Pet Allergy Testing in the Chicagoland Area

Uncover the cause of your pet’s itchy skin, chronic infections, or seasonal flare-ups with advanced allergy testing tailored to their needs.

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Identifying Allergies in Pets with Precision

At Midwest Veterinary Dermatology Center, we understand how frustrating it can be to watch your pet suffer from persistent itching, skin infections, or ear problems. These issues are often signs of underlying allergies. Our team specializes in identifying and managing pet allergies through comprehensive allergy testing services.

Serving families in the Chicagoland area and the surrounding communities, our board-certified veterinary dermatologist provides precise diagnostics and compassionate care to help your pet live a healthier, more comfortable life.

Does Your Pet Need
Allergy Testing?

Many pets with allergies suffer silently for months or even years before the root cause is identified. If your pet shows signs of:

Itchy skin or frequent scratching
Chronic ear infections
Recurrent skin infections or hot spots
Hair loss or red, irritated skin
Seasonal flare-ups or respiratory symptoms

This could indicate the need for professional allergy testing. These symptoms are often caused by environmental allergies, adverse food reactions, or allergic skin disease — conditions that are best managed when properly diagnosed.

How We Test for Pet Allergies

We offer two proven and complementary forms of allergy testing to help pinpoint your pet’s specific triggers:

Intradermal Allergy Testing

Considered the gold standard in veterinary dermatology, intradermal testing involves injecting small amounts of allergens just beneath the skin to observe local reactions. This test is most effective for diagnosing environmental allergies such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and grasses.

Performed under light sedation, this test is safe, efficient, and provides real-time results that allow us to formulate a personalized immunotherapy plan.

Serum Allergy Testing

This blood-based test measures your pet’s immune response to various allergens. It is especially useful in cases where intradermal testing isn’t ideal — such as in pets with skin conditions that interfere with injection testing or when sedation is not preferred.

Serum testing helps us detect sensitivities to both indoor and outdoor allergens, and may complement intradermal testing to provide a comprehensive picture of your pet’s allergy profile.

A black and white dog standing in the middle of a paved road

The Allergy Testing Process: What to Expect

Initial Consultation: We’ll begin with a thorough dermatologic exam and medical history review.
Selection of Test: Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, we’ll determine whether intradermal, serum testing, or both are appropriate.
Testing Appointment: Depending on the method, this may be done during the same visit or scheduled shortly after.
Results & Diagnosis: Once testing is complete, we’ll explain the findings and develop a targeted treatment plan.
Treatment Options: After the testing, allergen-specific immunotherapy will likely be recommended. The most common choice is an injectable option, and we also offer a sublingual option.