Sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose are just some of the symptoms you may experience if you have a pet allergy. For many people in North Texas these symptoms are a persistent struggle, one that will only subside with an effective pet allergy treatment. Fortunately, whether you own a cat or dog or are likely to come into contact with pet dander or saliva, allergy shots can dramatically reduce the risk of having an allergic reaction.
Are Allergy Shots the Best Treatment for Pet Allergies?
Allergy shots are a highly effective treatment option for people with pet allergies. Also called immunotherapy, this long-term treatment is a type of allergen desensitization that targets the proteins found in the dander, saliva or urine of dogs, cats and other animals. A patient receives injections that contain small amounts of the problem allergen, thus allowing the immune system to build a tolerance without triggering severe allergic reactions.
How Can I Tell if I’m a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots can reduce the impact of a pet allergy and improve a person’s health and well-being. However, this treatment is not always the best option, and allergy testing is important in identifying the cause of a reaction before considering immunotherapy. Because pet allergy reactions are triggered by specific proteins from dogs, cats and other animals, your allergist will need to narrow down the possibilities and define the precise cause.
In addition, there are other factors that will influence whether a patient is a good candidate for allergy shots. Those who are facing moderate to severe reactions (and willing to commit to a lengthy treatment process) could receive the benefits of this treatment. Conversely, people with mild allergies who respond well to alternative treatments (as well as those dealing with other health complications) might require a different approach.
How Does Immunotherapy for Pet Allergies Work?
When a person with a pet allergy is exposed to proteins from a cat or dog, their immune system overreacts and produces antibodies. These are immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) and they bind to cells in the body (mast cells and basophils), eventually triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals. As a result, the person begins to experience common pet allergy symptoms.
Allergy shots interrupt this process by reducing sensitivity to allergens, essentially making the immune system less likely to react. The initial stage of treatment is called the build-up phase, and lasts around three to six months. Patients will visit their allergist’s office once or twice weekly for allergy shots to build tolerance. After reaching the maximum effective dose, the maintenance phase begins. This period can last from three to five years and involves the patient receiving allergy shots once or twice each month to maintain tolerance.
Get Pet Allergy Treatments in North Texas
TexasAllergyMD is a trusted provider of allergy testing and management services at our allergy treatment centers in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake. To discuss allergy shots and other treatments, contact our team today. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment now.
