Apoquel should not be used in dogs under 12 months old, pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs, or those with serious infections, cancer, or severe allergies. It is also not recommended for dogs with active demodicosis (mange) or those weighing less than 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs).

What medications should not be taken with Apoquel for dogs?

Dog Given Phenobarbital While on Apoquel: Potential Risks Explained Dogs on Apoquel may experience immune suppression and increased infection risk. Administering Phenobarbital to a dog already on Apoquel can cause drug interactions affecting liver function and sedation levels.

When not to use Apoquel?

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use APOQUEL in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. APOQUEL may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse.

Can Apoquel cause behavior problems in dogs?

``Yes, Apoquel can cause mood changes in dogs, including aggression and increased anxiety and these can occur with long term use. `` GI issues are typically short term, behavioral changes are listed as a possible side effect that can persist with continued use. I am completely floored.

Can Apoquel be toxic to dogs?

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.

Natural Solutions for Pet Allergies & Itchy Skin: Expert Advice from Holistic Vet, Julie Anne Lee

How long can a dog be on Apoquel?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not placed any time restrictions on the use of APOQUEL. This means you can treat your dog with APOQUEL for as long as it takes to appropriately treat your dog. In studies, dogs treated with APOQUEL for over 2 years showed minimal side effects.

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.

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.

Why do you have to wear gloves with 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.

Why is my dog still itching on 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.

How much does Apoquel typically cost?

Apoquel's price tag hovers around $2.50 per pill and, considering it's usually prescribed to be given daily, you're looking at around $900 a year for a chronic condition.

Can you stop and restart Apoquel?

Apoquel is a tablet that is given twice per day for 2 weeks, and then once per day thereafter. This medication acts quickly and provides relief within four hours. It is safe to stop and start, unlike prednisone that requires a gradual tapering when stopping the medication.

How to stop dog itching without Apoquel?

Antihistamines. Commonly used to manage mild allergy symptoms in dogs, antihistamines like diphenhydramine or cetirizine can help reduce itching and inflammation caused by allergic reactions. They are available over the counter but should be used under veterinary guidance to ensure proper dosage and safety.

What is a good substitute for Apoquel?

Corticosteroids. Pet parents looking for an affordable Apoquel alternative for dogs may discuss corticosteroids like prednisone with their veterinarian. Corticosteroids act as anti-inflammatories to reduce the effects of allergens on the skin, reducing itchiness.

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.

Is there a cure for dog allergies?

You can't completely "get rid of" dog allergies, but you can significantly manage or reduce symptoms through a combination of avoiding allergens, using medications (antihistamines, nasal steroids), environmental control (HEPA filters, frequent cleaning), and long-term treatments like allergy shots (immunotherapy), which build tolerance over time, making living with a dog possible for many people.
 

When should I stop giving my dog 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 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.

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