Has anyone had their yorkie allergy tested?
 

My vet called this morning and wants to allergy test Bailey. Testing consists of taking a blood sample and sending into a lab. The test ranges from $150.00 -$300.00 depending on if I just want food testing or a complete done.

I guess I am going to do this since Bailey has developed and intolerance to her Royal Canin food and I just discovered she also has an intolerance to dairy:(

Just wanted to get some feedback from others that have done this....
The vet said it would be alot easier on Bailey (& me) to do allergy testing then to mess up her intestinal track with different dog foods.


Thanks, Michele & Bailey:aimeeyork

Haven't had reason to have my yorkie tested, but we had a pitbull that went thru it. It made life lots easier, let's just say that. He was allergic to corn, rice, turkey and a LOAD of trees and grasses. You never know what's going on with those kids!!!

I know there are lots of people here that have had their yorkie tested for allergies. I'm not one of them, but I will BUMP this thread for you! GOOD LUCK to Bella!!!!!!! Hopefully she isn't allergic to anything and she just has a sensitive tummy. But please keep us updated!

I almost had the allergy testing done. Chachi had skin problems that the vet thought were allergies but he did a skin scrape and it was mites. I would definitely do the allergy testing. I have went through the changing of the food and still not knowing what is going on. To me it would be piece of mind to just know what she is allergic to.

Are you planning on doing the allergy testing? or is the food you are feeding them ok right now? I had to drop off another stool sample this morning...I just want her to feel better.
Thanks, Michele & Bailey:aimeeyork

I am thinking of having Cali tested since she scratches so much, I wondered how much it cost now I know. I wonder if Insurance will pay for it

No he is okay now so I didnt have to do it. If he ever have problems like he did before though I will have him tested

I was thinking about signing Bailey up for Pet Insurance, it is about $19.00 mo. Do they cover very many things? I need to check if they cover allergy testing.

Thank you, Michele & Bailey:aimeeyork

I have had Ella allergy tested. She has a bad problem with itching. After numerous trips to the vet and cortisone shots (which she no longer gets) I wanted answers to why all the itching and bad skin.
So the allergy test showed that she was allergic to two different weeds Kochia and Burweed. My vet said these weeds were prominent in early to late fall. BUT I had a problem with that because my baby was itching before summer, during summer, and even now in the winter. Her skin gets really bad to where she gets red spots (pimple like) in certain areas and will itch like crazy until all her skin is red around it. I dont think the allergy test helped because she still has this problem. I give her colloidal oatmeal baths, pat her with a towel and dry her on the cool setting of the blow dryer and that doesnt seem to help. Yesterday I gave her a bath and she has been itching so bad I have been up since 3:30am. I also tried hydrocortisone cream tonight which seemed to help her get back to sleep, but I still feel like im at a loss. I dont know what to do with her anymore.
My husband and I give her human food along with her dog food, which I cant remember the name of now, but I seem to struggle to get her off the human food. Anyone have any ideas??
THanks,
Shannon

Well I had experienced that with my toy poodle I had 3 years ago and they tried EVERYTHING and then the only thing left was blood samples...check into insurance there is a number you can call to see if it covers it and I don't think it takes long at all for your coverage to begin after you sign up.......my coverage quote was around $26 with VPI I think I am going to purchase it real soon :)

Here is a good article about dog food allergies: http://allergies.about.com/cs/canine/a/aa091800a.htm You might want to just try the Duck and Potato Natural Balance food and see if that takes care of the allergies. It is designed for allergy-prone dogs. An ad says:

"Natural Balance? Potato & Duck Dry Dog Food is our special Allergy Formula, made specifically for dogs prone to allergies. COMPLETE AND BALANCED FOR ALL BREEDS AND LIFE STAGES. "

Ginger was tested - best thing I ever did for her!
 

I never would have figured out her food allergies on my own. It takes weeks on the right diet before you notice any change, so if you're having problems get the testing.

At least the food testing. The reality is, I haven't been able to do much about the airborne allergies she has, but changing her food has made an incredible difference.

No more red skin. Clear eyes. No scratching. Her hair is growing back beautifully (I had cut it really short due to regular Aveeno baths).

It's changed her life.

Here's the link where I discovered what all she was allergic to. (note, I've found a great dry kibble and opted out of the homemade diet, too easy to make a mistake and malnourish your pet that way)

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51471

Good luck to you!!!

We feed our other dog a Natural Balance food and it is great. However, if you opt to do this, keep in mind it can take up to two months (or longer) to see differences once you change the diet. Also, NO food is completely free of allergens, my girl is allergic to duck.

Did you have the food allergy test done as well???? Ginger's got a long list of airborne allergens, but changing her diet has made a huge difference. Also, Aveeno bath is great for itchy skin. PM me if I can be of any more help, I've been through quite the allergy-ridden experience with Ginger.

I read your other post with a list of her allergens -- that must be something to deal with -- glad you were able to find a kibble without all of those ingredients!