Pet Allergy Testing & Treatment in Sandy Springs, GA, From Your Local Vet

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is a vet in Sandy Springs, GA, that treats itchy dogs and cats and offers allergy testing. Most pet allergies show up as skin and ear problems, not sneezing: licking paws, scratching, red belly skin and repeat ear infections.

There are three main kinds of pet allergy: fleas, food and the environment, like pollen and dust mites. The vet's job is to calm the itch now and work out which one is driving it.

Call (678) 673-3977 or book online.

What are the signs of allergies in pets?

At Petfolk Sandy Springs, the most common signs are:

• Licking or chewing the paws, often with rust-colored fur

• Scratching the face, ears, armpits or belly

• Red, bumpy skin, or hot spots (raw, moist patches)

• Ear infections that keep coming back

• Rubbing the face on carpet or furniture

• In cats: over-grooming, bald patches on the belly, or small scabs along the back

Georgia's long pollen season makes environmental allergies common here, and itchy skin from tree and grass pollen is one of the issues the clinic sees most.

How does the vet find the cause?

The vet at Petfolk Sandy Springs works through causes in order, because the signs look alike:

1. Rule out fleas and mites: even one flea bite can set off a flea-allergic pet. Every pet in the home needs prevention.

2. Treat infection: allergies often lead to skin or ear infections from yeast and bacteria, which add their own itch.

3. Look at timing: itch that comes and goes with the seasons points to pollen; year-round itch can be food or indoor allergens.

4. Try a food trial if needed: a strict prescription diet for about 8 weeks, with no other treats, is the only reliable way to diagnose a food allergy.

5. Allergy testing: a blood test helps pick the allergens for allergy shots or drops, once other causes are ruled out.

What is allergy testing used for?

Allergy testing at Petfolk Sandy Springs is a blood test that shows which environmental allergens, like pollens, molds and dust mites, your pet reacts to. It does not diagnose allergies by itself. It is used to build immunotherapy, a custom allergy treatment that slowly makes the body less reactive. Ask the team which form Petfolk Sandy Springs offers.

Across Petfolk, 86% of allergy testing and immunotherapy orders are for dogs, and about 6 in 10 testing orders (61%) are a combined test-and-treatment package (Oct 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2026).

Relief while you find the cause

Modern itch medicines can bring relief within a day or so, and the vet will choose one that suits your pet's age and health. Medicated shampoos, ear cleaners and fatty acid supplements also help. Fear Free handling is standard at every Petfolk clinic, which matters for a sore, itchy pet.

Allergy season in Sandy Springs

Wipe your dog's paws and belly with a damp cloth after walks during heavy pollen weeks, especially after the leafy trails along the Chattahoochee River. Wash bedding weekly and keep up flea prevention all year.

What does allergy care cost?

Cost depends on the tests, medicines and whether immunotherapy is started. A sick exam starts at $135 at Petfolk Sandy Springs. You'll get an estimate before any test or treatment, and the final bill can differ if the plan changes during the visit.

Face swelling or hives

A sudden swollen face or hives, often after an insect sting or a new medicine, needs to be seen today. If your pet also has trouble breathing, vomits or collapses, go to a 24-hour emergency hospital such as BluePearl Pet Hospital on Abernathy Rd NE.

Start with an itch exam

Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs is at 6223 Roswell Rd, 365A, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Call (678) 673-3977. See also pet skin conditions and dermatology.

Book a visit at Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care - Sandy Springs, or see all veterinary services in Sandy Springs.