FurWell at Barkingham provides allergy testing to identify the root cause of your pet's chronic skin problems, ear infections, and itching. Accurate diagnosis allows for targeted treatment that provides lasting relief.
Pets can develop allergies to environmental triggers (grasses, pollens, mold, dust mites), food ingredients, or fleas. Allergy testing helps identify which specific allergens are causing your pet's immune response. Intradermal skin testing and serum allergy testing are the two primary methods. Results guide immunotherapy formulation — customized allergy shots or drops — that desensitize your pet's immune system over time.
We first rule out other causes of itching such as parasites, infections, and food allergies through a systematic workup before proceeding to allergy testing.
Serum allergy testing requires a blood sample. Results identify specific environmental allergens your pet reacts to and are typically available within 1-2 weeks.
Based on results, we formulate a customized allergen immunotherapy protocol and discuss all management options to control symptoms and improve your pet's comfort.
Allergy testing moves beyond symptom management to identify exactly what is triggering your pet's immune response, enabling more targeted and effective treatment.
Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that modifies the underlying allergy rather than just suppressing symptoms. Testing is required to formulate this treatment.
Successful immunotherapy can reduce or eliminate the need for long-term medications like steroids or Cytopoint, benefiting your pet's long-term health.
Signs that may indicate allergies include chronic itching, licking, or chewing at paws, recurring ear infections, red or inflamed skin, hair loss, and recurrent hot spots. These symptoms, especially when seasonal or year-round, often point to an underlying allergy requiring evaluation.
Serum allergy testing requires only a blood sample, which can be collected during a regular appointment. Results are typically available within 1-2 weeks. From there, we design a customized immunotherapy protocol tailored to your pet's specific allergens.
Steroids and some allergy medications must be discontinued before allergy testing for accurate results. Our team will advise you on exactly which medications need to be stopped and for how long before testing.
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual drops) is the most effective long-term treatment for environmental allergies. It works by gradually desensitizing the immune system. Results are often seen over 6-12 months of consistent treatment.
Call us at (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. We are open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm. Schedule an allergy consultation today.
If your pet is chronically itchy, contact our team. Call (864) 458-8500 or visit 1240 E Butler Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. Open Monday through Thursday, 8am to 4pm.
