What is RESPIT? 

RESPIT, regionally-specific immunotherapy, is a product I developed to treat pets with allergies due to environmental allergens. It relies on a patent-pending process of selecting allergens based on the pet's allergen exposure according to their geographic region, rather than allergy test results. It has been found to be as effective as the conventional approach, while bypassing costly and often inaccurate testing.

How is RESPIT administered?

Until now, RESPIT was administered by weekly subcutaneous injection (under the skin). We will continue to offer this  

RESPIT Oromucosal Spray

product, but our manufacturer has recently been granted USDA approval to offer RESPIT Oromucosal Spray. This product contains the same allergens, but is administered with a small pump spray bottle into the oral cavity, between the cheek and gums. Allergens are absorbed through the oral mucosa and processed by the active immune system cells there. In humans, the aim of this route of administration is to deliver the allergen under the tongue and it goes by the name sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT is surpassing injections as the main route of allergen administration in many parts of the world, due to its equal efficacy, ease of administration, and high degree of safety.

Several studies on oral allergen administration in allergic dogs have now been completed, with positive results. Our product has been formulated to deliver a small volume of concentrated allergen in a vehicle that will help it adhere inside the mouth, allowing for absorption before it is swallowed. Food and water should be withheld for one hour after the once daily administration.

My pet is already receiving RESPIT Injectable. Should I switch to the Oromucosal Spray?

If you and your pet tolerate injections, and your pet is doing well, I don't recommend switching. On the other hand, if you would prefer to administer a daily spray between the cheek and gums to giving a weekly injection, RESPIT Oromucosal Spray is a great option to have. There is evidence that some dogs that have failed to respond to subcutaneous immunotherapy may still respond to SLIT. We may find the opposite in another population of dogs when we have more experience with SLIT.