Dupixent for dogs: Usage, safety, and alternatives

In this article:

• What is Dupixent used for in dogs?
• Is Dupixent safe for dogs?
• Dupixent alternatives for dogs
• Summary

In this article

• What is Dupixent used for in dogs?
• Is Dupixent safe for dogs?
• Dupixent alternatives for dogs
• Summary

Dupixent is a brand-name prescription drug used by healthcare providers to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema), asthma, and other immune-mediated conditions. Although dogs commonly have atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma, veterinarians do not use Dupixent to treat these conditions. That’s because the active ingredient in Dupixent, dupilumab, is a human monoclonal antibody that will not work in dogs. However, veterinarians can use another antibody drug like Dupixent called Cytopoint (lokivetmab) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. 

RELATED: Save up to 80% on Dupixen

What is Dupixent used for in dogs?

Dupixent is not used in dogs.

Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that treats atopic dermatitis, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis (swelling of the esophagus due to an allergic reaction), allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (nasal swelling and growths), and prurigo nodularis (an autoimmune condition of the skin that causes itchy nodules on the skin).

Atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma are common conditions in dogs. Nasal polyps are uncommon, and the other conditions are rare or nonexistent.

Even though allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis are common canine conditions, Dupixent will not work. Human antibodies cannot work in dogs because they quickly develop immunity to those antibodies.

Antibodies are large molecules. If they’re not designed for the type of animal they’re given to, the animal’s immune system will identify them as foreign invaders and eventually learn to destroy them. Monoclonal antibodies don’t work unless they’re species-specific. 

A monoclonal antibody is designed to stick to one type of molecule, called an antigen. Scientists create these antibodies in living mice, but won’t work in people. So, scientists first have to engineer the DNA that controls antibody production to make something that looks like a human antibody. These are called “humanized monoclonal antibodies.” They are identified with the “-umab” at the end of their names.

Monoclonal antibodies have to be canonized to work in dogs. Scientists engineer the DNA that makes these antibodies to make antibodies that mostly, if not completely, look like something made by a dog. Animal-specific monoclonal antibodies end in “-vetmab” for “veterinary monoclonal antibody.” 

Atopic dermatitis

The good news is that at least one company, Zoetis, has developed a monoclonal antibody called Cytopoint (lokivetmab) to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs. It works much the same way as Dupixent.

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition in dogs that can negatively impact a dog’s quality of life. It has many causes, including allergens, infections, parasites like fleas and dust mites, food allergies, and skin disease. Itchy skin (pruritus) is the primary symptom, but dogs might also have skin redness, swelling, and hair loss, usually because of excess scratching.

Dupixent treats atopic dermatitis by blocking proteins called “cytokines.” These molecules are the alarm system that distressed cells use to activate the immune system. The immune system launches an inflammatory response, which causes itchiness, swelling, and redness. Dupixent blocks two important cytokines: interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Healthcare providers prescribe once-monthly injections to relieve active flare-ups and prevent future ones.

Cytopoint works the same way but blocks interleukin-31 (IL-31). Like Dupixent, Cytopoint relieves an active atopic dermatitis flare-up and prevents future flare-ups when injected monthly or every other month. 

Asthma

Asthma is a complex condition with many causes. Dogs experience allergic asthma and bronchial constriction when exposed to environmental allergens. Veterinarians call this condition “allergic bronchitis” rather than “asthma.”

Allergic asthma is very common in dogs. As in people, the most evident signs of airway closure in a dog are difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, and heavy panting. Dogs may appear lethargic and, at worst, show signs of low oxygen, like a blue tongue.

Dupixent is used as a maintenance treatment in people with asthma to prevent asthma attacks. However, it can’t be used in dogs; no similar therapies exist. Most pet parents will give their dog daily inhalants containing steroids, long-acting bronchodilators, or both to prevent asthma attacks or forestall the worsening condition.

Is Dupixent safe for dogs?

Veterinarians do not know if Dupixent is safe for dogs.

Side effects of Dupixent

In people, the most common side effects of Dupixent are:

• Injection site reactions
• Conjunctivitis
• Herpes infection
• Upper respiratory infections

Dupixent’s most serious side effects in people are severe allergic reactions.

Interactions of Dupixent with other pet meds

Veterinarians do not know if Dupixent has significant drug interactions with other pet medications.

People can never use Dupixent with live vaccines. Vaccines with live viruses or bacteria have been weakened, so they’re not infectious. When combined with an immune-suppressing drug like Dupixent, live vaccines could cause a serious infection. 

Dogs are given the following live vaccines:

• Parvovirus vaccine
• Adenovirus-2 vaccine
• Some forms of distemper vaccines 
• Some forms of parainfluenza vaccines

Dupixent alternatives for dogs

Veterinarians do not use Dupixent in dogs but have effective treatments for atopic dermatitis and allergic asthma.

Veterinarians use topical corticosteroids (creams and ointments), other topical therapies, antihistamines, and regular bathing to help control the itchy skin in dogs with active atopic dermatitis. 

The veterinary treatment of choice to prevent allergic dermatitis flare-ups is allergen-specific immunotherapy or ASIT. During this treatment, veterinarians will administer small doses of the allergens that cause flare-ups. They will gradually increase the dose to a maintenance dose. In this way, the dog’s immune system gets used to these allergens and becomes insensitive to them. ASIT is long-term therapy that lasts at least a year and may not show results for several months.

To treat or prevent atopic dermatitis, a veterinarian or dermatology specialist may prescribe Cytopoint (lokivetmab), an injectable antibody that works like Dupixent. Cytopoint subcutaneous injections are given every four to eight weeks. Side effects include injection site reactions, sleepiness, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. 

Other maintenance treatment options include Apoquel (oclacitinib), cyclosporine (an immunosuppressant), topical corticosteroids, or oral corticosteroids. For owners looking for more natural supplements, alternatives include anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals such as omega-3 fatty acids and ultra-microsized palmitoylethanolamide or PEA (sold as Redonyl Ultra).

Prevention of allergic asthma exacerbations consists of avoiding allergen exposure and providing clean and filtered air in the home. Veterinarians may also prescribe inhaled medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators.

Summary

Dupixent is not used in dogs. For allergic dermatitis and asthma, veterinarians use standard treatments, including allergen avoidance and preventive drugs like corticosteroids. Veterinarians can use a biologic drug very similar to Dupixent called Cytopoint to treat atopic dermatitis.