If your dog suffers from allergies that cause her to scratch excessively, you know the drill: Continual itching and chewing. Irritated, red skin. Trips to the vet more often for treatments that may or may not work. It’s heartbreaking to see your puppy in pain. A veterinary medicine called Apoquel for dogs can help alleviate your dog’s itching caused by allergies.
Apoquel, like most medications, can have side effects in dogs, though they usually are less severe than those caused by other anti-allergy medications.
How does Apoquel for dogs function?
Apoquel, in a nutshell, is an antihistamine given to dogs with allergy problems. It helps with allergies to fleas, food, and even skin contact. Dogs with atopic dermatitis or pruritus have significantly benefited from its use (itching). This first-of-its-kind drug treats dog allergy symptoms like itching and inflammation. It comes in three different dosages for about $200 for 100 tablets (100 doses).
Apoquel helps by reducing the production of cytokines, which are harmful molecules in your dog’s body. Inflammation and itching are symptoms of an allergic reaction, which cytokine molecules in a dog’s body produce when it reacts to something or when it suffers from seasonal allergies.
Your dog’s itching can be controlled with medication like Apoquel, which will help the affected region heal faster. Your dog’s allergies will worsen if you don’t give them medicine to stop them from scratching and itching.
What are Apoquel’s Advantages for Dogs?
- It takes as short as 4 hours to start working.
- It is NOT a steroid (uncommon among allergy medications)
- Inflammation Reduction and Itch Control
- Decreased skin inflammation over the long term
The itching caused by your dog’s allergies should be under control in less than 24 hours after starting treatment with Apoquel for dogs, a fast-acting drug that typically begins working within 4 hours. There will be long-term and short-term benefits from this.
Apoquel for dogs stands out because it is not a steroid-based treatment. Steroids are a common ingredient in allergy treatments. Therefore this is unusual. We also know that medications based on steroids can have adverse effects on the body, such as increased urine and thirst, as well as immune system issues.
Methods of Dosage and Delivery
It is recommended to take Apoquel twice daily for 14 doses (initially). Dosing is tapered to the minimum practical level over 14 days, which is reduced to a once-daily maintenance dose (during long-term use). However, it is safe to cease using Apoquel abruptly. You can administer it with or without food, and the dosage will depend on the size of your dog. The typical Apoquel dosage ranges from.04 to.06 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram).
Side effects
If your dog is at least a year old, you can give him Apoquel for dogs without worrying about adverse side effects. Very few adverse effects have been reported; when they have occurred, they have typically been mild and limited to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Since no serious adverse drug interactions have been documented, it can be taken with virtually any other medication. To determine if your dog’s current drugs interact with Apoquel for dogs, you and your dog’s veterinarian should review each medication individually. Apoquels shouldn’t be given to pets while pregnant or if they have a severe ailment.
Conclusion
Apoquel for dogs is generally well-tolerated when used with other medications, including antihistamines, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Steroids and immunosuppressant drugs, for example, require careful administration. Apoquel should not be given to puppies.No studies on the safety of this drug in pregnant or nursing dogs have been conducted.
Dogs with a preexisting history of cancer should not be treated with Apoquel. Before giving your dog Apoquel, notify your vet about any other drugs or supplements he is already on. Finally, provide your veteran with a full rundown of your dog’s medical history.