New Pet Allergy Drugs Reach Japan, Awaiting EU Approval After Cutting Desensitisation to 6 Weeks
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 3
New Pet Allergy Drugs Reach Japan, Awaiting EU Approval After Cutting Desensitisation to 6 Weeks
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 3
Summary
New pet allergy drugs are already sold in Japan and awaiting EU approval, with veterinary dermatologist Ralf Müller saying they could cut immunotherapy timelines from about 1 year to 6 weeks.
That shift targets the underlying allergy rather than just itching, potentially reducing the need for indefinite symptom-control drugs that work in around 80% of dogs but leave roughly 15% unresponsive.
Diagnosis remains the main hurdle: vets first rule out skin infections, mites, fleas and rarer diseases before specialists use intradermal testing to identify likely allergens.
Current desensitisation can largely cure or sharply reduce symptoms, but it costs about £1,000, requires repeated injections and owner follow-through, and can take months before benefits appear.
Veterinarians say pet allergies may be rising as animals spend more time indoors, eat more processed food and face greater exposure to fragrances, household allergens and even human dander.