces dog-free, any neighbours, friends, or passersby that you come into contact with can cause you discomfort. 

What are my next steps? 

If you’re experiencing any of these reactions and suspect it’s your exposure to dogs, we recommend taking one of our dog allergy tests to get to the root of the issue. Our professional consultant will be on hand to help you put a plan together towards a more comfortable lifestyle. 

Why choose our dog allergy testing kit?

Determine the impact of dog companions on your well-being with our specialised dog allergy testing kit.

• Effortless procedure: The kit contains everything you need, including two easy-to-use finger prick tests. Simply follow the enclosed directions, mail back your samples, and within three weeks, you’ll gain insights that could significantly enhance your quality of life.
• Highly reliable outcomes: Employing advanced diagnostic technology, our kit delivers exceptionally accurate and dependable results.
• Home-based convenience: Avoid the hassle of clinic visits by conducting your allergy test at home, ensuring privacy and ease.
• In-depth analysis: Our dog allergy testing kit is designed to identify particular markers indicating dog allergies, providing a comprehensive assessment.
• Professional guidance: After analysing your results, take advantage of a consultation with our skilled experts. They’ll offer advice and strategies to reduce your dog allergy symptoms and exposure, supporting you in achieving a more comfortable living environment.

Take control of your dog allergy

Don’t let dog allergy-related issues compromise your well-being. Our dog allergy testing kit and consultant support empower you with valuable insights, allowing you to make informed decisions about your diet and health. Order your kit today and embark on the path to a healthier, more comfortable lifestyle.

This allergy test is either suitable for self collection (remote test) or for the sample collection in the laboratory.

For remote collection up to 3 allergens can be done from the same sample from one checkout.

For laboratory collection there is no limit on the number of allergens tested.

You will receive results of the tests in your portal. (Please create log in for the results portal here https://ukallergy.carebit.co/patients/accounts/sign-up)