Dog allergies are a common condition where the immune system overreacts to specific proteins primarily found in the animal’s saliva, urine, and tiny flakes of skin known as dander. These proteins, notably Can f 1 and Can f 2, become airborne or settle on surfaces, triggering symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes upon inhalation or contact. For individuals experiencing severe or persistent reactions that significantly impact their quality of life, a specialized treatment called allergen-specific immunotherapy, commonly referred to as allergy shots, offers a long-term solution. This therapy aims to modify the immune system’s response to the dog allergen itself.
Identifying the Need for Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are considered when standard management techniques, such as avoidance and medications, fail to control chronic allergy symptoms. Before starting, an allergist must confirm that dog dander is the specific trigger. Diagnosis is typically accomplished through a skin prick test or a blood test measuring allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Good candidates usually have year-round or prolonged symptoms that remain disruptive despite continuous medication use. Immunotherapy requires a significant time commitment, making it most suitable for patients whose daily exposure to dog allergens is unavoidable or who desire a fundamental change in their allergic response. The test results allow for the creation of a customized treatment serum containing the exact allergens to which the patient is sensitive.
The Mechanism of Allergy Shots Against Dog Allergens
Allergy shots work by introducing minute, controlled amounts of the dog allergen extract into the body over time, a process known as desensitization. This gradual exposure trains the immune system to stop perceiving the dog protein as a threat. The goal is to shift the body’s response away from producing IgE antibodies, which cause immediate allergic symptoms.
As the body is repeatedly exposed, the immune system begins to produce immunoglobulin G (IgG), specifically the IgG4 subtype. These IgG blocking antibodies compete with IgE antibodies, intercepting the protein before it can bind to mast cells and trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals like histamine. This rebalancing also involves the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which actively suppress the allergic inflammatory response. This treatment approach has demonstrated a high success rate, with efficacy reported to be between 60% and 80% in reducing symptoms.
What the Treatment Regimen Involves
The allergy shot protocol is divided into two phases requiring a long-term commitment. The first is the build-up phase, involving frequent injections, typically once or twice a week, with the allergen extract dose gradually increasing. This phase usually lasts three to six months until the maximum tolerated or effective dose is reached.
Once the maximum dose is achieved, the patient transitions into the maintenance phase, where injections are given less frequently, usually every two to four weeks. The total duration of immunotherapy is typically three to five years to achieve long-lasting tolerance; stopping early can reduce sustained benefit. Patients must remain in the clinic for 30 minutes after each injection to monitor for potential side effects, ranging from common local reactions like swelling or redness to rare but serious systemic reactions.
Other Treatment Options for Dog Allergies
For individuals who cannot commit to immunotherapy or whose symptoms are mild, several other options exist for managing dog allergies. First-line treatments focus on avoidance strategies, such as using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to trap airborne dander and frequent washing of bedding and upholstery. Limiting the dog’s access to certain rooms, particularly the bedroom, also reduces allergen exposure.
Pharmacological treatments provide symptomatic relief by counteracting chemicals released during an allergic reaction. Oral antihistamines block histamine and reduce sneezing and itching, while nasal corticosteroids are effective at reducing inflammation within the nasal passages. Decongestants offer temporary relief from nasal stuffiness by shrinking swollen tissues, but they are not recommended for long-term use. These medications manage symptoms effectively but do not alter the underlying immune response to the dog allergen.