Be proactive. Be prepared. Bee ready!
Nature is Unpredictable—Your Dog’s Health Shouldn't Be.
The Facts About Venom Desensitization for Dogs
A 20-year clinical study of 82 canine patients has shown:
- Proven Protection: Over 87% of dogs showed a significantly reduced reaction to "real-world" stings after starting therapy.*
- Total Defense: Dogs on a monthly maintenance schedule showed the highest level of protection, with zero severe reactions reported.*
*Reference: Ewing, T. S., Dong, C., Boord, M. J., & Fang, Y. (2022). Adverse events associated with venomous insect immunotherapy and clinical outcomes in 82 dogs (2002-2020). Veterinary Dermatology, 33(1), 40-e14.
Is Your Dog a Candidate?
Your dog is a likely candidate if they have experienced any of the following after a sting:
- Collapse or sudden weakness
- Difficulty breathing or gasping
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe swelling of the face, throat, or paws.
The Process:
- Testing: An intradermal test identifies the specific venomous insect (bee vs. wasp) that triggers the allergic reaction for your dog.
- Induction: Over several weeks, subcutaneous injections of the identified insect venom are administered. We gradually increase the strength each week to safely build the immune system's tolerance, shifting from an "allergic" response to a "protective" one. Your dog will remain with us in the hospital for the entire day at each visit, allowing us to monitor them closely.
- Maintenance: Maintaining consistency with once-monthly injections is key to successful desensitization. These maintenance doses serve as a regular reminder to the immune system, preventing it from reverting to a state of hypersensitivity.
- Assurance: Enjoy the outdoors confidently, knowing your dog is protected against life-threatening reactions to stings!