Allergy Shots for Dogs: 5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Treatment

Allergy shots for dogs are one of the most effective ways to manage long-term environmental allergies, and allergy drops may be an option too. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking their paws, or getting ear infections again and again, the problem likely goes deeper than sensitive skin. Many dogs react to environmental allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites. You can’t get rid of those entirely—but you can change how your dog’s body responds.

That’s the goal of immunotherapy. Allergy shots and drops don’t just block symptoms. They help your dog’s immune system react less over time. The result is fewer flare-ups and less dependence on daily meds or steroids.

At White Oak Animal Hospital in Fairview, TN, we use Allercept™ testing from Antech Diagnostics to customize treatment. Based on those results, we recommend allergy shots, allergy drops, or both. Our care also includes acupuncture, herbal support, food therapy, and supplements that support the immune system.

You don’t need to guess your way through allergy care. There’s a tested process, and we’re here to help you follow it.

Allergy Shots for Dogs: What They Are and How They Work

Allergy shots for dogs are made through a process called allergen-specific immunotherapy. It’s not a short-term fix. Instead, it trains your dog’s immune system to stop overreacting to certain allergens over time.

The first step is testing. We use a blood test to measure IgE antibody levels against specific allergens. At White Oak, we prefer the Allercept™ test from Antech because of its accuracy and reliability. When we know what’s triggering your dog’s symptoms, we order a custom serum.

You’ll give small injections under the skin, starting with low doses and slowly increasing. The goal is tolerance, not suppression.

Most dogs start with two shots per week. As tolerance builds, the frequency decreases. It typically takes 6 to 12 months to see strong results, but some dogs improve earlier. Mild swelling or itching at the injection site can happen, but serious reactions are rare.

Allergy shots for dogs are a long-term option that reduces the need for meds like prednisone or Apoquel. If your dog’s itching never seems to let up, this is one approach worth considering.

Allergy Shots for Dogs vs Allergy Drops: Which Is Better for Your Pet?

If you’ve heard of allergy shots for dogs, you may also have seen allergy drops as another option. Both are types of immunotherapy. Both aim to reduce sensitivity to environmental allergens. The difference lies in the delivery.

Allergy shots are injected under the skin, typically twice per week during the early phase. They’re supported by decades of research and tend to be more widely used. Some dogs (and their owners) handle injections easily. Others don’t.

Allergy drops, also called sublingual immunotherapy, are placed under your dog’s tongue. They’re usually given twice daily. The drops are formulated based on the same test results and use the same ingredients, just in liquid form. For anxious dogs or those with injection aversion, drops may be more manageable.

Both options use your dog’s specific allergens. Both slowly change how the immune system responds to pollen, mold, dust, or other common triggers.

So, which is better?

That depends on your dog’s temperament, your schedule, and how you prefer to give treatments. Some families do better with drops because they can avoid visits and give the therapy at home. Others find that weekly shots are simpler once the schedule levels out.

At White Oak Animal Hospital, we help you choose based on what fits your dog—not just what’s most commonly used. Both allergy shots for dogs and drops have strong success rates. The key is consistency.

How Allergy Testing Leads to the Right Immunotherapy Plan

You can’t start allergy shots for dogs without knowing what your dog is allergic to. That’s why testing matters.

At our clinic, we use Allercept™ serum IgE testing to pinpoint the allergens affecting your dog. This test checks for common environmental triggers like pollens, dust mites, mold spores, and insects. It’s a blood test, so no sedation is required. We can do it during a regular appointment.

Skin testing is sometimes done by specialists. It’s more invasive and requires sedation. For most dogs, blood testing gives enough data to start treatment confidently.

After testing, we build a treatment plan. That includes a custom immunotherapy mix—either for shots or drops—based on your dog’s specific results. From there, we decide how to deliver the therapy, how often, and how to support your dog while their immune system adapts.

Immunotherapy works best when paired with other care. We combine Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), food therapy, and herbal support. TCVM helps reduce inflammation and balance the immune system. Herbal blends support the skin and gut. Acupuncture may also help, especially during flare-ups.

This is where integrative care matters. Instead of focusing on one treatment alone, we treat the whole system. That’s what makes allergy shots for dogs more successful in the long run.

Allergy shots for dogs are one of the best long-term strategies for managing environmental allergies. They don’t work overnight—but they work. And allergy drops offer an option for pets who don’t tolerate injections.

At White Oak Animal Hospital, we’ve used Allercept™ testing from Antech for years to help pet families make informed choices. We combine immunotherapy with integrative care—acupuncture, herbs, supplements, and nutrition—to help your dog from all angles.

We also understand that not every pet fits in a box. That’s why we offer both Western veterinary medicine and alternative treatments, so you don’t have to choose one over the other. We’ve treated allergy-prone pets across Fairview, TN for over 28 years, and we’re still here to help.

If your dog isn’t improving with daily meds, allergy shots for dogs or allergy drops may be what’s missing. Let’s figure out the next step together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do allergy shots for dogs take to work?

Most dogs start showing results in 6 to 12 months. Some see improvement in a few months, but full response takes time. This is a long-term strategy.

2. Are allergy drops as effective as shots for dogs?

Yes. Allergy drops are based on the same allergens and work the same way. They’re often chosen for dogs who don’t do well with injections.

3. What are the side effects of allergy shots for dogs?

You might see slight swelling or redness at the injection site. Rarely, more serious symptoms like vomiting or lethargy occur. If you notice anything off, call your vet right away.

4. Can food allergies be treated with allergy shots or drops?

No. Allergy shots for dogs only treat environmental allergies. Food allergies require a separate food trial or elimination diet to identify and manage.

5. Do I need to see a specialist for allergy shots for dogs?

Not always. At White Oak Animal Hospital, we handle testing and treatment in-house. For more complex cases, we’ll coordinate with a dermatologist if needed.