Safe care at home
Help on your terms
Allergy testing for dogs and cats
Does your pet suffer from itching, red paws or skin problems? We offer a stress-free allergy assessment in the quiet corner of your home, at our clinic in Östermalm or via our veterinary clinics.
Help on your terms
Safe care at home
Allergy testing for dogs and cats
Related terms
Atopic dermatitis dog, elimination diet cat, itching in dog, allergy test veterinary price, skin test dog.
What is an allergy test?
An allergy investigation is systematic detective work. We identify what is causing the animal's hypersensitivity, for example feed proteins, pollen or mites. Through methods of exclusion and targeted tests, we map the reaction in order to make the correct diagnosis.
Allergy testing for dogs
In dogs, allergies most often manifest themselves in the skin. This can manifest as recurring itching, intense licking of the paws, redness in the armpits and groin, or constant ear infections, which create great discomfort.
Allergy testing for cats
Cats often hide their itching by grooming themselves excessively, which can cause bald patches or scabs. They can also develop feline asthma from airborne allergens, which manifests as coughing or labored breathing.
Care guide: How to choose the right form of care for allergy testing
Because we offer care through home visits, at our veterinary clinics (Arken Zoo) and at our fully equipped animal clinic in Östermalm, you can always get the right kind of help. Here is a guide to make your choice easier when your animal suffers from skin problems.
Home visit
A home visit is optimal for the initial investigation of skin problems and itching. As we can examine the home environment, take samples and plan an elimination diet in peace and quiet. It is particularly well suited for cats and stress-sensitive dogs. We can examine, take blood samples and provide rapid itching relief in an environment where the animal feels completely safe.
Veterinary clinic
Our clinics connected to Arken Zoo (including in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Uppsala) are perfect for those of you who can leave home and need help with acute but uncomplicated skin problems, ear infections or ongoing follow-ups of ongoing investigations.
Animal clinic
When the allergic condition is very difficult to assess, or if advanced skin tests such as skin prick tests are required, our clinic in Östermalm is the safest choice. We can also write quick and easy referrals to a skin specialist in extreme cases.
What can Vetathome do when you need an allergy test at home?
A home visit minimizes stress and allows us to assess the animal's home environment in peace and quiet, which gives us the very best conditions to conduct a thorough investigation and make an accurate diagnosis.
Identify
We perform a thorough examination of the skin, fur and ears, listen to the medical history and, if necessary, take superficial scrapings or swabs directly on site to rule out parasites, fungi and bacterial infections.
Treat
We use soothing treatment to directly reduce acute itching and pain. We then create a clear plan, for example for an elimination diet. If advanced skin tests are required, we will safely refer you on.
Prevent
You will receive practical, personalized advice on skin care, special shampooing and adaptation of the animal's immediate environment to minimize the risk of future discomfort and the flare-up of new flare-ups.
This is how the allergy test goes step by step:
1. Booking
You contact us and choose whether we should meet at home, at the Östermalm Animal Clinic or at an Arken Zoo clinic.
2. Arrival
We greet the animal in peace and quiet so it can get to know us at its own pace while we take a detailed history of your animal's symptoms.
3. Investigation
We examine the entire animal with special focus on the skin, ears and fur.
4. Action
In the case of irritated skin, we take samples to rule out any parasitic infestations or infections as quickly as possible.
5. Plan and referral
We will go through the next steps together for any special diet, shampooing or medication. If necessary, we will refer you to the appropriate clinic/hospital.
Do you have more questions?
Contact our customer service and we will help you further.
When is a home visit not enough?
We perform the incredibly important basic examination and help you with a feeding plan, tests and symptom relief at home. However, we do not have the equipment to perform advanced skin tests (prick tests) at home. In that case, we refer you to a clinic.
Allergy symptoms that are acute and require you to go to an animal hospital immediately:
- Acute shortness of breath or labored breathing that does not subside.
- Rapid swelling of the face, nose or throat (signs of anaphylactic shock).
- Extreme lethargy or sudden fainting associated with insect bites.
- Sudden and severe hives all over the body.
Symptoms and early signs of allergies in dogs and cats
The first sign of an allergy is often a change in behavior to relieve discomfort. Dogs and cats often start licking their paws compulsively, scratching their armpits, or having recurring ear infections.
Differences between dog and cat
Allergy symptoms in dogs and cats are most often manifested primarily through the skin, whether it is a food or environmental allergy. However, cats are more likely to develop feline asthma due to airborne allergens, which manifests as coughing or labored breathing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is a detective work based on exclusion. First, we must rule out parasites (such as mange or fleas) and treat any infections. Only then can we evaluate whether the symptoms are due to the food, via an elimination diet, or whether they are due to allergens in the environment, which requires blood tests.
Treatment
Allergies are usually chronic, but the symptoms can be effectively alleviated. The basis of treatment is based on avoiding what the animal cannot tolerate. In addition, we use anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medications, medicated shampoos or adapted food.
Prognosis & Quality of Life
An allergy diagnosis is not the end of an active life. With the right management, patience for a systematic investigation and an individualized care plan, the vast majority of allergic dogs and cats have an excellent prognosis. Our overall goal is always for the animal to have a high quality of life without disturbing pain or itching.
Cat allergies and important differences
Because cats are both predators and prey, they are true experts at hiding pain and discomfort from their surroundings. The hidden suffering is often manifested by the cat withdrawing, becoming inactive or stopping grooming itself normally. However, in the case of allergies, the opposite can happen – the cat grooms itself so intensely that it develops bald patches and scabs, a condition called miliary dermatitis. Cats can also develop asthma. Pay extreme attention to your cat’s airways; a cat that is breathing with its mouth open, coughing while crouching or having the slightest difficulty breathing is suffering from a time-critical condition and needs immediate veterinary attention.
When should I contact a veterinarian for allergy testing and when is it an emergency?
You know your dog or cat best. If you feel that your animal is suffering from itching or skin problems, your concern is always justified and you are right to seek help. For recurring, mild to moderate problems, a scheduled home visit or a visit to one of our clinics or clinics is usually enough to begin the investigation in peace and quiet. The big ”red flags” that require immediate emergency care at an animal hospital are if the animal experiences acute respiratory distress, severe facial swelling or collapses. Regardless of the animal’s age, quality of life always comes first – no dog or cat should have to live with stressful, constant itching.
Diagnosis, how do you know what's wrong?
Allergy diagnostics is a careful puzzle where we put together several different pieces to find the cause of your animal's symptoms.
- Clinical examination of skin, ears and paws: We do a physical check of the skin and look for signs of inflammation in, among other things, the ears and paws.
- Medical history and observations: We review the animal's history and your own observations regarding itching and the animal's environment.
- Scrapings and blood samples for analysis: We take skin samples to rule out parasites such as fox scabies or blood tests for environmental allergies.
Treatment of allergies in dogs at home
During a home visit, we focus directly on relieving your dog's discomfort. We can give anti-itch injections or prescribe prescription medication to quickly break the vicious cycle of itching and licking. The goal is to stabilize the skin and reduce inflammation immediately. If a food allergy is suspected, we will create an elimination diet plan with you.
The time afterwards – healing and follow-up
Once the acute itching has subsided, a period of new routines awaits at home. It is extremely important that the dog rests, that any special diet is followed to the letter without exception, and that you regularly treat with the recommended medicated shampoos to build and maintain a strong and healthy skin barrier.
Treating cat allergies at home
Cats are often extremely sensitive to stress in a clinic environment, which makes home visits a very grateful solution for allergy treatment. We examine and treat the cat in the environment where it feels safest. Treatment often consists of anti-itch preparations and a strictly adapted diet. Since cats are very sensitive to certain medications, we carefully tailor the dose and type of medication. For cats with asthmatic problems, we also discuss how the home environment can be adapted to reduce irritating particles in the air, such as strongly perfumed cat litter.
Prognosis and expectations during allergy testing
Allergies are usually chronic conditions that cannot be completely cured, but with the right commitment, a tailored diet and medical support, the symptoms can be managed extremely effectively for a long time.
- Source identification – finding exactly what the animal reacts to gives the best chance of a symptom-free life.
- Diet compliance – a strict feeding plan is often crucial for the skin to remain calm and free of itching.
- Rapid response in case of a relapse – treating irritation early prevents serious infections and wounds from occurring.
The prognosis for dogs
The vast majority of dogs respond very well to modern treatment and, with the help of the right food or anti-itch medication, can live a completely normal and active life without discomfort.
The prognosis for cat
Cats often respond positively to medication and food changes. Even cats with feline asthma can have a very good quality of life if the home environment is adapted and the correct inhalation or tablet medication is started in a timely manner.
Quality of life always comes first
Our primary goal is always to ensure that your pet does not suffer. If the itching is unmanageable, the skin is constantly infected and the animal no longer has any joy in life despite maximum treatment, we will have an honest and empathetic dialogue with you. Sometimes palliative care for the final relief of symptoms, or ultimately a peaceful end, is the most loving way to go.
Pictures of allergy rashes, so you can examine them yourself at home
Many pet owners look for pictures of allergy rashes online to compare, but keep in mind that these are often misleading as skin problems look completely different from individual to individual. While waiting for the vet visit, you can check this yourself:
- The skin: Carefully inspect the abdomen, groin, and between the pads of the feet for redness, moisture, or warmth.
- The fur: Look for bald spots, scabs, or discoloration in the coat caused by saliva.
- The behavior: Observe carefully if the animal is constantly chewing or licking intensely in the exact same place.
- The ears: Smell the ears and look for severe redness, swelling, or unusually dark discharge.
Can the risk of allergies be reduced?
Allergies are largely genetic, but you can definitely help relieve and prevent future flare-ups through good routines in your everyday life.
- Skincare: Use moisturizing and strengthening shampoos as needed to help the animal maintain a strong skin barrier.
- Diet: Provide a high-quality food with the right balance of essential omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat and skin.
- Home environment: Minimize dust, strong perfumes, smoke and unhygienic environments in the animal's vicinity to protect sensitive airways.
Cost, insurance and compensation
We directly regulate with all Swedish insurance companies and are happy to help you with direct regulation in connection with the visit. The cost of an investigation depends on the scope of tests, medications and time required, but is always based on our fixed price list.
Basic Examination & Diagnostics
The first visit where we examine the animal's skin, fur and ears, and create a plan for the investigation.
Usually covered by insurance
Yes, it is usually covered if the animal was insured without reservations before the first symptoms began.
To think about
An allergy investigation is detective work that often requires multiple steps and return visits. It is wise to check your maximum amount and terms with your insurance company early on, so you know what applies throughout the process.
Price from:
1 750/kr
Veterinary consultation Animal Clinic Östermalm
1,750 SEK
Veterinary visit skin examination Animal Clinic Östermalm
3,900 SEK
Ear cytology Animal Clinic Östermalm
750 SEK
Veterinary consultation home visit
from 1,550 SEK
Otoscopy home visit
350 SEK
Otoscopy home visit
350 SEK
30+ years
experience
200k+
Visit
Where can I book an allergy test with you?
You can choose between booking a convenient home visit, coming to our clinic in Östermalm, which has its own skin clinic, or visiting our clinics at Arken Zoo (Kungens Kurva, Odenplan, Orminge, Askim, Boländerna).
How much does an allergy test cost?
Prices vary between home visits, appointments at ArkenZoo and Djurkliniken Östermalm. Please see our detailed price list under "prices". Costs for specific tests, medications or special food are added in addition to the fixed examination fee.
How do I know if my pet's itching is due to an allergy?
If the itching is recurrent and the animal constantly washes, licks or bites itself intensely, there is strong reason to suspect an allergy. However, we must always rule out external parasites and infections first.
Does my pet insurance cover an allergy test?
Yes, in most cases the insurance will cover all or part of the investigation. The prerequisite is that the insurance was taken out and valid before the animal began to show its very first symptoms.
Can you start a feed investigation during a home visit?
Yes, we can do that. If necessary, we will refer you to a dermatology clinic. For example, our own dermatology clinic at Djurkliniken Östermalm.
Should I bathe my animal before the vet arrives?
No, avoid bathing your dog or cat in the last few days before the visit. We need to see the natural, unmanipulated condition of the skin and fur in order to take accurate samples.
Do you take blood tests for allergies at home?
Yes, we have the equipment to take the blood samples needed to determine specific environmental allergens (such as pollen and mites) safely and calmly right in your home.
How long does an allergy test take?
An investigation is detective work that takes time. The feed investigation alone usually takes at least eight weeks, and it can sometimes take several months of adjustments before we find the long-term solution.
Do you charge extra for emergency care in the evenings?
Yes, if you book a veterinary consultation during the evening or weekend, a surcharge will be added to the basic fee. See our price list under "prices".
Can I get a prescription for anti-itch medication right away?
Yes, if your animal is suffering from a lot of itching and discomfort, we always make sure to prescribe soothing medication right at the first visit. Our main goal is for the animal to get quick relief and avoid suffering.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Here you can read some of the most common questions and answers that we often receive from our customers.
Personal animal care in safe environments – Home visits, clinic & veterinary office
We settle directly with all insurance companies
VetAtHome offers both clinic visits, home visits and visits to our veterinary practices – what is best depends on your animal's needs and what feels most convenient for you. We work with all insurance companies, making it easy to get help regardless of your insurance coverage.
