Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the most effective way of addressing pet environmental allergies, sometimes even leading to a permanent cure. Unlike other treatments, ASIT targets your pet’s immune system instead of just managing symptoms with medications.

Effective in approximately 70% of pets, this therapy option works by gradually introducing increasing amounts of allergens into your pet to gradually build up tolerance.

Traditionally, ASIT has been administered through subcutaneous injections, also known as allergy shots. However, some pets may not tolerate injections well, and for many pet owners, administering allergy shots at home can be a stressful experience.

In such instances, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an excellent alternative. With SLIT, allergen drops are placed under your pet’s tongue, allowing for absorption through the oral mucosa, offering a simpler, needle-free solution to long-term allergy management.

How does SLIT work for pets?

SLIT works by placing increasing drops of allergens under your pet’s tongue, where the oral mucosa then absorbs them. This method has been successfully used in human medicine to treat allergies for many years. Over the past few years, interest in this treatment approach has grown in veterinary medicine. You will find that clinics specializing in animal dermatology services, just like ours, provide it as a treatment for pets.

SLIT provides a safe and effective option for treating pets with allergies, especially in cases where injections are not well-tolerated. When a pet has been diagnosed with an environmental allergy, their immune system overreacts to environmental triggers like pollen, mould, or dust mites.

This allergic response leads to symptoms such as itching, nasal congestion, and skin irritation, often causing discomfort and, in severe cases, secondary infections from constant scratching or licking. Pet allergies are often chronic and may flare up at different times of the year, depending on the allergens.

While allergens may be managed temporarily with treatments like medicated shampoos or corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment option that uses your pet’s immune system to treat allergy symptoms and stop the development of secondary conditions or hypersensitivities to additional allergens.

Why is SLIT a great alternative to allergy shots?

SLIT offers several advantages over injectable immunotherapy. First, many pet owners are reluctant to administer allergy shots or find it stressful to do so. SLIT provides a needle-free alternative that is typically easier for the pet owner to manage.

Second, getting injections may be stressful for pets, but the allergen solutions used in SLIT, which often contain 50% glycerin, are often much more appealing. Many dogs regard the SLIT drops as a sweet treat, making the administration process easier.

Third, because the allergen solutions are formulated with glycerin, the solution can stay in the mouth for longer periods, allowing for more effective absorption through the oral mucosa.

Lastly, SLIT may be safer for some pets, particularly those that have experienced adverse reactions to injectable ASIT. Pets that have had reactions such as anaphylaxis to allergen injections may tolerate SLIT much better. In some cases, pets that did not respond adequately to injectable ASIT showed notable progress with SLIT.

One of the first cases treated with SLIT had been an injectable ASIT for nearly two years with only marginal results. However, the owners reported significant improvements within 30 days of starting SLIT.

How is SLIT administered, and what is the proper dosing?

In contrast to subcutaneous injections, which are typically given every 1 to 3 weeks, SLIT is administered daily or twice daily, depending on the protocol developed by your veterinary dermatologist.

While daily administration might be seen as a drawback to some, many owners find it easier to incorporate into their routine, and missing a SLIT dose has fewer negative consequences than forgetting an injection.

The allergen solutions used in SLIT are delivered through a pump dispenser directly under and around your pet’s tongue. Before using the pump for the first time, it needs to be primed by pressing the pump a few times to ensure it’s ready to dispense the correct amount of solution.

If you go to a clinic offering animal dermatology services, the specialists will advise you that SLIT should not be given with food or water. Also, pets should avoid eating or drinking at least 30 minutes before and after receiving a dose to allow for proper absorption.

The optimal dosing schedule for SLIT is still being studied. However, many clinical trials have found its efficacy in treating allergies similar to that of injectable immunotherapy, with some pets responding even better to SLIT.

Veterinary dermatologist specialists will often fine-tune the SLIT dosing protocol based on your pet’s responses to treatment. Some pets may require one pump of the solution daily, while others may need a higher dose or more frequent administration to achieve optimal results. This individualized approach ensures that each pet receives the most effective and appropriate treatment for their underlying allergy.

Is SLIT safe, and are there any side effects?

SLIT is generally well-tolerated by pets, but mild side effects may develop in the mouth or throat. The most common unexpected reactions are itching and mild swelling of the inside of the mouth, area under the tongue, and throat, which can last for up to 60 minutes.

It is recommended that pets are monitored for approximately 30 minutes following the first few doses to ensure they do not have adverse reactions. In rare cases, some pets may experience mild irritation in the mouth or throat, such as coughing or discomfort when swallowing. However, these reactions are usually short-lived and resolve on their own.

Contact Us for Animal Dermatology Services in Vancouver

SLIT is a safe and effective alternative to injectable allergen-specific immunotherapy for pets suffering from environmental allergies. By offering a more convenient option for both owners and pets, SLIT holds significant promise in improving your pet’s quality of life.

If your pet is experiencing ongoing allergies or skin conditions, our animal dermatology services can provide the expert care and relief your pet needs. At Animal Dermatology Specialists of Vancouver, we provide services to dogs and cats, including allergy skin testing, food allergy diagnosis, ear and nose disorders, immune disorders, pet skin and ear infections, and more.

Choose our professional animal dermatology services and our experienced team will provide your pet with quality care. You can reach us at 778-743-9926 or request an appointment by completing our online form.