Skin allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or developing red, inflamed skin, allergies could be the cause.
Types of Dog Allergies
- Environmental allergies (atopy) — pollen, dust mites, mould
- Food allergies — usually proteins like beef, chicken, or dairy
- Flea allergy dermatitis — reaction to flea saliva
Diagnosis Costs
- Initial consultation and examination: £40–65
- Skin scrapes and cytology: £50–150
- Blood allergy testing: £200–300
- Elimination diet trial: £50–100 (special food for 8–12 weeks)
Treatment Options and Costs
- Apoquel (oclacitinib): £1.50–3 per tablet, daily — approximately £45–90/month
- Cytopoint injection: £80–150 per injection, lasting 4–8 weeks
- Steroids (prednisolone): £10–20/month — cheapest but with side effects
- Immunotherapy (desensitisation): £300–600 initial course
Long-Term Costs
Allergies are typically a lifelong condition. Annual costs can range from £500 to £2,000+ depending on severity and treatment choice. Compare medication prices by requesting a prescription and shopping online — you could save significantly on drugs like Apoquel.