The sight of your dog constantly scratching, licking, or chewing is a familiar and distressing one. Allergic reactions in dogs, often described as itchy skin (or more technically atopic dermatitis), can significantly impact their quality of life.

Fortunately, veterinary research has made great strides, offering a range of effective dog allergy medicine that go beyond simply managing symptoms and now include immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots), specialized medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint.

Symptoms of Dog Allergies

The most common allergic symptom is itchy skin, but symptoms can also affect the digestive system, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

Allergies That Affect Dogs

The three most common allergies in dogs are:

• Flea allergy, which occurs as a reaction to flea saliva, is considered the most common allergy affecting dogs,” according to the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, though that varies based on geography. “For example, fleas do not survive well in the Southwest. Environmental allergies are more common there.”

Dogs with flea-allergy dermatitis can get very itchy from only a couple of flea bites. The most affected areas are usually around the base of the tail. If you think your dog may be suffering from flea allergies,  check for fleas and flea dirt on your dog and home.

• Environment: Like you, your dog can be allergic to environmental factors. As the term implies, environmental dog allergies stem from something in your dog’s surroundings. These could be airborne substances in your home, backyard, or wherever else your dog hangs out and include pollen, dust mites, mold, and grasses.

  These allergies are often triggered by inhaled allergens like dust, mold, pollen, or other plant or animal particles. The allergens can also be absorbed through the skin, leading to a condition called atopic dermatitis, characterized by itchy and inflamed skin

• Food allergies, which are the least common, occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to certain ingredients in their diet. Food allergies can occur even if your dog has eaten the offending food many times before. Note that there’s a difference between food allergies and food sensitivities.

  True dog allergies are an immune system reaction to foods the body thinks are harmful, often protein. So, the immune system creates antibodies that trigger allergic reactions. These could show up as wheezing, skin eruptions, itching or swelling. But true food allergies are rare, and experts estimate they affect less than 10% of dogs who experience food reactions.

  Signs of food allergies in dogs, according to Medvet, a network of veterinary emergency and specialty hospitals, include “persistent itching, licking, or chewing different areas of their body, getting secondary yeast or bacterial skin or ear infections, or repeated gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas.”

Allergy Shots for Dogs

“Allergy shots [or  immunotherapy] are the best long-term treatments for controlling environmental allergies in dogs,” says Dr Aimee Warner, a veterinary surgeon at Medivet.

They do this by slowly desensitizing the immune system, gradually training it not to overreact to the offending allergens such as pollen, mold, or dust mites, Dr. Warner says.

“It is highly individualized, based on allergy testing, and can really cut down on symptoms in the long run. While a commitment, many dogs see drastically improved quality of life without resorting to constant medication,” says Dr. Warner

Dog Allergy Medication Options: Cytopoint vs. Apoquel
Several drugs are often used to manage allergic symptoms in dogs, including antihistamines and corticosteroids, according to Warner. “However, the best options in cases of moderate to severe allergies are usually Apoquel and Cytopoint. Both drugs target the itch-scratch cycle in a different way and help suppress inflammation. While over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl may have some weak effect, they are usually ineffective in severe cases of allergies.”

Cytopoint is an injectable monoclonal antibody that, Warner says, inhibits a protein that causes itch in dogs. It acts in 24 hours and lasts four to eight weeks per injection. “The best thing about Cytopoint is how targeted and safe it is — it’s not an immunosuppressant, so it’s ideal for dogs that cannot handle other medication. It’s particularly effective in dogs with chronic allergic dermatitis.”

Like Cytopoint, Apoquel is a first-line treatment for allergic itch, but these medications are not interchangeable. It inhibits specific pathways (JAK enzymes) involved in itch and inflammation to dampen the immune system, with quick relief that is typically seen within hours. Cytopoint injections are given monthly and target a particular itch-inducing protein.

“I tend to prescribe Cytopoint for younger dogs or dogs with chronic allergy management requirements, while Apoquel might be better for short-term relief or when injections are not possible. Some dogs even do well with a combination strategy, depending on the response,” Warner says.

Immunotherapy For Dog Allergies

While allergy shots offer hope for dogs plagued by allergies, they aren’t perfect solutions for every dog or dog owner. According to leading veterinary dermatologists and research from veterinarian schools at institutions like Cornell University, and the University of Wisconsin here are three things to consider:

• It can take six to 12 months to see the full benefits, and initial injection frequencies can be high before moving to maintenance (typically about every four weeks).
• Many dogs require lifelong maintenance injections to sustain the benefits.
• Initial testing and treatment can be an investment, though it may be more cost-effective long-term by reducing reliance on symptomatic medications.

For a Tailored Approach to Allergy Relief Partner With Your Veterinarian
Managing dog allergies requires a partnership between you and  your veterinarian. Whether through the long-term, disease-modifying approach of immunotherapy, or the effective symptomatic relief offered by medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint, the goal remains the same: to alleviate your dog’s discomfort and restore their quality of life.

A thorough veterinary examination and discussion of your dog’s specific needs, lifestyle, and your preferences will help determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.