Dog allergies are one of the most common issues among pet parents; they can range from very mild itching to severe scratching that can lead to hair loss and even bleeding.
There are various 'solutions' that currently exist in the market such as IgE tests (e.g. Allercept by Heska, Cerascreen test), as well as drugs like Apoquel and Cytopoint. However, these tests and drugs only address the symptoms of allergies and not the underlying cause which is why many pet-parents are frustrated by the lack of long-term results. With the recent research developments in the microbiome space, more and more pet parents are turning to gut-microbiome testing to manage their dog's allergies.
The microbiome refers to the ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in and on our dog's bodies. This collection of bugs play a crucial role in the overall health of our dogs, including their immune system, digestion, and metabolism. A healthy microbiome can help prevent and manage allergies by strengthening the immune system and promoting a healthy gut.
So, how does microbiome testing compare to allergy testing?
Allergy testing looks at your dog's immune response to specific allergens and can provide information on what your dog is allergic to at that specific point in time. The problem however, is that allergies can change over time! An allergy test doesn't take into account the impact of the microbiome on your dog's health or if there are any underlying imbalances causing your pup’s incessant itching.
Microbiome testing, on the other hand, looks at the specific strains of bacteria in your dog's gut and provides information on their unique nutritional needs and potential health risks, including allergies, gut issues and other behavioural conditions such as fussiness.
One of the biggest advantages of microbiome testing is that it can provide a more comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your dog's health. By identifying specific strains of bacteria in your dog's gut, microbiome testing can help identify potential sources of nutritional imbalance and inform dietary changes to promote a healthy microbiome. This can lead to long-term benefits for your dog's overall health and well-being. Every dog is unique and deserves an approach tailored to them!
In conclusion, while traditional allergy testing can provide information about what your dog may be allergic to, it doesn't take into account the impact of a complex and constantly changing microbiome on your dog's allergies. Microbiome testing, on the other hand, can provide a more comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your dog's allergies by identifying specific strains of bacteria in their gut and informing dietary changes and supplement recommendations.
By investing in microbiome testing for your dog, you can promote their long-term health and well-being, including choosing the best food and supplements to counter any gut imbalances.
Start your journey against those pesky allergies and grab a Treat Therapeutics Gut Health Test Kit today! Our team of scientists will be with you every step of the way.