Apoquel is used in dogs to control moderate to severe itching, inflammation, and skin irritation caused by environmental allergies, such as atopic dermatitis. Key signs a dog may need Apoquel include persistent scratching, licking, biting, and chewing, often accompanied by hair loss, scabs, or a strong odor.

How do you know if your dog needs Apoquel?

Veterinary dermatologists recommend Apoquel when:

• Your dog has moderate to severe itching caused by allergies.
• Other treatments such as fatty acid supplements or shampoos are insufficient.
• Quick relief is needed to break the itch-scratch cycle and prevent secondary infections.

How long can dogs be on Apoquel?

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 symptoms does Apoquel treat?

Apoquel® (active ingredient oclacitinib) is an FDA-approved veterinary prescription allergy medication used to treat itching and inflammation associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs, including flea allergy (allergy to flea bite saliva) and atopic dermatitis, a common long-term inflammatory skin disease triggered by ...

Is it better to give a dog Apoquel at night or morning?

If given once daily, it can be given either morning OR night, depending on when your dog seems most itchy. 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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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.

What are the cons of Apoquel for dogs?

Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase.

How quickly will Apoquel work?

Apoquel is designed for use in dogs 1 year or older, which is generally around when you would begin to see allergic dermatitis symptoms appear if your pet is sensitive to their environment. Symptoms can start to show signs of relief as early as 4 hours after giving a dose.

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.

What are common dog allergy symptoms?

Here are a few more symptoms to watch out for:

• Scratching and biting their coat or skin.
• Red, inflamed, or infected skin.
• Excessive shedding.
• Compulsive paw licking in dogs.
• Boot scoots or licking their anal glands.
• Chronic ear infections or red, waxy ears (common for dogs who are prone to ear problems in the first place)

What dogs should not take Apoquel?

Apoquel should not be used in dogs under 12 months of age, lactating dogs, or dogs with pre-existing cancers or serious infections.

What is the best antihistamine for dogs with itchy skin?

Antihistamines for Skin Allergies in Dogs

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ – ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
• Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily.
• Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.

What kind of allergies does Apoquel treat?

Apoquel is used to treat and control itching and inflammation in dogs resulting from a variety of causes, including environmental allergies, food allergies, flea allergy, and contact allergies. Apoquel delivers onset of relief within 4 hours and effectively controls itching within 24 hours.

Does my dog really need Apoquel?

More than 80% of dogs will experience itch relief when Apoquel is administered twice per day. Approximately 60% of dogs will experience itch relief with once daily dosing. Apoquel works as quickly as steroids in many dogs.

Why can't you touch Apoquel for dogs?

Apoquel is linked to potential side effects if mishandled, including skin irritation and accidental ingestion risks. Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication for canine itching but can cause adverse effects in humans if ingested or contacted. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions.

How do I know if Apoquel is working?

Apoquel takes effect within 1 to 2 days. If Apoquel is not controlling the itching within a week, then there is no point in continuing to administer it. *Infections. Itching often persists despite Apoquel if pyoderma or yeast dermatitis is present.

Why is my dog so itchy like crazy?

Environmental allergies are among the top causes of chronic itching. Dogs can react to pollen, dust mites, mold spores, grass, or even household cleaners. Common dog allergy symptoms include: Red, itchy paws.

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