Allergy Shots for Dogs: Another Way To Relieve an Itchy Pup
There are several options, from immunotherapy to steroids.
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Reviewed by Alycia Washington
An itchy pup is a pup unable to live her best, healthiest life. But allergy shots for dogs can make her feel better by slowly making her immune system less reactive to whichever allergens are making her scratch.
They can work—very well in some cases—but these injections are a commitment, one that will span your pup's entire life. That's why pet parents should make sure they've considered all options for treating their dogs' allergies first.
Types of Shots for Dog Allergies
There are actually several injection options for dogs with allergies, including immunotherapy, steroids, and an antibody-filled medication called Cytopoint. Your veterinarian or dermatology specialist will help you choose which is best for your dog.
These injections are created to treat signs caused by environmental allergies, particles in the air or outside that make our dogs itch. We're talking pollen, mites, and dander. They don't mitigate allergies to foods or fleas.
They'll also run your dog through several other treatments—more on those later—before resorting to injections, which can be a large commitment in both time and money.
Immunotherapy
Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the long-haul option, but it can be the most effective for environmental allergies. The shots—administered regularly over time—gradually desensitize a dog's immune system by injecting increasing amounts of the offending allergens into the dog, says Hailey Dideriksen, DVM at VCA 4 Paws Animal Hospital in San Diego.
As the dog encounters increasing amounts of the offending allergens, the more she'll produce a "blocking" antibody that will reduce the itching, she continues. In short, the shots build your dog's tolerance to the allergen, even to the point of eliminating the itching.
"All other therapies for airborne allergies basically aim to suppress the symptoms," Dideriksen says. "Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only therapy that actually works against the immunological disease. The earlier the immunotherapy is started, the better the results."
Each dog reacts to their shots—created specifically for them—differently, but she says roughly half of them will have "excellent" responses. Another 25% will have a "so-so response" and the last 25% won't have any response.
For owners, the downside is cost. Elaine Martinez, DVM and medical director for VCA Santa Monica Main Street, says immunotherapy can cost thousands of dollars per year. You'll also want to investigate whether your pet insurance will cover the shots before you sign your dog up.
"Owners should [not] pursue allergy shots if the allergy can be controlled any other way or if they are not dedicated to lifelong care and immunotherapy," Dideriksen says.
Steroids
Good news and bad news on this one. Steroid shots—such as dexamethasone—work very well, Martinez says. They suppress dogs' immune systems, instructing the body to not react to its pesky allergens.
But suppressing your dog's immune system isn't something you want to do regularly due to increased risk for infection. When used chronically, steroids can have a myriad of side effects, Martinez says.
Cytopoint
Martinez says Cytopoint is the most commonly recommended allergy shot for dogs because it's both safe and effective. It disables a protein that signals dogs' brains to scratch, chew, and lick their skin. This treatment quells the itching rather than the allergens.
Cytopoint claims more than nine out of 10 dogs experience itching relief after their third injection. According to the University of Wisconsin, dog owners will have a good idea of its efficacy after their pup's first injection.
Cytopoint is reported to be safe to use alongside other treatments for unrelated diseases, per vets at Wisconsin.
Side Effects of Allergy Shots for Dogs
Each treatment has several potential side effects, but your veterinarian can tell you more specifically how they might affect your dog.
Immunotherapy
Martinez says the primary side effect from immunotherapy is worsened allergies for the dog in the first few months or when the dosage changes. (You are introducing allergens into your dog's bloodstream, after all.)
Those side effects, according to Dideriksen, can manifest as:
Steroids
In addition to suppressing dogs' immune systems, steroids come with several other side effects, Martinez says. Pet parents may see:
Hunger
Thinning hair
Thirst
Frequent urination
Low energy
Panting
Increased incidence of infection, like urinary tract infection
Cytopoint
Side effects are typically limited, but may include discomfort at the injection site. Martinez says it might cause dermatitis and bacterial skin infections, but those are no different than dogs who received a placebo injection.
Dideriksen says studies have linked several uncommon side effects to Cytopoint, but it's unknown if the treatment caused them. Those include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, ear infections, and incontinence.
Determining If Your Dog Needs Allergy Shots
We'll get to them below, but there are many other ways to treat your dog's allergies, so your pup may not need immunotherapy or other allergy injections. But if nothing else is working, your dog's veterinarian or dermatologist will test your pup to see what she's most allergic to.
Vets may first test your dog's blood, Dideriksen and Martinez say, but a dermatology specialist will likely recommend skin testing to determine the exact immunotherapy regimen.
You'll also need to consider cost. If you have pet insurance before your vet decides allergy shots are necessary, it will "typically" cover the allergy shots, Martinez says. Costs will otherwise vary depending on which treatment and product you end up electing.
Other Treatments for Canine Allergies
Regular injections should be your last resort because there are several other treatments that might be able to limit your dog's itching.
Bathing your dog regularly and washing or changing their bedding can ease their itching. If food allergies are suspected, your vet may recommend starting a food trial. Or your vet can prescribe an antihistamine like Benadryl if your dog’s symptoms are mild.
You'll also want to make sure fleas aren't causing the pup's discomfort.
Regardless of what's causing the itch, talk with your dog's vet. They'll guide you on the best course of action for your pup. It could be allergy shots—or not.
