Watching your beloved canine companion suffering from allergies is heartbreaking. In a search for answers, some owners may come across the concept of allergy shots to treat dogs with severe allergies. What exactly are allergy shots, and are they really helpful for allergic dogs?
Allergic shots refer to Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT). The dog must be assessed to determine what allergens trigger his immune system. A therapy program is devised where the dog is exposed to minute quantities of the allergen to desensitize the dog’s immune system.
Most people have heard of humans getting allergy shots, but what about allergy shots for dogs? Can you get them, and do they work?
Is There A Shot For Allergies For Dogs?
Allergy shots in dogs are the colloquial name for Allergen Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT). It was initially used in allergic people but is now being used in the veterinary field.
The concept behind ASIT is that the immune system can be desensitized with consistent exposure to tiny amounts of the allergen. The aim is to stop the immune system from over-reacting to allergens by identifying them as harmful substances.
Allergy shots are not manufactured in bulk supplies. They are developed specifically for each dog, making them a more expensive option, requiring individual testing.
How Is My Dog Tested For Allergy Shots?
A veterinary dermatologist, or sometimes a general practitioner, carries out the tests on the dog. There are two methods of testing; blood and skin. Blood testing is not considered optimal and can give many variable results. Most veterinarians regard skin testing as the gold standard for assessment for ASIT shots.
The dog is sedated, and small amounts of typical allergens are injected under the skin. After thirty to sixty minutes, the skin reactions to the allergens are assessed. The skin reactions are evaluated and graded to determine the presence and severity of the allergy.
The test results will allow the veterinary dermatologist to develop allergy shots that are the most beneficial for the dog.
There are some limitations to the testing. The veterinarian can only test for a finite number of allergens. It is almost impossible to test for every possible allergen, and therefore some allergens could be missed. The most typical allergens are used in the testing.
Allergy skin testing can only be done for environmental allergies and does not test for food allergies. Food allergies require food trials to determine the allergens.
An allergic dog may not show any skin reactions during the ASIT testing. As one dermatologist explains, this does not mean that the dog is not allergic, just that he is not suitable for Allergen Specific Immunotherapy.
How Effective Are Allergy Shots For Dogs?
Flea and food allergies must always be excluded before considering ASIT shots. The shots are only effective for atopic dermatitis (allergies caused by environmental allergens.)
Fifty to seventy-five percent of dogs that show positive allergy skin reaction tests will improve with Allergen Specific Immunotherapy. Some dogs still require additional allergy medicine during seasonal flare-ups.
How Long Do Allergy Shots For Dogs Take To Work?
Allergy shots may be given every other day or twice weekly in the initial phases depending on the veterinary dermatologist’s approach. Once a response is seen, the frequency of the allergy shots is diminished.
It may take several months, the average being five months, to see an improvement in the dog’s allergy symptoms. In some dogs, it may take as long as one year before the dog shows an improvement in his atopic dermatitis.
A study showed that treatment should be continued for a minimum of one year. This would improve 65% of the dogs’ symptoms. A further 87% of the dogs would need reduced amounts of allergy medicine.
If the treatment period is less than one year, only 22% of dogs will show an improvement in allergy symptoms, and 39% will have reduced medication needs.
Are Allergy Shots Worth It?
Many owners are not convinced that allergy shots are worth the time and expense. The skin testing, consultation, and prolonged course of injections can be relatively costly. Many owners struggle to pay the costs of the ASIT course while maintaining a medication regime to alleviate inflammation and itchiness until the ASIT takes effect.
Owners pay not only a financial cost but must also have the time to visit the veterinarian every other day or biweekly, which can become challenging. The long duration of the course is another off-putting aspect of the treatment.
There is also a 25% to 50% chance that the Allergen Specific Immunotherapy may not reduce the dog’s allergy symptoms.
Veterinarians remain convinced that ASIT is still a valuable tool in the fight against atopic dermatitis. They feel that the side effects of the medicines used to manage atopic dermatitis are high risk.
ASIT can reverse the pathology that causes dermatitis as it directly targets the immune system’s faulty functioning. The only other treatment capable of doing this is intermittent cortisone treatments, which have significant potential side effects.
The decision to start a course of ASIT should be carefully discussed with your veterinarian to decide if it is the best option for your dog and whether you can manage the finances and time involved.
Rush Therapy And Sublingual Immunotherapy
The Rush protocol was established to reduce the amount of time taken for a dog to respond to ASIT. The first twelve shots are given within a few hours. This procedure must be carried out while the dog is hospitalized and closely monitored as it can trigger life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) uses a daily drop of allergen applied under the tongue. It alleviates the need for veterinary visits and constant injections. The owner can administer the oral therapy but must be aware of the need to monitor reactions to the allergen.
Cytopoint As An Alternative To Allergy Shots
Cytopoint is a relatively new veterinary treatment option for allergic dermatitis. It is not a drug but rather a biologically similar antibody that interferes with the itch signal in the dog’s nervous system.
Cytopoint is administered by injection, and 75 % of dogs show an improvement by the second injection. Many dogs respond to the first injection and show a reduction in symptoms within a few days. One injection can have effects that last for four to eight weeks.
Conclusion
Allergy shots are only suitable for dogs that have allergies to environmental allergens. Three-quarters of these dogs will benefit from allergy shots administered for a treatment period of more than a year.
References
xhttps://avactaanimalhealth.com/news/allergen-specific-immunotherapy-asit-underused-in-dogs-cats/
xhttps://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952556
xhttps://www.vetdermclinic.com/when-is-allergen-immunotherapy-recommended-for-my-pet/
xhttps://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/immunotherapy-itchy-dog/
xhttps://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-health/allergy-shots-for-dogs-does-your-pup-need-them/
