Cytopoint For Itchy Allergies In Dogs - A Deep Dive!
As a pet parent, you know how heartbreaking it can be to see your little one suffer from allergies. Whether it’s incessant itching, scratching, or hot spots, allergies can make your dog miserable and disrupt their daily life.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate your dog’s allergy symptoms, and one of the most promising new therapies is Cytopoint. It was created specifically for dogs that suffer from seasonal allergies, and it can offer incredible relief for up to 8 weeks at a time.
Vetted wants you to have the tools needed to care for your little one with irritating allergies, so let’s help you better understand this impressive allergy management option! You can also download the free Vetted app and speak with our Vet Pros at any time, as we are always here to support you and your little one as you maneuver their allergy care.
What Is Cytopoint For Dogs & How Does It Work?
Cytopoint is a cutting-edge medication designed to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, or seasonal allergies. Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin condition that affects up to 10% of all dogs, and occurs when the body responds inappropriately to some form of allergen in the world around them. This hypersensitivity reaction can occur with environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, and so much more.
When a dog with atopic dermatitis is exposed to these allergens, their immune system overreacts, triggering a cascade of inflammatory responses that can lead to extreme discomfort. Some of the many irritating allergy symptoms can include skin redness, severe itchiness, ear infections, skin infections, and anal gland complications.
Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody therapy that specifically targets and neutralizes canine IL-31, a cytokine involved in the inflammatory itch sensation. By binding to IL-31 and preventing it from reaching its receptor in the skin, Cytopoint can effectively block the itch signal and provide relief from itching for 4 to 8 weeks.
How Is Cytopoint Administered In Dogs?
Cytopoint is a prescription medication that must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. It is available as a subcutaneous injection, which means your veterinarian will inject it under the skin like they would a vaccine.
The injection site can be on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades, and the dosage depends on the dog’s weight. The injection is typically completely painless, and your dog should not require any type of sedation or anesthesia.
One of the main advantages of Cytopoint is that it can be administered as needed, without the need for daily medication or frequent vet visits. Dogs typically receive Cytopoint every 4 to 8 weeks, but this will vary from dog to dog depending on the severity of their allergy.
What Are The Benefits Of Cytopoint For Dogs?
Cytopoint offers several advantages over traditional allergy medications, such as steroids or antihistamines. These benefits include:
- Long-lasting relief: Cytopoint provides up to 4 to 8 weeks of itch relief, which is longer than most traditional allergy medications.
- Fast-acting: Cytopoint starts working within 2-48 hours, so your dog can experience relief quickly.
- Safe: Cytopoint is well-tolerated by most dogs. It is not a steroid, so it does not have the same side effects as steroid medications.
- Convenient: Cytopoint is administered by a licensed veterinarian and does not require daily medication or frequent vet visits.
- Effective: Cytopoint has been clinically proven to be effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life in dogs with seasonal allergies.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Cytopoint For Dogs?
Cytopoint can cause side effects in a small number of dogs, although they are generally mild and not seen often. Some of the most common side effects reported include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days, and most pups do not require any treatment.
In rare cases, some dogs can develop serious complications such as an anaphylactic reaction or immune-mediated reactions. However, these side effects are extremely rare, and they occur in less than 1% of treated dogs. Most of these complications will develop within the first 72 hours of their injection, so we always suggest keeping a close eye on your little one during this period, just to be safe.
Is Cytopoint Right For My Dog With Allergies?
If your little one suffers from irritating allergies that impact their daily life, then Cytopoint may be an excellent treatment option. This is especially true if other treatment options have not been effective for your pup, as Cytopoint works in a completely different way than other allergy management methods.
At the end of the day, your veterinary team are the only ones that can offer you accurate guidance when it comes to managing your little one’s allergies. By assessing their current symptoms and what has worked for them so far, they can help you make the best decision about their ongoing care!
If you have any other questions about Cytopoint for dogs, be sure to reach out to our Vet Pros in our 24/7 pet parent guidance center. We are here to support you and your little one each step of the way!
