| Allergy shots for dogs make it possible for our pets | | | | allergy desensitization a success or failure. |
| to escape the itchy discomfort of allergy symptoms | | | | Especially in difficult cases, you need a 'top gun' to |
| completely and permanently. That's a wonderful thing, | | | | get top results. If you live in the country you may |
| but it will not happen overnight. | | | | need to drive to the big city, or take the subway |
| When it comes to inhalant allergies (atopy in dogs) | | | | across town to a university animal hospital. It may |
| you must pick a vet that has substantial experience | | | | not be convenient but it will be worthwhile. |
| in curing this type of allergy, and not just the | | | | Here are some basic guidelines: |
| occasional try. Inhalant allergies in dogs are different | | | | With dog allergy shots, your dog will need a daily |
| than food allergies because the former are treatable | | | | needle or shot, at least at first. It is far better if the |
| with allergy shots, the latter are usually not. | | | | owner can administer the shots rather than driving to |
| So, when it comes to dog inhalant allergies, most | | | | the vet dermatologist every day. It is also less |
| family vets have limited experience in administering | | | | expensive. It is not difficult to give a needle to a dog, |
| skin tests and what is more difficult, understanding | | | | and you will be shown exactly how to do it correctly |
| the results and how they may inter-relate to blood | | | | and safely. |
| tests and other parts of the diagnostic jigsaw puzzle. | | | | You should keep in mind that it is common for dog |
| Inhalant allergy diagnosis is a true art form born from | | | | immunotherapy to take 6 to 12 months. There is no |
| extensive experience and wide knowledge of this | | | | way of knowing when or if the shots will eventually |
| form of allergy. This is far out of the league of the | | | | work, especially if the dog has multiple allergies. But |
| average family vet. | | | | with a 75% success rates (or partial success rates), |
| Some family vets do have the experience and | | | | the odds are in your favor. |
| knowledge to do a very good job. So, you need to | | | | Be prepared that 25% of the time dog |
| research a vet before approaching him or her for | | | | immunotherapy does not work. |
| allergy shot therapy. | | | | You should keep in mind that success is not always |
| The wise family veterinarian know their strengths, | | | | 100%. There are times when a dog will need to have |
| and as a matter of course will immediately refer a | | | | a fortnightly, monthly, or quarterly booster shot to |
| dog with a moderate to serious inhalant allergy | | | | maintain the desensitization. This is no big deal. |
| (atopy) to one of many veterinary dermatologists. | | | | Allergy shots for dogs are a golden opportunity cure |
| Veterinary dermatologists are trained in the fine | | | | or control an allergy in a firm manner. It is the |
| points in understanding inhalant allergies and their | | | | preferred manner in dealing with inhalant allergies in |
| associated canine blood test, allergy skin tests, | | | | dogs. Locate a good vet dermatologist and have it |
| diagnostic evaluation, and the all-important pet allergy | | | | done the right way. |
| shots. It is the vaccine in the shots that will make | | | | |