Scientifically Approved Allergy Testing Methods
We tried to do the right thing. We've consulted with different vets. In our case specifically, the vets told us they could do the allergy testing but did more to talk us out of spending money they felt would be wasted.
What do you do with that? When all you're trying to do is what's right by your pet, and the people you're trusting your loved one's health to seem so blasé on the subject?
I guess it's really just like when you go to the doctor for yourself anymore. The first thing the medical community seems to want to do is push a bunch of prescriptions on you. As much as we've read and learned about prescription allergy medications for pets, the more we don't want to put Brek on a bunch of prescription meds.
Specifically, as it relates to potential food allergies, we are right now in the process of doing an elimination diet, but we just started (10/17/25). Too early to share any helpful information with any of you who may be interested. As it gets toward the end of the elimination period, I will likely do a blog and/or post to social, so stay tuned and follow us on the social links below.
Hair Testing
For transparency, first and foremost, all of the "scientific" information out there says that hair testing for allergies is not a real thing. We've compiled a few articles and resources that support that from people who are scientists and veterinarians.
Don't get me wrong, we were so desperate to find Brek some relief that we tried hair testing too, even after knowing this was a game of chance, the equivalent of rolling the dice, or "junk science." Either way, scientists and veterinarians clearly say, "There is no scientific basis for dog hair allergy tests."
Did it help? We can't say it didn't. Why?
After receiving our test results back and removing as many of the food items identified as having severe, moderate, and/or mild risk, Brek did in fact seem to be less itchy. When this happened, he seemed calmer and we noticed him pacing less throughout the house in the middle of the night.
Was it coincidence? Are his issues more environmentally related and the winds shifted pollens or other irritants at the same time? We can't say with any certainty.
Was it because the list of identified intolerances was so large, it became a situation of odds are in our favor by removing so many pet food ingredients, at least one or two were likely the culprit?
Sorry, but this decision can't be made by anyone but you.
No, bioresonance pet hair testing is not considered real or scientifically valid by mainstream science and veterinary professionals.
It is based on the pseudoscientific theory that electromagnetic waves can be used to identify intolerances, and there is a lack of controlled studies to support its diagnostic accuracy.
While some companies claim to have anecdotal evidence of success, the biggest risk is that relying on these tests may lead pet owners to ignore or delay seeking evidence-based veterinary care for potentially serious issues.
Article: "Do dog hair allergy tests work?
Many companies are now offering the convenience of sending a hair sample or saliva swab to a lab for allergy testing, for a relatively small fee. Seems too good to be true? Sadly, that’s because it is!
There is no scientific basis for dog hair allergy tests. In fact, one study in 2019 showed that hair and saliva tests failed to identify allergies in dogs. They sent ten fur and saliva samples from a known allergic dog, ten from a non-allergic dog and five fake samples (that were water and toy fur) to a lab. The range of results across each group was similar, and no different than you would expect from random chance. So, allergies detected were similar in allergic dogs, non-allergic dogs and toys! Also, the reproducibility of the results was poor. The study concluded that hair and saliva testing should not be used to diagnose allergies. Other studies have come to the same conclusion.
The moral of the story? Don’t waste your money! If you suspect your dog has allergies, seek advice from your vet. ..."
Article: "What is a hair test for allergies and how does it work?"
"A hair test for allergies uses hair samples to test for allergies or intolerances. These may be related to certain foods, environmental substances, or chemicals.
Many companies selling hair tests for allergies do not offer an explanation of how they work. They simply invite you to submit a hair sample for “laboratory testing” without any further details on the specific testing procedure. According to Dr Adam Fox, an allergy specialist from Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital, home allergy tests are not useful and only a blood test interpreted by a clinician can confirm an allergy."
Simplecast:
This one is particularly disturbing!
A true crime story about a mail order allergy testing scam.
To be fair, I am not suggesting that all the hair testing companies out there are perpetrating a fraudulent scheme. This article was specific to one particular company that was investigated, "Allergy Testing Company".
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