Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, sometimes referred to as desensitization or allergy shots, is a safe, long term treatment that builds your pet’s immunity to allergens (dust mites, pollens, molds, trees, grass, etc.) through injections with increasingly larger doses of a serum specifically formulated to your pet’s sensitivities. The goal of immunotherapy is to build up your pet's immune system so that it does not react to specific allergens. This form of therapy is helpful in approximately 75-86% of patients. In fact, 70% of patients receiving allergen-specific immunotherapy are reported to show good to excellent results.
All animals respond to immunotherapy differently. Sometimes, improvements are notable within the first month of treatment, but more typically, your pet will show improvements by the third or fourth month of treatment. Most animals show signs of improvement by 6 to 9 months of therapy, though some animals may not show improvements for a year. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a long-term treatment with long-term results.If not totally effective, immunotherapy may help decrease or eliminate the use of steroids.
Our veterinary dermatology staff will guide you through the process of administering injections and caring for your pet in other ways, such as the use of topicals and other treatments. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an investment in your pet's health that directly helps to reduce your pet's sensitivity to allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does immunotherapy (allergy shots) cure my pet's allergies?
Allergies are a lifelong problem that can be controlled but not cured.
How does the dermatologist choose the allergens for the immunotherapy?
Our veterinary dermatologists look at the results of the allergy test, your pet's history and exposure to allergens in order to determine which specific allergens are affecting your pet.
When will I see results?
The average length of time that passes before a response is seen is 3 to 4 months. However, some lessening symptoms may be seen as early as 3 weeks. Just keep in mind that some pets take much longer, 9 to 12 months, to show the full benefit of allergen-specific immunotherapy.
When is the best time to give my pet the injection?
Any time is good as long as it is not before a heavy exercise period or a big dinner. Giving your pet a little rest and relaxation one hour before and after an injection is a good plan.
What side effects should I expect?
Most pets do not have any adverse reactions to allergen-specific immunotherapy. If an adverse reaction does occur, the most common is an increase in itchiness. Redness, hives, or soreness at the injection site are also occasionally seen. If the pet has any of these signs, it means that the last dose of allergen-specific immunotherapy was too strong or was given too soon. Do not continue to increase the dose. Our trained friendly staff will be happy to help you if you are not sure of how to make the changes.
When should I order a refill?
Your pet's immunotherapy is individualized, so please call (757) 366-9090 (Refill Line) at least 4 weeks before you need the refill, usually when you have used 3/4 of the vial.
