A dog can take Apoquel long-term, even for years, as it's safe for both short-term relief and continuous management of allergies, but your veterinarian determines the duration based on your dog's needs, with initial treatment often being twice daily for up to 14 days before potentially reducing to once daily or as needed. While generally safe, ongoing use may warrant yearly checkups, including bloodwork, as it's a powerful immune modulator.

How long can a dog stay on Apoquel?

Apoquel is not FDA approved to use twice daily longer than 14 days. The dose range is very strict, I do not recommend going above the recommended dose due to immune suppression, below the range and it doesn't seem to work in most cases. I have seen some mild cases that are managed with lower doses.

Is Apoquel safe for long-term?

Apoquel is specifically designed to treat skin conditions like canine allergic dermatitis. Suppressing the immune response associated with allergic reactions helps manage symptoms like irritated skin and the urge to scratch. While it effectively treats skin allergies, Apoquel is not intended for long-term treatment.

Do dogs build up a tolerance to Apoquel?

Small Dog Allergies: Apoquel Tolerance and Medication Concerns This breed often faces persistent allergies and medication tolerance affecting treatment efficacy. Apoquel tolerance can reduce its effectiveness in controlling allergic symptoms like itching and inflammation.

Can Apoquel suddenly stop working?

By far the most common reason why I see Apoquel and Cytopoint either not work or “stop working” is because infections like bacteria and malassezia (yeast) have not been addressed. Make sure to do skin cytology to rule out these infections.

Apoquel for Dogs: The Hidden Truth Vets Aren’t Telling You

Can too much Apoquel hurt a dog?

An Apoquel overdose requires veterinary attention in all cases, though not always as an emergency. The severity depends on how much was consumed relative to your dog's weight. Minor overdoses might cause temporary digestive upset, while larger overdoses can suppress the immune system.

Why is my dog still itching with Apoquel?

We often see pet's with allergies who take anti-itch medications like Cytopoint, Apoquel, steroids and Atopica, but their itching has not resolved or has gotten worse. Frequently, this is due to a secondary infection caused by an underlying disease.

Which is safer for dogs, Apoquel or Benadryl?

Apoquel generally acts quickly and specifically targets itching in dogs, while Benadryl might be more accessible but isn't always as effective for severe cases. Potential side effects of Apoquel include vomiting and diarrhea, while Benadryl can cause drowsiness or excitability.

How do I stop giving my dog Apoquel?

You can, however, safely stop Apoquel use without tapering dosage. It can be given with or without food, and your dog's weight will determine the exact dose amount. Apoquel doses are usually between . 04-.

Is Zyrtec just as good as Apoquel for dogs?

In contrast, while Zyrtec, an antihistamine, is effective in managing mild allergies and associated symptoms, research shows that it does not offer the same rapid and reliable relief for severe cases of itchiness and skin inflammation when compared to newer medications such as Apoquel [1].

What can I give my dog for itching and licking paws?

Anti-inflammatory medications: Apoquel, Atopica, fatty acid supplements, prednisone, or other medications such as antihistamines can be very effective in reducing itching.

Can Apoquel be used intermittently?

Flexible Apoquel can be used long term to manage chronic itch, or short term to manage intermittent or seasonal itch. Short courses of Apoquel can help reduce allergic itch associated with conditions such as hot spots or ear infections, whilst these are being treated.

Why are so many dogs on Apoquel?

Apoquel is a widely used medication designed to control itching and inflammation caused by allergic skin diseases in dogs. It has become a popular treatment option due to its fast-acting nature and ability to provide relief without many of the side effects associated with traditional steroids.

Can dogs stay on Apoquel indefinitely?

Most commonly, veterinarians recommend that dogs start by taking Apoquel twice daily for 14 days. Your vet may then slowly decrease your dog's dosage for long-term use. The goal is to keep your dog on the lowest effective dosage. Many dogs take the medication for the rest of their lives.

What is safer than Apoquel?

In general, Cytopoint® has fewer potential for side effects than Apoquel®, and that is often a reason to select it as a first choice therapy. However, neither Cytopoint® nor Apoquel® are effective in every dog.

How does Apoquel make a dog feel?

This reduces the cause of itching at a cellular level and blunts the effects of certain inflammatory signals in the body. As a result, allergic dogs that are given Apoquel® do not feel as itchy and scratch less. The skin inflammation caused by allergies is also reduced.

Why can't you touch Apoquel?

The reason for the instruction to "wear gloves or wash hands after handling" is due to its potential effects on the immune system. In humans, handling medication like Apoquel without washing hands can lead to unwanted absorption through the skin, which is why it's important to follow these precautions.

Can you double up on Apoquel for dogs?

Ideally, Apoquel® should not be used twice daily over a long period of time, as this may increase the chances for side effects.

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