Dog Dander Allergy Test

This IgE allergy test uses a small blood sample to determine if you are allergic to Dog Dander.

Dander consists of dead skin cells and particles shed by animals. You do not have to pet a dog to have an allergic reaction to their dander because it is microscopic-- Dander can land on surfaces or remain in clothing and bedding until thoroughly cleaned. It can also be breathed in and cause respiratory issues. Allergies to dogs occur not because of their fur, but because of an allergy to the protein found in their skin and feces. Dog dander is a common allergy that tends to cause itchy or watery eyes or skin to breakout in rashes or hives. More serious dog dander allergic reactions can result in respiratory afflictions like difficulty breathing or asthma.

Cat allergies are nearly twice as common as dog allergies, but allergies to dogs can affect between 10 to 20 percent of the population. About 37-47 percent of all US households have dogs, so testing for allergies to dog dander is important.

Tips to help rid your home of pet dander and hair if you or a loved one has a dander allergy:

• Vacuum and steam clean all upholstered fabrics and carpet.
• Wash blankets and bedding often
• Frequently groom and bathe your dog in order to reduce the amount of dander and hair. If you have an allergy, consider wearing a face mask while doing so. 

If you're still interested in adopting a dog even though you have allergies, here are a few tips:

1. Just in case. Have fast-acting medication on hand, in case you experience a reaction. 
2. Take it slow. Begin with limited contact, like touching the pet with one hand, then wait to gauge your reaction. Some allergic reactions are immediate, while others may take time.
3. Consider a female or neutered male. Both female dogs and males who have been neutered for at least 2 months have less-active allergy-producing glands. Non-neutered males produce more of this protein and often cause more allergies.
4. Smaller size = less allergens. Smaller pets have less skin, fur, and dander than larger pets, just because of their size. Consider adopting an animal that will remain small, like a lap dog or a cat.
5. Wide variety. Certain breeds of dogs may seem to cause more allergies than others. Maybe you find your allergies occur more with short-haired dogs than long haired. Be sure to take note of what affects your allergies and make your adoption decision based on them.
6. Give it time. As with many allergens, pet allergens can become more and more mild overtime. Increasing time and exposure to animals that cause allergies can help lessen them for many people.

Traditional allergy tests utilize the Skin Prick method (also known as a Puncture or Scratch test) to determine whether an allergic reaction will occur by inserting possible triggers into your skin using a needle prick. If you are allergic to the substance, you are forced to suffer through your body's reaction to the allergen. HealthLabs.com offers an easier, virtually pain-free blood test to determine the allergen status of substances without the irritation of traditional skin prick tests.

• No painful skin pricks
• No fasting necessary
• Accurate results within 1 to 2 days

Our quick blood test allows us to use your blood sample to test for allergic reactions externally, rather than causing unnecessary and painful reactions by introducing potential allergens to your system. Tests are administered in approximately 10 minutes or less at any of our 4,500+ nationwide locations. No appointments, no paperwork and no waiting are all part of what makes HealthLabs.com the best option for pain-free and hassle-free allergy testing.