Key points
A Cytopoint injection for dogs is a monoclonal antibody therapy (lokivetmab) made by Zoetis that neutralizes IL-31, the protein that signals allergic itch.
It begins working within 24 hours, and one shot lasts 4–8 weeks.
A Cytopoint shot typically costs $60–$250+ per visit depending on your dog's weight, plus any exam fee, and is repeated every 4–8 weeks.
Cytopoint is not a steroid. The most common side effects are mild and short-lived, such as lethargy or an upset stomach.
If your dog is keeping you awake at night due to scratching, chewing, and licking, there might be hope for quiet nights in the future. As a veterinarian, I have treated many dogs with these symptoms, but I have also experienced this personally with my own dogs. Skin symptoms due to allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs come to see me.
Many of these dogs are absolutely miserable, and the shot your vet may have mentioned, Cytopoint, is starting to sound necessary. If you’re wondering why your dog licks their paws so much, this is information you may need to know because constant paw licking is actually one of the most common signs of allergic itch.
Before you decide on a new medication, you’ll want to know what Cytopoint does, what it costs, how safe it is, and how it compares to Apoquel (the other main treatment for itchy dogs). This will give you the background needed to discuss Cytopoint easily with your veterinarian.
What is a Cytopoint injection for dogs?
Cytopoint is a prescription injectable medication manufactured by Zoetis for dogs with itch caused by allergic or atopic dermatitis. When it first came out, my colleagues and I were excited to have another option for treating dog itch. This skin condition most often stems from dog seasonal allergies.
The active ingredient in Cytopoint, lokivetmab, is a monoclonal antibody, a protein made in a laboratory that works like your dog's own natural antibodies. It targets specific immune molecules involved in allergic reactions.
According to Zoetis, Cytopoint was the first monoclonal antibody therapy licensed for dogs in the U.S. It requires a trip to the vet once every four to eight weeks for a simple under-the-skin injection.
How does Cytopoint work?
The itch that your dog feels is the result of a messenger, a protein called interleukin-31, which carries a signal from the skin to the brain. Cytopoint interrupts that signal by binding and neutralizing IL-31, reducing the itch.
If you're like me, you feel terrible when your dog is miserable with itchy skin. The good news about Cytopoint is that relief can begin as soon as 24 hours after the injection. In a peer-reviewed field study published through the National Institutes of Health, most allergic dogs showed meaningful, sustained itch reduction after treatment.
Is Cytopoint a steroid?
No. I always try not to use steroids in my itchy dog patients. Steroids reduce itch by broadly suppressing the immune system. Unfortunately, long-term steroid use can harm the kidneys, liver, and other organs.
Cytopoint targets just one itch protein, and the body breaks it down like a natural antibody. Zoetis reassures dog parents that dogs of any age, and those on most medications, can receive Cytopoint without problems.
How much is a Cytopoint injection?
The cost of a Cytopoint injection largely depends on your dog's size. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane pay very different prices. I have a medium-sized mixed breed, so I find it quite affordable. The average Cytopoint injection cost for a dog ranges from $60 to $250 or more per visit, plus an exam fee of $50 to $75 if your vet requires one.
Because the injection is required every four to eight weeks, that can add up to a few hundred dollars annually for seasonal itch, or $1,500 or more if the injection is needed year-round. I know it sounds expensive, but without it I see many dogs that end up with out-of-control skin infections, and the average cost of emergency vet care can be higher.
Cytopoint injection for dogs dosage chart
The Cytopoint injection for dogs dosage chart below shows typical doses and price ranges by weight. Your clinic's prices will vary.
Dog's weight | Typical dose | Estimated cost per injection |
Up to 10 lbs | 10 mg | $60–$90 |
10.1–20 lbs | 20 mg | $70–$110 |
20.1–30 lbs | 30 mg | $85–$130 |
30.1–40 lbs | 40 mg | $100–$150 |
40.1–80 lbs | Two vials combined | $130–$200 |
Over 80 lbs | Multiple vials combined | $180–$250+ |
Cytopoint injection for dogs side effects: is it safe?
I know that the most important thing to me when I'm considering a new medication, either for my own pets or to recommend to my patients, is safety. Cytopoint has a strong safety record. The USDA safety data reports that the most common side effects for dogs are mild and temporary: vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, and occasional soreness at the injection site.
Very rarely, a dog may have an allergic-type reaction to the injection itself, which can cause facial swelling or hives and means you need to call your vet right away. Honestly, I’ve never had that happen. Cytopoint is generally safe for seniors and dogs with other health conditions since the liver or kidneys don't metabolize it.
Why was Cytopoint discontinued?
Cytopoint was never discontinued. Zoetis still fully licenses and actively manufactures it. At one time, supply shortages left some veterinary hospitals unable to stock it. If you should find yourself unable to get Cytopoint temporarily for your own dog, ask for a short-term alternative rather than letting your dog’s itch take over again.
Cytopoint vs Apoquel: which is better?
I've been asked this question many times when discussing options with parents of itchy dogs. Neither is universally better. They're just different.
Form and effort: Cytopoint is a shot your vet gives every four to eight weeks. Apoquel is a pill you give at home every day.
How they work: Cytopoint neutralizes one itch protein (IL-31); Apoquel blocks broader inflammatory pathways, which can help more inflamed skin but suppresses the immune system more broadly.
Speed and age limits: Apoquel acts within hours but isn't for dogs under 12 months; Cytopoint works within a day and has no age restriction.
Can you give a Cytopoint injection for dogs at home?
No. Cytopoint is exclusively a prescription biologic that must be given by a veterinary professional who confirms the diagnosis, calculates the weight and dosage, and monitors your dog. Avoid buying the product online from sellers offering vials without a prescription. You won't be able to verify whether the product was stored or handled properly, both of which can make it ineffective.
What to do if Cytopoint doesn't work
Cytopoint helps most allergic dogs, but not all; when it doesn't, that's information, not failure. Many pet parents then try Apoquel, but also remember that other causes of itch in dogs include fleas, food allergies, or secondary skin infections.
For example, a dog paw yeast infection will not be cured by any allergy medication. If two injections haven't helped, reading more about dog allergy testing and how it works, as well as asking your vet to rule out those other causes, may make sense as the next step toward long-term treatment.
I remember one patient who went through Cytopoint, Apoquel, a food trial, and finally full allergy testing before finding relief. That's not common, but the point is, this extremely itchy, miserable pup finally found relief.
Comfort you can actually schedule
Cytopoint has a lot to offer the right dog:
It acts quickly
It’s targeted
Steroid-free relief
Given on a regular schedule
Has a predictable price.
Safe for seniors and dogs on other medications
Can be given to dogs of any age
Strong safety record
As a veterinarian who has practiced for 35 years, I feel very comfortable prescribing Cytopoint. I've seen it bring relief to so many dogs that couldn't be helped with their itch before. Talk with your veterinarian about whether Cytopoint fits your dog's allergy plan.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Apoquel or Cytopoint?
Neither is universally better. Cytopoint is an injection that lasts 4–8 weeks and targets IL-31, while Apoquel is a daily pill that works faster (within hours) and treats broader inflammation. The right choice depends on your dog's age, symptoms, and your vet's guidance.
How much does a dog Cytopoint injection cost?
Typically $60–$250+ per visit depending on your dog's weight, plus any exam fee, repeated every 4–8 weeks.
What is the downside of Cytopoint?
It requires repeat vet visits, doesn't work for every dog, and can occasionally cause mild side effects like lethargy or GI upset. It also relieves the itch – it doesn't treat the underlying allergy.
Can I buy Cytopoint over the counter?
No. Cytopoint is a prescription biologic that a licensed veterinarian must administer.
