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My bulldog has allergies. How do I get him tested when nothing helps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 28 days old | 60 lbs

Just wondering how i go about getting an allergy test for my bulldog. We have tried all sorts of foods and things but nothing seems to help

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 10th, 2017

I'm so sorry Winston is having allergy problems. If his symptoms are all skin related I would recommend first getting a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. They can help determine what may be the cause of the skin disease and if allergy testing is necessary. Allergies can be either from environmental causes or food related, if food related a very strict food trial is the best way to determine that. Typically a Futrell is done with a prescription diet of novel protein and novel carbohydrate sources, meaning that there is nothing in the food that Winston has ever eaten before at all. So that typically requires a specific prescription diet of novel protein source or a hydrolyzed diet. While undergoing the field trial a dog cannot eat anything except for that specific food for a period of three months in order to determine if food allergies are the problem. No treats no table scraps nothing they can scavenge outside, etc. so few trials require a good bit of effort and dedication from the owner. Which is why I recommend a dermatology first to make sure a good trial is even necessary. Some bulldogs suffer from Atopy a skin condition that may mimic allergies but no identifiable trigger. Good luck with Winston. Itchy skin dogs can be a challenge for owners and vets. I hope he gets relief soon.

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Winston! Allergies are very frustrating. Allergy testing can be done two ways: skin testing or blood testing. Your general veterinarian can draw blood and submit to a the lab for testing. A veterinary dermatologist can do skin testing. The results from these tests then help an allergy lab formulate allergy shots. It looks like Winston has a secondary infection on his skin that also needs treatment with topical medication including a medicated shampoo and possibly oral antibiotics. There are also a few newer medications for allergies your veterinarian can prescribe that can be very effective (even without testing for the specific allergen. ) often these oral meds are more effective in treating the itchiness than alergy shots are. Good luck with Winston!

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