A GUIDE TO IMMUNOTHERAPY

FOR YOU AND YOUR PET

Table of Contents
Immunotherapy Introduction..............................3
Immunotherapy .........................................................5
Supplies ........................................................................5
Process.........................................................................5
Dosage Schedule......................................................6
Dosage Schedule Chart ........................................9
When to Give Injections ......................................10
Possible Reactions ................................................10
Records.......................................................................13
Duration & Improvement ....................................13
Refills ...........................................................................13
Controlling Your Pet’s Environment ..............14

Introduction
By selecting immunotherapy, you have chosen
to take an active role in your pet’s life. Treating
pet allergies is a delicate and time sensitive
process, requiring special attention on your
part. The Pet Allergy Workbook and your
veterinarian will guide you through the process.

03
Immunotherapy
A process that allows your pet’s immune system
to gradually become less sensitive by injecting
progressively larger amounts of the offending
allergens.

Supplies
After the diagnosis of allergy is made and tests
have been performed to identify the offending
allergens, a specific treatment schedule is
formulated for your pet. Offending allergens
are mixed and diluted into a set of treatment
vials. This formulation is to be administered by
injection. You will be provided with all supplies:
• Treatment Vials
• Syringes
• Pet Allergy Workbook

Process
Your veterinarian will administer the first
injection, starting with the weakest
concentration of the treatment set. You will
administer the remaining doses according to
the standard dosage schedule unless a reaction
is observed, in which case the schedule is
tailored to fit your pet’s individual response.

05
REFRIGERATE ALLERGY EXTRACT
TREATMENT VIALS IMMEDIATELY
UPON ARRIVAL
It is important to refrigerate the treatment vials
immediately and to keep track of injections and
dosages. The Pet Allergy Workbook should be
used to record each injection date, amount
administered, and the pet’s condition. Always
take your Pet Allergy Workbook with you to
your veterinarian and have it handy when calling
regarding your pet.

Dosage Schedule
Dosages will gradually become larger and stronger.
The dosage amounts range from 0.1 mL to 1.0 mL
at three levels of strength:
• Vial 1 (blue top) is the weakest (100 or 200
PNU/mL).
• Vial 2 (yellow top) is intermediate strength (1,000
or 2,000 PNU/mL).
• Vial 3 (red top) is the strongest (10,000 or 20,000
PNU/mL).
The dosage schedule indicates when to give the
injection, what amount to give, and what the
strength of that amount is.

06
 Dosage Schedule
Blue Top Yellow Top Red Top
Vial 1 Vial 2 Vial 3
Weakest Intermediate Strongest
100 or 200 1,000 or 2,000 10,000 or 20,000
PNU/mL PNU/mL PNU/mL
Day 1 0.1 mL
Day 4 0.2 mL
Day 7 0.4 mL
Day 10 0.8 mL
Day 13 1.0 mL
Day 16 0.1 mL

Build-up
Day 19 0.2 mL
Day 22 0.4 mL
Day 25 0.8 mL
Day 28 1.0 mL
Day 31 0.1 mL
Day 34 0.2 mL
Day 37 0.4 mL
Day 40 0.8 mL
Day 43 Schedule changes to every 10 days 1.0 mL
Day 53 1.0 mL

Maintenance
Day 63 1.0 mL
Day 73 1.0 mL
Continue with 1.0 mL every 10 days. In some cases,
the interval between injections may be gradually
extended to 21 days.

09
When to Give Injections
• Only give your pet an injection when you can
observe it for up to one hour after the
injection.
• The pet should not be exercised heavily or
fed for one hour before or one hour after
the injection.
• Become familiar with your veterinarian’s
office hours so that you are prepared in
the rare instance of an adverse reaction.

Possible Reactions
• Observe your pet.
• As you proceed along the injection schedule,
you are looking for the maximum tolerated
dosage that will not cause a reaction.
• Even a mild reaction indicates the dose
may be too strong.
• Do not continue to increase the dose when
the pet shows any adverse signs.
• The two most common adverse reactions
are an increase in generalized itchiness and
redness.
• Rarely, your pet might develop hives,
lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

10
Records
• It is essential that you document each
injection and note how your pet reacts.
The Pet Allergy Workbook includes a chart
for tracking your pet’s immunotherapy.

Duration/Improvement
• Allergies are a lifetime problem that can be
controlled but not cured.
• It takes time for your pet’s system to respond.
• All animals are different and it is not unusual
to see some improvement during the first
month, but more typically it is noticed by
3 to 4 months.
• Some pets may not show improvement for
a year.
• When a pet is not doing as well as expected,
the problem is often the need to modify
the dosage schedule.
• Medications as directed by your veterinarian
may be necessary while waiting for the
immunotherapy to become effective. It is
suggested that your pet be re-evaluated each
time a refill of allergy extracts is ordered.

Refills
• Your pet’s prescription is individualized so
please call your veterinarian at least 4 weeks
before you need a refill.

13
Controlling Your Pet’s Environment
• New research shows that allergens can be
absorbed through the pet’s skin. Frequent
bathing (at least weekly) can remove many
of the offending allergens and make the pet
more comfortable. Your veterinarian can supply
you with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo and a
remoisturizing crème rinse. (A medicated
shampoo will be suggested when necessary.)
• Maintain healthy skin; any bacterial or fungal
infections should be treated immediately.
• Use bedding that can be washed weekly in hot
water, especially for pets that are allergic to
house dust mites and molds. (A clean sheet
can be spread on the pet’s bed or on furniture
where the pet sleeps.)
• Cedar or pine chips, whether inside or outside
the house, can cause problems with allergic
pets.
• Air filtration systems and dehumidifiers lower
the allergen level in the house.
• Frequent dusting and vacuuming (when the pet
is out of the room) keep allergen levels low.
• Mold allergic pets should be kept away from
basements, garages, underneath porches,
bathrooms, laundry rooms or any wet, musty
areas.
• Rinse off the paws of the paw licking pet who
has come in from outside.

14
 GV JUNE05 10K

Call your veterinarian if you

have additional questions.