What causes pet allergy?

Pet allergy is caused by proteins found in animal dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, and urine. When you're exposed to cats or dogs, your immune system mistakenly identifies these harmless proteins as dangerous invaders and produces IgE antibodies to fight them. This immune response triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.

What is the best test for pet allergy?

The Respiratory Allergy Panel is the most important test for pet allergy because it detects specific IgE antibodies to cat and dog dander proteins in your blood. This test definitively confirms whether your symptoms are caused by pet allergens and can distinguish between cat and dog allergies. The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III tests for dog dander along with environmental allergens in the southeastern U.S., while the Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XIV tests for both cat and dog dander in California's central valley. These comprehensive panels help identify exactly which animals trigger your allergic reactions.

When should I get tested for pet allergy?

You should get tested if you experience sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, or skin rashes when around cats or dogs. Testing is especially important if you're considering getting a pet, experiencing asthma symptoms that worsen around animals, or have chronic respiratory issues without a clear cause. Early testing helps you avoid prolonged exposure to allergens and allows you to make informed decisions about pet ownership and your living environment.

What are the symptoms of pet allergy?

Pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, and coughing. You might also experience skin reactions like hives, eczema flare-ups, or itchy red patches where a pet has licked or scratched you. People with asthma may develop wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing when exposed to pet allergens. Symptoms typically appear within minutes of exposure but can also develop gradually over several hours.

Who is at risk for pet allergy?

People with a family history of allergies or asthma are at higher risk for developing pet allergies. Children exposed to pets early in life may develop sensitivities, though some studies suggest early exposure might actually provide protection. You're also more likely to develop pet allergies if you already have other allergies like hay fever, food allergies, or eczema. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies, affecting approximately 10% of the population.

What happens if pet allergy is left untreated?

Untreated pet allergy can lead to chronic sinusitis, recurring ear infections, and persistent nasal congestion that affects your quality of life. Continued exposure to pet allergens can worsen asthma symptoms and may lead to more frequent asthma attacks requiring emergency treatment. Over time, ongoing allergic inflammation can cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased productivity. In severe cases, prolonged exposure without treatment may increase sensitivity and make symptoms progressively worse.

Can pet allergy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, pet allergy can be accurately diagnosed with a blood test that measures specific IgE antibodies to pet allergens. Blood tests are convenient because they require only a single needle stick, don't require you to stop taking antihistamines beforehand, and provide results for multiple allergens at once. These tests are just as reliable as skin prick tests and can identify exactly which animal proteins you're allergic to, helping you distinguish between cat allergies, dog allergies, or both.

How is pet allergy treated?

Pet allergy is treated with a combination of allergen avoidance, medications, and sometimes immunotherapy. Over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine can relieve sneezing and itching, while nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce nasal inflammation. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy tablets that gradually desensitize your immune system to pet allergens. Keeping pets out of bedrooms, using HEPA air filters, and bathing pets weekly can also reduce allergen levels in your home.

How can I prevent pet allergy symptoms?

You can prevent pet allergy symptoms by creating pet-free zones in your home, especially in bedrooms where you spend significant time. Use HEPA air purifiers to remove airborne dander, vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filtered vacuum, and wash your hands immediately after touching pets. Having someone without allergies bathe your pet weekly can reduce dander by up to 84%. Choose hard flooring over carpet, wash pet bedding frequently, and keep pets off furniture to minimize allergen accumulation.

What natural remedies help with pet allergy?

Natural remedies that help with pet allergy include using saline nasal rinses to flush out allergens from your nasal passages and reduce congestion. Local honey may provide mild relief by exposing you to small amounts of local pollen that can cross-react with pet allergens. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce allergic reactions. Wearing a mask when cleaning or spending time with pets can limit allergen exposure, and showering before bed removes dander from your hair and skin.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pet Allergy Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Pet Allergy Blood Test

What is Pet Allergy?

Pet allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in animal dander, saliva, and urine. It is caused by specific IgE antibodies produced in response to allergens from cats, dogs, and other animals. The Respiratory Allergy Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies specific pet allergens triggering your symptoms.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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