Hyposensitization, more commonly known as allergy shots, is one conventional dog allergy treatment option. (Other conventional dog allergy treatment options include the use of corticosteroids and antihistamines.)
Allergy shots for dogs usually require injections of diluted amounts of allergens on a weekly basis. Allergens are foreign proteins which trigger allergic reactions in the dog.
Skin Testing – Allergens or Just Antigens
Antigens are foreign proteins which may or may not trigger an allergic reaction (depending on the individual dog).
Allergens are antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE in the dog’s body.
To determine which antigens are allergens for a particular dog, a vet will have to do an intradermal skin testing.
The vet should do the skin testing during a time when the dog is not affected by allergies (e.g. in the winter if the dog is affected by pollen).
If done during this time, the test will be more accurate because the skin responses will not be influenced by any active inflammation caused by the actual allergy.
Also, before the skin testing, the dog must stop all allergy medications (e.g. corticosteroids, antihistamines) for a specified period of time. If not, the test will not be accurate.
In order do the skin test, the vet injects a small amount of different allergen extracts (in all about 60 different substances are tested for) into the skin. He then examines skin reactions to see which allergen extract(s) triggered allergic reactions in the dog’s skin.
The vet can then compound a solution for the allergy shots. The solution contains the foreign protein(s) that have been found in the skin test to have caused allergic reactions to the dog.
The idea is to sensitize the dog’s body to the protein(s). Hopefully he will experience fewer allergic symptoms upon the next exposure to the allergen(s).
Working Mechanism of Allergy Shots
Veterinarians are unsure exactly how allergy shots for dogs work. However, there are several theories.
One theory is that allergy shots may cause a reduction in IgE levels (IgE antibodies bind to the allergens and mast cells causing allergy symptoms).
Another theory is that, like vaccination, immunization may be the mechanism in which a different class of antibodies is formed instead of IgE.
Yet another theory is that by giving allergy shots to a dog, the dog’s immune system will eventually develop a higher threshold of tolerance toward the allergens.
Pros and Cons of Allergy Shots for Dogs
If you are considering allergy shots for your dog’s allergy, you may be disappointed to find out that allergy shots are actually not commonly used in dogs! The reason is, the cons of allergy shots for dogs far outweigh the pros.
Some difficulties when it comes to using allergy shots as a dog allergy treatment include:
Time Consuming
Allergy shots take time to work. It takes at least 12 months to determine if a dog is responding to the allergy shots.
Relatively Low Efficacy
Not all dogs respond to allergy shots. In fact, only about 60 to 70% of dogs respond favorably to allergy shots. This means about 30 to 40 percent of the dogs (especially those who are allergic to multiple allergens) being treated are still suffering from allergy symptoms at the end of the trial year.
Also, up to 25% of dogs will require prednisone therapy at some point during the course of treatment.
Potential Side Effects
Although side effects of allergy shots are not as serious and numerous as those of corticosteroids, allergy shots do have some side effects. One such side effect is the possibility of developing allergic reactions to the injected antigens.
Cost
Allergy shots are rather expensive. It costs over $100 for the sedation and intradermal testing, and over $150 for 12 injections.
Because of the above difficulties, many veterinarians use allergy shots as a last resort.