How Do Allergy Shots For Dogs Work?

What Are Allergy Shots for Dogs? 

Allergy shots for dogs, also called allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), are veterinary treatments that gradually expose a dog to tiny amounts of allergens over 3 to 12+ months to help desensitize the immune system. After identifying specific environmental allergens through skin or blood testing, a veterinarian creates a custom serum tailored to the dog’s sensitivities. These injections are given on a structured schedule, starting frequently and tapering to long-term maintenance. Allergy shots are designed to address environmental allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, or mold. They are not indicated for food allergies. Across studies, about 60 to 70% of dogs improve when ASIT is continued for around 12 months.

How allergy shots work

• Intradermal skin testing or blood testing identifies reactions to specific allergens like tree pollen, grass, dust mites, or mold spores
• A veterinarian formulates a custom allergen serum based on test results
• Initial phase: dog receives allergy injections 1 to 2 times weekly for 3 to 6 months
  Maintenance phase: injections every 2 to 4 weeks, often long term
• Gradual immune desensitization and a reduction in signs of allergic response occur over 6 to 12 months
• Symptom-relief medications such as Apoquel, antihistamines, topical therapies, short-term steroids, or Atopica may be used alongside allergy shots to keep dogs comfortable while immune desensitization develops over 6 to 12 months, under veterinary guidance.

What allergy shots treat

Allergy shots treat environmental and seasonal allergens. They do not treat food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, or acute allergic reactions. Dogs with food allergies require dietary elimination trials rather than immunotherapy.

Success rates and realistic expectations

Most veterinary dermatology research reports improvement in 60-70% of dogs after 6 to 12 months of consistent therapy. Allergy shots are not a cure, but they may support improved comfort and wellbeing in responsive dogs within 6-12 months after starting.

Phase	Duration	Frequency	Expected Progress
Testing	1 to 2 weeks for results	One-time	Identify specific allergens
Initial	3 to 6 months	1 to 2x weekly	Gradual tolerance building
Maintenance	Ongoing	Every 2 to 4 weeks	Maintain desensitization
Full effect	6 to 12 months	N/A	60-70% of dogs see improvement

Key takeaways

• Allergy shots are a long-term veterinary treatment, not a quick fix
• They target environmental allergens 
• Some dogs show early improvement within 3–6 months, but full benefits often require 6–12 months or longer.
• Success varies by dog and allergen profile
• Commitment to treatment and consistency are essential to success

Further reading: 9 Dog Allergy Symptoms that You Shouldn’t Ignore

What Are the Costs of Allergy Shots for Dogs?

Because allergy shots are a customized, long-term veterinary therapy, they typically involve an initial testing phase, formulation of a custom serum, and periodic re-evaluations – making treatment a long-term commitment for many pet parents. Allergy shots for dogs typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000 or more in the first year, with ongoing annual costs of $300 to $800 after that. Initial expenses include allergy testing and serum formulation, followed by injection visits during the buildup and maintenance phases.

Allergy shot cost breakdown

Item	Cost Range	Frequency
Allergy testing	$200–$500	One-time
Custom serum preparation	$150–$300	Every 6 to 12 months
Initial phase injections	$300–$800	4 to 6 months
Maintenance injections	$20–$50 per visit (no cost if injections are done at home by owner)	Every 2 to 4 weeks
First-year total	$1,000 to $2,000+	Year 1
Annual maintenance	$300 to $800	Years 2+

Cost variability factors

Costs vary based on geographic location, veterinary pricing, whether testing and treatment are done by a general practitioner or board-certified veterinary dermatology, whether skin or blood testing are chosen, allergy severity, and frequency of follow-up visits.

Additional costs

Some clinics charge separate exam fees for injection visits. Repeat testing may be required if signs of allergic response change significantly.

Insurance coverage

Some pet insurance policies cover immunotherapy, but coverage varies widely. Always verify benefits before starting treatment.

Key takeaways

• Allergy shots require a long-term time and financial commitment
• First-year costs are significantly higher than maintenance years
• Insurance coverage is inconsistent
• Costs vary by clinic and region

Further reading: Dog Allergies: All You Need to Know From Symptoms to Treatment

How Do Allergy Shots Work? 

Allergy shots work by desensitizing dogs to specific allergens, over a period of 6 to 12 months. They are administered by skin injections, and are best for treating year-round allergies. 

Allergy shots: Key information

Factor	Allergy Shots
Approach	Allergen desensitization
Timeline	6 to 12 months
First-year cost	$1,000 to $2,000+
Ongoing cost	$300 to $800
Administration	Skin injections
Best for	Year-round allergies

Dogs with year-round signs of allergic response often require immunotherapy or long-term prescription medication to improve comfort and wellbeing. 

Key point for pet parents: treatment plans should always be individualized and supervised by a veterinarian.

• Allergy shots are most appropriate for dogs with severe, year-round environmental allergies that significantly affect quality of life. 

Signs your dog may benefit from allergy shots

Not every itchy dog needs allergy shots, but for some dogs, ongoing symptoms can signal the need for a deeper, long-term approach.

Your dog may benefit from allergy shots, if:

• They have symptoms year-round
• Scratching or licking over 30 minutes daily
• Changes in skin and coat quality
• Poor sleep or constant discomfort
• Failure of other treatments

Key takeaways

• Ongoing allergy symptoms require veterinary care
• Dermatology testing helps guide treatment
• Immunotherapy requires time and financial commitment

Further reading: What Can I Give My Dog for Allergies? A Vet Explains

Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy Shots for Dogs

What do allergy shots for dogs do?

Allergy shots work by desensitizing the immune system over 6 to 12 months.

How much do dog allergy shots cost?

Dog allergy shots typically cost $1,000 to $2,000+ in the first year and $300 to $800 annually after that. Allergy shots require regular vet visits. Discuss cost and recommended approach with your vet.

Are allergy shots worth it for dogs?

For dogs with year-round environmental allergies, allergy shots can be worth considering. They require ongoing injections and are a significant financial commitment. Your veterinarian can help weigh benefits, costs, and determine if they are right for your dog.

Final Thoughts: Considering Allergy Shots for Your Dog

Key takeaways

• Allergy shots are widely regarded by veterinary dermatologists as a cornerstone treatment for severe or year-round environmental allergies.
• Allergy shots are best suited for dogs with year-round allergies that significantly affect comfort and quality of life.
• Veterinary guidance is essential to determine the most appropriate approach and to adjust treatment over time.
• Tracking signs over time improves outcomes, helping pet parents and veterinarians evaluate positive changes and make informed adjustments.

Different dogs require different seasonal and environmental allergy solutions. Working with your veterinarian allows you to create a personalized plan that supports your dog’s comfort and long-term health. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s helping your dog feel more comfortable in their own skin. With veterinary guidance, allergy shots can be one option in a broader plan to support long-term comfort and quality of life.

Sources:

• American Kennel Club — Immunotherapy (Allergy) Shots for Dogs
• Ask A Vet — Vet-Approved Guide to Allergen Immunotherapy (ASIT)
• Immunotherapy for Dogs – VetInfo
• UW Veterinary Care PDF — Immunotherapy Overview

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