Apoquel for Dogs: A Medication to Stop Allergies and Itchiness
Key takeaways:
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used in dogs to manage itchiness caused by airborne allergens.
Apoquel works by disrupting the immune response that causes itching and inflammation.
Apoquel for dogs is a safe, long-term allergy treatment with few side effects. But it may increase your dog’s risk for skin infections.
Table of contents
Canine seasonal allergies often cause skin-related symptoms and ear infections. These allergies are a challenge to manage, because they are a lifelong problem. And if seasonal allergies become a year-round condition, they can wreak havoc on your pup’s skin.
Unfortunately, you can’t always avoid the allergens that affect your dog. But newer medications, such as Apoquel (oclacitinib), can offer relief for dogs who have environmental allergies.
Apoquel for dogs at a glance
Common names | Apoquel (oclacitinib) |
What it treats | Airborne allergies, itching |
How it comes (forms) | Tablets |
Dosage | Based on a dog’s weight |
Common side effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy |
Cost |
What is Apoquel used for in dogs?
Apoquel is a dog allergy medication used to manage itchiness caused by airborne allergens (atopic dermatitis). Apoquel is currently FDA approved for dogs who are at least 1 year old.
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Apoquel may also effectively treat other skin conditions in dogs. But it has not been FDA approved to treat any other conditions. Using Apoquel for conditions other than allergic dermatitis in dogs is considered off-label use.
How does Apoquel for dogs work?
Apoquel works by disrupting a dog’s immune response before it can become severe and cause symptoms like itching. The medication suppresses the enzymes that cause itching, inflammation, and allergic reactions. This helps break the cycle of itching and scratching and allows your dog’s skin to heal. Without medication to prevent itching and scratching, your dog will constantly aggravate the affected skin. This can lead to worsening allergy symptoms and possibly infection.
Apoquel is as effective as steroid medications at treating itchiness related to allergies. But, unlike steroids, it has fewer potential side effects. Apoquel begins working 4 to 48 hours after it’s taken, and it provides long-term itch relief and reduced skin inflammation.
How do you give a dog Apoquel?
You give Apoquel to your dog by mouth as a tablet they swallow or a chewable tablet. Apoquel tablets are available in three doses:
3.6 mg
5.4 mg
16 mg
You can give your dog Apoquel with or without food. But some dogs get an upset stomach if they take it without food. Wash your hands right after handling the medication.
A real pet owner’s Apoquel experience: Read how Apoquel helped a pet owner treat her dog’s allergies and why it was worth the cost.
All about allergies: If your dog has allergies, check out everything you need to know about the causes and treatments for this common condition.
Dog itchiness: Allergies are one cause of itchiness in dogs, but they’re not the only one. Here are other reasons your dog may be scratching.
What is the typical Apoquel dosage for dogs?
Your veterinarian will provide you with the correct Apoquel dosage for your dog based on their weight. In general, the FDA-approved dosage of Apoquel for dogs is 0.18 mg to 0.27 mg per pound of body weight.
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 should you do if your dog misses a dose of Apoquel?
If you forget to give your dog a dose of Apoquel, skip the missed dose. Then, give your dog the medication at the next regularly scheduled time. And continue with their regular medication schedule going forward. Never give your pet extra doses or two doses at one time.
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What are the side effects of Apoquel for dogs?
The most common side effects of Apoquel in dogs are:
Most dogs have few side effects from Apoquel. The side effects tend to be mild, and you can minimize them by giving your dog the medication with food.
What are the most serious risks of Apoquel for dogs?
Apoquel can increase the risk of your dog getting an infection. Specifically, research suggests Apoquel can make your dog prone to skin mites. And if your dog’s itching is caused by an infection, Apoquel can make their symptoms worse.
Apoquel does not cause cancer. But it may increase the likelihood of new cancerous or noncancerous tumors in dogs who already have a history of cancer.
Frequently asked questions
No, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Apoquel are not the same medications. Apoquel is a dog-specific medication that manages allergies. Benadryl is sometimes used to treat an allergic reaction in dogs. But Benadryl will not help your dog’s seasonal allergies.
Dogs can stay on Apoquel for years. In fact, many dogs with allergies take Apoquel for the rest of their lives to manage their symptoms.
The bottom line
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a treatment for itchiness from airborne allergens in dogs. Apoquel targets allergic reactions before they take place. Your veterinarian will prescribe the correct dosage of Apoquel for your dog.
Apoquel can be taken long term with few side effects. Just keep in mind that Apoquel may increase your dog’s risk for skin infections like mites. And Apoquel may not be the best option for dogs with a history of cancer, since it may increase the risk of tumors.
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References
Brooks, W. (2023). Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel). Veterinary Partner.
Burns, K. (2020). More itchy pets? No problem. American Veterinary Medical Association.
Fadok, V. A. (2014). Treating the itch: The importance of breaking the cycle. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings.
Gadeyne, C., et al. (2014). Efficacy of oclacitinib (Apoquel) compared with prednisolone for the control of pruritus and clinical signs associated with allergic dermatitis in client-owned dogs in Australia. Veterinary Dermatology.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). The ins and outs of extra-label drug use in animals: A resource for veterinarians.
White, S. D., et al. (2018). Allergies in dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual.
Zoetis. (2019). Apoquel - oclacitinib maleate tablet, coated [package insert]. FDA.report.
Zoetis. (2020). Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) [package insert].
