Allergy Shots for Dogs: How Canine Immunotherapy Works
Key takeaways:
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a treatment that works with the dog’s immune system to help with allergies.
Allergy shots can be effective for environmental allergies in dogs who have not responded to other treatments.
Owners will need to stick with an allergy treatment program, which can take up to a year to work well.
Table of contents
If you suspect that you and your dog are both allergic to dust or pollen, you could be right. Just like for humans, allergies for dogs are uncomfortable and itchy. Combine this discomfort with your dog’s constant scratching and licking, and you have a recipe for hair loss and skin infections.
If your dog is constantly shaking their head, biting their tail, or licking their feet or paws, they may have allergies. Yes, dogs can get allergies. In fact, dogs can get allergy shot treatments much as people do.
Can dogs get allergy shots for their allergies?
Dogs can get allergy shots (immunotherapy) for environmental allergies. Allergy shots are among the best treatments to manage dog allergies. Up to 80% of dogs will get a lot of relief thanks to allergy shots.
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The younger your dog starts allergy shots, the more successful treatment is. In general, most environmental allergies in dogs begin between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. As a dog gets older, allergies can worsen and new allergies can develop.
With allergy shots, you and your veterinarian must commit to the treatment plan. It can take a year before you can tell whether allergy shots are working for your dog.
How do immunotherapy allergy shots work?
Allergy shots — formally called allergen-specific immunotherapy — work by retraining your dog’s immune system. The treatment stops your dog’s immune system from overreacting to allergens. Unlike medication treatments that just control symptoms, allergy shots work like your dog’s own immune system.
To start, a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist will do allergy testing on your dog. This determines what your dog is allergic to. A vet will then use this information to create a custom allergy shot formula for your dog.
Each allergy shot contains a small amount of what your dog is allergic to. The dose is gradually increased over time so their body builds a tolerance to it.
At first, your dog may need injections every other day before moving to shots once or twice a week. Eventually your dog will get to a maintenance dose. Many dogs need one allergy shot every 30 days for the rest of their life to maintain the benefits.
Treating infections: If your dog comes down with an infection, there’s no need to worry. Here’s a list of antibiotics that fight viruses and bacteria in dogs.
Chow mix: Need to switch dog foods? No problem. Just take it slow and mix the old food with the new food using this schedule.
Snoring and snorting: Dogs make all sorts of interesting noises. But if your pet sounds like they’re struggling to breathe, they could have sleep apnea.
Allergy shots can help. But some dogs may still require anti-itch medications during seasonal flare-ups. You and your vet will work together to find what works best for your dog.
Other types of allergy shots and treatments
If immunotherapy shots aren’t right for your pet, talk to a veterinarian about alternatives like steroids or Cytopoint.
Steroids
Steroid shots like dexamethasone can reduce inflammation and relieve itching caused by allergies. They can be very effective and last for several weeks. Their side effects include panting, loss of energy, and increased appetite.
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Cytopoint
Cytopoint is a nonmedication, biological treatment. It works similarly to your dog’s natural antibodies, targeting and neutralizing the causes of itch in your pet. For some animals, relief is long lasting. For others, it’s short term and modest. In some dogs, it stops working after a few shots.
Apoquel
Another option worth looking into is Apoquel. Apoquel is not an allergy shot but a medication that’s available as a tablet or a chewable tablet. It’s effective against itchiness, inflammation, and allergic reactions to airborne allergens. Mild side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
How much do dog allergy shots cost?
The cost of immunotherapy injections will vary based on your dog. On average, be prepared to pay $150 for about 4 months worth of medication. The cost can vary based on the dose of each shot.
You should also factor in the cost of allergy testing at the start of treatment. Your vet will recommend either skin or blood testing. Skin testing can cost up to $350, which doesn’t include a vet’s office visit fees. Depending on your pet and their needs, your first visit for allergy shots can cost over $1,200.
Often a vet will teach you how to give your dog injections at home. But your cost will be more expensive if the shots are given at the vet’s office. That is something to discuss with your veterinarian before starting a treatment plan.
Keep in mind, allergy shots may be more cost-effective for your dog in the long run. Money spent over the years on allergy symptom-relief medications and treatments can add up. If you have pet health insurance, some plans help cover the cost of allergy shots.
What common allergies do dogs have?
Several types of allergies can affect dogs. The most common are skin allergies. If your dog has a skin allergy, it is probably caused by one of three factors:
Flea allergy dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis occurs when your dog has an allergic reaction to flea bites. It causes your dog’s skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed. Flea allergies are managed by keeping fleas away from your dog with preventive medication.
Food allergies
Allergies to foods can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, skin infections, and ear infections. Itchy ears, itchy paws, and digestive problems can also be signs of a food allergy. But true food allergies are far less common than many people think.
Less than 1% of dogs and cats have a true food allergy. It is more common for a dog to have a food intolerance. Food allergies can be managed by removing foods your dog is sensitive to from their diet.
Environmental allergies
Environmental allergies are caused by airborne substances such as dust, pollen, smoke, mold, grasses, and other substances. Your dog’s immune system may respond to these allergens as if they were foreign invaders (such as viruses or bacteria). These allergies can be treated using allergy shots. You’ll still want to remove as many allergens as possible from your dog’s environment.
Like humans, dogs can have seasonal allergies that flare once or twice throughout the year. Other dogs have year-round allergies. And as with humans, a dog’s seasonal allergies can progress to year-round allergies. Early detection and treatment is the best way to slow the progression and severity of dog allergies.
Can dogs be tested for allergies?
Yes, dogs can be tested for allergies with a blood test or an intradermal (skin) test. Which test your dog gets will depend on the recommendations of the dermatologist. Skin testing is the most common option.
Blood testing
Blood testing requires taking a blood sample and sending it to a lab.
Skin testing
Intradermal or skin testing is more involved than blood testing. After your pet is mildly sedated, your vet will shave a small section of hair from their chest. Small shots are then injected at the site. If a hive forms, it signals an allergic reaction.
These tests can check for allergies to:
Tree, weed, and grass pollens
Dust
Mold spores
Fleas
Frequently asked questions
Certain dog breeds are more likely to have allergies, such as:
Dalmatians
Golden retrievers
West Highland white terriers
Shar-peis
Labrador retrievers
Cairn terriers
Lhasa apsos
Shih tzus
Boxers
Pugs
Boston terriers
Scottish terriers
Allergy shots for dogs are considered safe. There are no long-term side effects. The most common reactions are swelling and redness at the injection site. Your dog may also have increased itchiness and redness.
Your dog may need allergy shots if they have ongoing symptoms, such as red, itchy skin; hair loss; and skin or ear infections that keep coming back.
The bottom line
If your pup has year-round itching and scratching, they may benefit from immunotherapy allergy shots. These shots retrain your animal’s immune system. They remain among the best treatments for controlling environmental allergies in dogs. Other options include steroid shots, Cytopoint shots, and the medication Apoquel.
A veterinarian can test your pet for allergies by taking a blood sample, doing skin tests, or both. They can recommend a treatment plan based on their findings. Consider your dog’s health and comfort — as well as your resources and schedule — to determine if you should pursue allergy shots.
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References
Beers, H. (2017). Allergy shots may bring relief to itchy dogs. University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Brooks, W. (2023). Allergies: Atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2023). Immunotherapy for allergies in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Brooks, W. (2023). Steroid use in dogs and cats. Veterinary Partner.
Burns, K. (2018). Banfield: Few pets allergic to food; flea, environmental allergies rise. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Craig, J. M. (2019). Food intolerance in dogs and cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
DeBoer, D. J. (2017). The future of immunotherapy for canine atopic dermatitis: A review. Veterinary Dermatology.
Griffin, C. E. (2006). Allergen-specific immunotherapy for canine atopic dermatitis: Making it work. DVM360.
University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care. (n.d.). Allergy testing for your pet.
University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care. (n.d.). Cytopoint: Questions and answers.
VIN Dermatology Consultants. (2020). Itching and allergy in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
VIN Dermatology Consultants. (2021). Atopic dermatitis in dogs. Veterinary Partner.
White, S. D., et al. (2018). Allergies in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
