Is There An Allergy Shot For Humans Allergic To Dogs? Yes
Yes — there is an allergy shot for humans allergic to dogs called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT); it is NOT Cytopoint or Apoquel (those are for the dog). Dog SCIT evidence is weaker than cat SCIT: Smith 2016 systematic review found 'poor and conflicting results' across 17 trials. Can f 5 testing first: 16.5% of dog-sensitized adults are monosensitized to Can f 5 prostatic kallikrein (intact male dogs only) and can adopt a female dog instead of SCIT. Schoos 2020 JACI Pract DBPC confirmed 7/7 Can f 5-monosensitized children had zero reaction to female-dog extract. Hypoallergenic breeds do NOT help: Vredegoor 2012 JACI found these breeds had HIGHER Can f 1 than standard breeds.
10 peer-reviewed sources
Yes — there is an allergy shot for humans allergic to dogs: subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). But run Can f 5 component testing first — 16.5% of dog-sensitized adults are monosensitized to intact-male Can f 5 and can adopt a female dog instead.
The essentials
Yes — there is an allergy shot for HUMANS allergic to dogs. It's called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and it's prescribed by an allergist. It is NOT a veterinary product. Cytopoint (Zoetis lokivetmab, anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody given to the dog every 4–8 weeks) and Apoquel (Zoetis oclacitinib, oral JAK inhibitor for the dog) are products for the dog, not for you. For canine atopic dermatitis, see a veterinarian. This page covers immunotherapy for humans with IgE sensitization to dog allergens only.
Before committing to SCIT, the most important clinical step is component-resolved testing. Specifically: Can f 5 (28 kDa prostatic kallikrein) is produced exclusively in the prostate gland of intact male dogs and is completely absent in female dogs and neutered males (Mattsson L et al., JACI 2009). Approximately 16.5% of dog-sensitized adults in the West Sweden Asthma Study were monosensitized to Can f 5 only (Ozuygur Ermis G et al., Allergy 2023) — meaning they react to intact males specifically. Schoos AM et al. (JACI Pract 2020) demonstrated in a randomized DBPC challenge that 7/7 Can f 5-monosensitized children had no reaction to female-dog extract. These patients can adopt a female or neutered dog and skip immunotherapy entirely.
For Can f 1-dominant or broadly polysensitized dog-allergic patients, SCIT or sublingual drops are the appropriate treatment path — though the evidence is weaker than for cat: Smith DM et al. (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016) reviewed 17 trials and found "poor and conflicting results of clinical efficacy."
Curex provides at-home IgE component testing with allergist review for Can f 1 and Can f 5 — the two diagnostic categories that determine whether you need immunotherapy at all or whether you're a Can f 5-monosensitized patient (16.5% of dog-sensitized adults per Ozuygur Ermis 2023) who can adopt a female dog instead. For patients who do need immunotherapy, Curex delivers that SCIT as an at-home allergy shot kit: a personalized serum sterile-compounded to USP <797>, self-administered as one weekly shot at home for $129/month, with the first dose and every dose change supervised live over Zoom by the prescribing allergist and a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector confirmed on hand — making safe at-home maintenance possible for eligible patients.
Ready to skip the surprise bills?
See if at-home allergy shots fit your allergies — a 2-minute quiz, designed by board-certified allergists, with flat monthly pricing and no clinic visits.
- 4.8/5Patient rating
- $129/moFlat pricing
- 50K+Patients treated
- HSA/FSAEligible
Same proven results. No clinic visits.
Curex's at-home allergy shots deliver the same allergen desensitization as clinic SCIT — for a flat $129/month, with no clinic visits and no facility fees.
See if at-home shots are right for youFrequently asked questions
Is there really an allergy shot for humans allergic to dogs?
Yes — subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) using dog-allergen extract exists for humans with dog allergy. It is administered by an allergist and is completely distinct from veterinary products like Cytopoint (lokivetmab, for dogs) or Apoquel (oclacitinib, for dogs). However, before starting SCIT, component testing for Can f 5 is important: approximately 16.5% of dog-sensitized adults are monosensitized to Can f 5 prostatic kallikrein — found only in intact male dogs — and these patients can adopt a female or neutered dog instead of starting a 3-to-5-year immunotherapy course.
What is Can f 5 and why does it matter for dog allergy shots?
Can f 5 is a 28 kDa prostatic kallikrein produced exclusively in the prostate gland of intact male dogs — it is completely absent in female dogs and neutered males (Mattsson L et al., JACI 2009). Approximately 16.5% of dog-sensitized adults are monosensitized to Can f 5 only, meaning they react exclusively to intact male dogs. Schoos AM et al. (JACI Pract 2020) demonstrated in a randomized DBPC challenge that all 7 Can f 5-monosensitized children tested had no reaction to female-dog extract. For these patients, adopting a female or neutered dog solves the allergy problem without immunotherapy.
Why is dog allergy SCIT evidence weaker than cat?
Two reasons. First, no FDA-standardized dog allergen extract exists — unlike cat-hair and cat-pelt (standardized at 10,000 BAU/mL by Greer Laboratories), dog extracts are sold as PNU-based or w/v formulations with significant lot-to-lot variability, which makes clinical trial results harder to replicate. Second, the dog allergen profile is inherently complex: at least seven Can f allergens have been characterized and no single allergen exceeds 75% sensitization prevalence, making it difficult to design a consistently effective extract. Smith DM et al. (Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2016) reviewed 17 trials and concluded the results showed 'poor and conflicting results of clinical efficacy' — an honest appraisal of a difficult allergen category.
Do hypoallergenic dog breeds reduce allergy symptoms?
No — the scientific evidence says otherwise. Vredegoor JK et al. (JACI 2012;130[4]:904–9) measured Can f 1 in 196 dogs across 'hypoallergenic' and standard breeds and found hypoallergenic breeds had significantly HIGHER Can f 1 (geometric mean 2.26 µg/g vs 0.77 µg/g in standard breeds, P<0.001). Nicholas CE et al. (Am J Rhinol Allergy 2011) found detectable Can f 1 in 94% of 173 Henry Ford homes with no difference between hypoallergenic and standard breed homes. The one exception: Can f 5-monosensitized patients can tolerate female or neutered dogs of any breed — but that is not a breed effect, it is a sex/neuter effect.
Related Articles
Allergy Shots for Cat Allergy | Full SCIT Guide | Curex
Allergy shots for cat allergies reduce symptoms 60-72% at the 15 mcg Fel d 1 maintenance dose. Cat SCIT efficacy, dosing, and alternatives.
Read moreAllergy Shots for Humans Allergic to Cats: Full Guide
Yes — allergy shots for humans allergic to cats use FDA-standardized cat-hair extract (10,000 BAU/mL). Alvarez-Cuesta 1994 DBPC, Varney 1997 ~72% reduction. SLIT alternative.
Read moreWhere To Get Allergy Shots | Curex Allergy Shot Guide
Get allergy shots at an allergist office or at home with Curex SCIT ($129/mo). HOPD sites can bill $24,400 for what a freestanding clinic charges $1,827.
Read moreAllergy Shots for Humans Allergic to Dogs: Full Guide
Yes — allergy shots for humans allergic to dogs are subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Smith 2016 'poor and conflicting' evidence. Can f 5 exit ramp for 16.5%.
Read morePollen Allergy Shots: Efficacy & Evidence | Curex Guide
Pollen SCIT has the strongest immunotherapy RCT base: grass 49% symptom reduction (Walker 2001), ragweed NEJM 1996, birch 40% (Bødtger 2002). Full regional map inside.
Read moreAllergy Shot For Humans: SCIT & SLIT Guide
Yes, there is an allergy shot for humans — subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). Cochrane SMD −0.73, 3–5 yr course, at home via Curex $129/mo. Not Cytopoint.
Read moreGet your allergy shots — without the clinic.
Curex's flat $129/month covers end-to-end at-home immunotherapy — a personalized serum compounded to USP <797> sterile standards, board-certified allergist oversight, and one weekly injection you give yourself at home. No clinic visits, no facility fees. HSA/FSA eligible.
$129/mo flat · No facility fees · HSA/FSA eligible · Cancel anytime
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. Content reviewed by board-certified allergists at Curex.