Allergy Shots for Dogs

[Bouncingthetrot]

So, my DH’s dog is hairless (intentionally), he’s allergic to dogs with hair. The dog has developed severe allergies that causes pimple like bumps that become infected and gross.

We’ve taken the dog to the vet numerous times and they give him an antihistamine and antibiotic and/or steroid. This clears it up for a week or two and then the bumps start to come back. The bumps only occur in the spring-fall, which make us think it’s due to something outside.

Yesterday we took the dog to a dermatologist/allergist and they did the intradermal allergy test–dog is allergic to dust mites and just about every tree in existence. The dermatologist recommended allergy shots. Has anyone had experience with dogs and allergy shots? Did they work?

[GutsNGlory]

My Wheaten gets allergy shots every 3-4 weeks and does wonderfully on them. I never had him tested, but I do know from process of elimination that he has both food and environmental allergies. I manage his food allergies with diet and the environmental with shots. I am lucky that I have a very inexpensive (but good) ‘country’ vet. Without him, I’m not sure that I could afford the monthly allergy shots (current cost is $12/shot, no office fee and we only go in 4 times a year for them- one shot in house, two to take home). I’ve heard from friends that the shots can be fairly pricey at some other vets.

The only “issue” I’ve had is that the shots are steriod based, so if I go longer than 4 weeks between, my boy will have some side effects from them (increased water consumption and urination for a day or two).

I definitely think they are worth looking into for your DH’s dog!

[2tempe]

My dog got allergies after moving to florida; same skin thing. Vet thought but we did not confirm that it is oak allergies. He gets his fairly sizeable coat clipped into a lion cut in the spring and again mid summer; takes one benedryl per day, May-Oct, which is actually below the allowable dose for his 60 lb size.

You might want to try that before the shots; I buy the 12 hour generic benedryl from Target, you get 100 for about $4.
To clear up the skin condition (I forget the name) took two long courses of antibiotics, I think 14 days each, but the benedryl has kept things under control ever since.

[ndirish07]

Prednisone

I have had two dogs that needed allergy shots. The first was a shih-tzu, Tai, and the second was a Welsh Terrier, Jake. They were both on prednisone. I don’t remember much about Tai’s issues as I was fairly young. Jake was my heart dog. He would get hot spots all over his body and lick at them until his fur fell out. He had to have the shots to be able to function. The dogs had two different vets. When they were about 10 years old, they both had the same symptoms- increased thirst, loss of kidney function (eventual bowel function), lost weight. Tai’s vet thought he probably developed cancer from the shots. This was before lots of tests and my family probably wouldn’t have spent the money anyways. The same thing happened to Jake. That vet said his condition was probably caused by the shots too.

If it was me, I’d be very careful about using prednisone. But for our dogs that was the only option. At least they were happy and comfortable until our decision was made for us.

[WarDance]

My parent’s Maltese is on them. They work very well but it’s about $300. She was miserable before the shots though. It has really made the dog more happy and comfortable. If you don’t keep using the booster shots the dog will redevelop the allergies though. My parents have made that mistake before.

[Brio]

What your dog is experiencing is called Atopic Dermatitis. I have 2 dogs with atopy and it can be very frustrating to control. There is no cure and management is either allergy shots or symptomatic care.

Supportive care is directed at reducing symptoms. We frequently use antihistamines and fish oils with limited success. We also use prescription medcations including steroids (such as prednisone every other day) or cyclosporine (Atopica).

Hyposensitization works by decresing the bodies ability to recognize an allergen as foreign and thus decreasing its response. The injections are specifically formulated for your pet. they are given in increasing frequency and concentration, eventually they are given approximately every 3 weeks.

My own dogs have seen a good response to the hyposensitization injections. I have one dog on just the injections and antihistamines with no steroid. The other is “special” and we were able to at least reduce his other meds and he’s less miserable. On average, approximately 65-70% of dogs will respond positively to the injections. It may take 6-12 months before seeing the result. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

[Bouncingthetrot]

Thanks for everyone’s input and advice. My vet quoted us $230 for 6 months of allergy shots. I think we are going to try for a year and see what happens.

Thanks again!

[asb_own_me]

My oldest Doberman is allergic to dust mites. She’s been on allergy shots for several years now. We just get the serum refills and more needles/syringes, and give all injections at home. Easy peasy.