When dog allergy season is upon us, pet parents look for solutions to help their dogs with the itching and discomfort that come with chronic allergies. While there are plenty of allergy medications and modifications that can help manage symptoms, immunotherapy — also known as “allergy shots for dogs” — remains one of the most effective options
Here, we will explore immunotherapy for dogs, discuss the pros and cons, and outline what pet parents might expect if they are interested in allergy shots for their dog.
Overview of Allergies in Dogs
An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to something that is usually harmless. This can be something in your dog’s diet, fleas, or something in the environment, such as dust mites or pollen.
Allergies in dogs are extremely common. Approximately 20 percent of dogs develop an allergy during their lifetime [1]. Dogs may develop allergies for several reasons, including:
- Genetics
- External allergens
- Skin barrier & immune system dysfunction
Immunotherapy shots are only used to treat chronic atopic dermatitis. These types of allergies are caused by external factors.
Food allergies are managed with dietary changes. Flea allergy dermatitis is managed with consistent flea prevention.
Symptoms of canine allergies most often involve the skin and include pruritus (itchy skin), redness, hair loss, and recurrent skin and ear infections. Less commonly, allergies may cause upper respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.
There are many ways to help manage allergies, including modifications to your home environment, oral and topical medications, diet changes, flea prevention, and dog allergy shots.
The Science Behind Dog Allergy Shots: How They Work
Immunotherapy is defined as a type of treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to fight disease. In allergen-specific immunotherapy, or allergy shots, the specific allergens that trigger your dog’s symptoms are administered in gradually increasing doses. Over time, this helps to desensitize their immune system and reduce their allergic response.
Dog allergy shots are not an immediate fix. In fact, it can take up to a year of treatment to determine if a dog is responding. So, is this commitment worth it?
According to Veterinary Partner, allergen-specific immunotherapy is the most effective way to treat airborne allergies, with 50% of dogs having an excellent response, 20% having a so-so response, and 20% showing no significant improvement [2].
To help increase your dog’s chances of success, work with your dermatologist and veterinarian to combine allergy shots with other forms of vet-recommended treatment.
Allergy Testing Before Dog Immunotherapy
If you are interested in allergy shots for your dog, the first step is to see a dermatologist for allergy testing.
Intradermal skin testing is considered the gold standard for diagnosing chronic allergies in dogs caused by external allergens. The procedure begins with shaving a small patch of fur on the dog’s side to expose the skin. Then very small amounts of allergens (such as different types of pollens, molds, and dust mites) are injected just beneath the surface of the skin with small needles.
A positive control (histamine) and a negative control (saline) are also injected for comparison. Because the dog needs to remain still for the test, intradermal skin testing is generally performed with dogs under sedation or anesthesia.
The injection sites are then closely monitored. A positive reaction is indicated by the development of a wheal at the site of the injection. A wheal is a raised, red, and often itchy bump, similar to a mosquito bite. The size and redness of these wheals are measured and graded, with larger wheals indicating a stronger allergic response to that specific allergen.
These results, combined with the dog’s history and symptoms, are used to create a customized allergen-specific immunotherapy plan.
Dog Allergy Shorts: Formulation & What to Expect
Allergy shots are formulated to contain tiny amounts of the specific allergens identified as triggers for your dog’s allergic reactions.
They are administered as subcutaneous injections under the skin. Dogs can also receive allergen-specific immunotherapy sublingually, which is administered under a dog’s tongue (not as an injection).
Induction Phase
Treatment begins with a very dilute solution. The concentration of allergens in the formula is gradually increased over weeks or months during the induction phase.
Maintenance Phase
Eventually, dogs will reach a maintenance dose. The frequency of the shots is reduced at this time. During the maintenance phase, dogs usually receive injections every 1-4 weeks. With practice, most pet owners can learn to give injections at home.
Monitoring & Adjustments
Regular monitoring and dosage adjustments are important components of successful therapy. Your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist will make these adjustments based on how your dog is responding to the treatment.
When to Consider Allergy Shots for Dogs
Allergy shots are NOT effective for dogs with food allergies or flea allergies.
Before your vet recommends going down the road of allergy shots, they will first need to rule out other types of allergies and possible skin conditions.
As allergy shots are expensive upfront and require a large commitment from the pet owner, they are often used for dogs who do not respond well to other types of allergy medication.
Immunotherapy Vs. Other Types of Dog Allergy Shots
There are several other types of injections that may be used for dog allergy relief. However, while these other types of allergy shots for dogs help manage symptoms, they do not address the underlying cause in the same way as allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications. At high doses they suppress the immune system. This makes them extremely effective for reducing skin discomfort and inflammation associated with dog allergies. They are generally very low cost and available in many forms, including pills and injections.
However, steroids have significant side effects for dogs, including increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, panting, and lethargy. Long-term use can lead to poor wound healing, increased susceptibility to infection, muscle weakness, and even systemic diseases such as diabetes. For these reasons, newer medications are often recommended in place of steroids.
Cytopoint
Cytopoint is a newer allergy medication that is administered under the skin via injection every 4-8 weeks. This monoclonal antibody therapy specifically targets and neutralizes interleukin-31, blocking the itch signal from being transmitted to the brain and reducing a dog’s urge to scratch.
Cyotopoint is effective and well-tolerated by most dogs, however, the injection must be administered in the vet clinic by a professional. Cytopoint also tends to be more expensive than other treatment options.
How Much Are Allergy Shots for Dogs?
The cost of treating dog allergies can certainly add up. If you have pet insurance, they may help cover costs, including allergy shots, as long as allergies are not considered a pre-existing condition (meaning that you signed up for pet insurance before your dog developed symptoms of allergies).
Below is a breakdown of common costs associated with dog allergy shots. Cost can vary significantly depending on your location, the size and health of your dog, and how long the dog allergy shots last (the frequency that shots need to be administered to control their symptoms).
- Dermatologist visit: $100 to $300+
- Skin test to identify allergy triggers: $200 to $500
- Blood test to identify allergy triggers: $200 to $400
- Allergy shots: $200 to $400 per vial (which may last for 3-6 months)
- Cytopoint: $50 to $200 per injection (given every 4-8 weeks)
Allergies are a life-long problem for most dogs. Allergen-specific immunotherapy should be continued for at least one year. It is often accompanied by other types of treatment to help control symptoms. After a year, your veterinarian may discuss attempting to reduce frequency or wean off the injections. However, many dogs continue to receive this treatment for life.
Even if allergy injections are needed long-term, many dogs are often able to come off of additional medications used to help control symptoms, making it more cost-effective in the long run.
Side Effects of Allergy Shots for Dogs
Allergen-specific immunotherapy is considered safe in dogs, and serious side effects are rare. However, all owners should be educated about what to watch for and should plan to observe their pet for 30-60 minutes after an injection is given for any potential reactions.
The most common side effects are mild and localized to the injection site. These include:
- Temporary swelling
- Redness
- Itching
- Soreness
- Mild lethargy
- Temporary increase in overall itching
Less common reactions requiring urgent vet care include hives (raised, itchy welts), facial swelling, vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and collapse. These may be indicative of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Let your vet know about any side effects, as it may influence the treatment plan.
The Pros & Cons of Dog Allergy Shots
Allergy shots come with pros and things to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind if researching this treatment for your dog.
Pros
Focus on long-term relief. Unlike many other allergy medications that only manage symptoms, allergy shots address the underlying cause of dog allergies. They do this by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens and slowly building up tolerance. This can lead to long-term relief from itching, skin lesions, and other allergy-related problems.
Tailored to your dog. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a treatment plan that is customized for your. Initial testing will reveal your dog’s specific allergy triggers and the injections given to your dog are custom made to include very small amounts of those allergens. It’s a more personalized solution for addressing dog allergies.
Reduction in other medications. A major benefit is the potential to reduce or eliminate the need for other medications, like steroids, which can have undesirable side effects.
Potential Cons
Requires a long-term commitment. Allergy shots involve commitment from a dog owner to visit a dermatologist, undergo allergy testing, and learn how to safely administer medication. This takes a significant amount of time and energy from both a dog and their pet parent.
Will not provide instant relief. Dogs often have to undergo regular allergy shots for about a year in order to know whether immunotherapy is working. This means dogs often require multiple methods of treatment to help relieve symptoms in the short term.
Significant up-front costs. Dog allergy shots are often more expensive up front than other allergy medications or treatment options. Pet parents will need to budget accordingly if this is something they are interested in pursuing. Keep in mind that immunotherapy for dog allergies can actually be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing the need for frequent vet visits and medications.
Discussing Allergy Solutions With Your Veterinarian
Allergies can be extremely frustrating for dogs, pet owners, and veterinarians alike. Dog allergy treatment often requires a multimodal approach, and allergy shots can be a valuable piece of that puzzle in some cases.
If you’re considering allergy shots for your dog, start by having an open discussion with your veterinarian and ask for a referral to a dermatologist.
Be prepared to talk about your dog’s specific symptoms, previous medications, and your goals for their treatment. Together, you can formulate a plan to help get your furry family member feeling better and provide long-term allergy relief.
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