Has anyone used allergy shots to help with your dog's allergies?

I work in a shelter; I've seen three cases of horrendous uncontrollable skin allergies where allergy injections were the choice of treatment (after trying countless oral medications, diet changes, and medicated baths). I saw GREAT success in these cases. You just have to understand how it works and decide if you can handle it. The injections essentially attempt to "desensitize" your dog to his specific allergens, slowly over the course of weeks and weeks until you reach a maintenance dose. Depending on what company you use for allergy testing and serum production, the schedules will vary .. but there are typically very frequent injections in increasing volumes to start (something like every other day for a week or two, then switching to a more potent serum .. slowly increasing it .. etc). The schedule is strict, and it is important to adhere to it to a tee. There is a dog in the shelter right now that is maintained on one injection every two weeks .. and her skin looks fabulous.

The important thing to keep in mind is the fact that you will be injecting your dog with the very allergens that cause him to have a hypersensitivity response. Therefore, it is expected that your dog's skin will "flare up" initially .. and this may last for a while - possibly until you reach his maintenace dose. So - at first, it can be a trying experience because you will probably need to treat his expected "flare up" with some oral medications or baths, or whatever you have used in the past.

Although I've had experience with only three cases involving allergy injections, I saw great results. I think it's worth considering if you are comfortable giving injections, you can afford it, and you are willing to be patient in seeing a good response. It's important to work closely with your dog's veterinarian on this as well, so that you can treat any skin issues in the initial period as they arise.

I will also add this (sorry this respoonse is so long!):

Allergies just plain stink .. it is one of the most frustrating conditions to have in a pet. One of the dogs that was treated in my shelter would still occasionally have flare ups of skin infection and itchiness .. but any dermatitis that she experienced while receiving allergy injections were dramatically less itchy/red than when she was not receiving the injections.. AND the flare ups were occasional, as opposed to being in a constant state of dermatitis and skin infection. Overall, she was better off.

Good luck, again - sorry this was so long, but I hope it helped a bit. :)

I haven't personally to my dogs but have quite a number of clients who have treated their dogs with them. I think depends mostly on what exactly are the allergens & how much you can limit exposure to them. Most of the owners were happy with the results & did make a difference with dogs' coat/skin. The few that didn't seem to work as well seem to be the ones that were allergic to a number of grasses & a long list of allergens that just couldn't be avoided.(plants, other animals) I would try myself if the dog's allergies are affecting the quality of life & dog is unhappy from itching & scratching. Better than not trying.

Depends on the VET. I would also be talking about it a little more with my Vet, From what I understand an Allergy shot here & there is not bad, but regular Allergy Shots are harmful & they literally take years away from the dog.

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