Key Things to Consider When Giving Your Dog Apoquel
When you have a pet dog, it is common for you to you want that dog to feel loved and cared for—like a part of the family. Some ways that pet owners care for dogs include giving them high-quality foods, taking them to regular vet visits, maintaining comfortable and clean places for them to sleep, and giving them plenty of love, affection, and exercise time. Another way that pet owners can treat their dogs like family members is by paying attention to their health issues and ensuring that they treat anything that ails a dog or makes him uncomfortable.
One common health problem for dogs is allergies. Like humans, dogs get allergies from a wide variety of sources. They can experience allergies from parasites fleas, which are tiny parasites that live on a dog’s body. Another type of allergy that dogs commonly get is an allergic reaction, when they encounter something they react to in their dog food or treats. Like humans, dogs can also get contact allergies, when they touch something in their environment that their body has a reaction to. Finally, dogs can have inhalant allergies where they breathe something in the air they are allergic to. This can include mold spores, mildew, dust, and more. Your dog can also have atopic dermatitis which is similar to an allergy, but is really a chronic condition that causes your dog to be hypersensitive to things in the environment around, resulting in regular, severe itching.
When dogs have allergies, one of the most common ways their body reacts is by causing the dog to itch (or, to put it in medical terms, suffer from pruritis). This happens whether anything is actually coming in contact with their skin or not. Watching your beloved dog itch, especially if that itch is severe can be miserable, since it can cause your dog to scratch himself until he bleeds or has lesions, or it can interrupt his daily activities or sleep.
No matter why your dog is feeling itchy (a skin condition or an allergy), there are medicines available to help. Your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe him a cyclosporine, or an antihistamine to help calm the reaction his body has to whatever allergen is in his environment. He may also prescribe your pet a steroid, which treats the actual physical reaction happening on the skin by calming it.
Another popular and effective option for treating your dog’s atopic dermatitis is a medicine called Apoquel. Apoquel has been proven to help improve atopic dermatitis and greatly reduce a dog’s itching and suffering. If you are searching for solutions for your dog’s condition, read on. You can learn what Apoquel is, how to know if your dog needs it, how to get and give the medication, any side effects or drawbacks, and more.
So, What is Apoquel?
Apoquel is a medicine for allergies and atopic dermatitis in dogs that was created by company called Zoetis. It came on the market in 2014, and has, since then, become one of the most effective and popular treatments for atopic dermatitis and allergic itching that is available. Apoquel is a drug that is in a different class than other allergy medications. Apoquel is a Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor, which means it suppresses JAKs in the body. JAKs do more in dog’s bodies than simply cause itching. Because they control a dog’s inflammatory responses, they can help control the formation of tumors, boost growth, create blood cells, and more.
A JAK inhibitor can help stop atopic dermatitis because it actually inhibits the redness and itchiness that JAKs cause, as the source. They work on the signal pathway in the dog’s body that actually causes his itching and inflammation. This means that rather than simply working to alleviate or get rid of the symptoms of your dog’s itching once they’ve already manifested, Apoquel allows you to target the problem at the source. This type of treatment has been shown to offer longer-term and more complete relief.
The Benefits of Apoquel
If you want to understand more about why you should consider giving your dog Apoquel, it may help to know more about the drug’s specific benefits. Here are a list of some of the most important ways that Apoquel can help improve your dog’s health and life.
Apoquel is Fast-Acting
Apoquel is one of the fastest ways to alleviate itching. It works within 4 hours of giving it to your dog, so you know that he will feel better quickly.
Apoquel is Long-Lasting
In addition to working quickily, it also lasts a long time. In fact, Apoquel is designed to control allergic itching for 24 hours, so if your dog takes it, he can experience an entire day of relief.
Apoquel Offers More Comprehensive Relief
One reason that Apoquel offers more comprehensive relief than other drugs is that it works at the source of the itching, rather than getting rid of a symptom. This means that not only does it stop the itching your dog is experiencing, it also relieves the inflammation that comes with atopic dermatitis. Additionally, it can get rid of swelling and wellness so your dog looks and feels better.
Apoquel Works Regardless of the Allergy
Apoquel is a medication that works to stop the allergic response at the start. It does not matter what triggers that allergic response. This means that it is effective for a wide range of dogs with a wide range of allergies, and can work multiple times for dogs if they experience a variety of allergies that cause them discomfort.
Apoquel is Safe
Apoquel is a safe treatment of atopic dermatitis and itching caused by allergies, as long as your dog is older than 12 months of age.
Apoquel Allows You to Avoid Steroid Side Effects
Vets commonly prescribe steroids to help manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. However, steroids can have a slew of negative side effects for the dogs that take them. These side effects include things like stress, anxiety, aggression, excessive drinking, weight gain, panting, and excessive urinating. Apoquel offers the same kind of relief (or better), without causing these uncomfortable side effects, too.
Apoquel Can Be Used in Conjunction with Other Treatments
Apoquel is a flexible treatment choice. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies that can help treat atopic dermatitis. This means that your dog can also get allergy shots, regular vaccines, take NSAIDs, and more at the same time that he is taking Apoquel. This means he can stay healthy and even more comfortable while he is using it as a treatment.
Apoquel Doesn’t Hurt the Immune System
Some treatments of atopic dermatitis work by suppressing the immune system so it does not have such a strong reaction to allergens. Apoquel does not act on the immune system or weaken it, meaning your dog won’t be more susceptible to illnesses or infections.
Apoquel is Easy to Digest
The tablets that Apoquel come in are easy for dogs to eat and digest, which means they aren’t hard on their gastrointestinal system.
Apoquel Doesn’t Interfere with Diagnostic Testing
Apoquel is not a drug that interferes with diagnostic testing. This means that if your pup needs to have an allergy or thyroid test, taking Apoquel won’t interfere or cause inaccurate results.
Apoquel Can Be Used for Short Term and Long Term Treatment
Apoquel is safe for your pup to take for a short-term treatment of allergic itching, and it’s also safe to take as a long-term treatment and preventative measure for atopic dermatitis. Choosing Apoquel means you don’t have to experiment with different drugs or stop taking them after a while. You can continue to rely on a treatment that you know you can depend on.
How Do I Know if My Dog Could Benefit from Taking Apoquel?
Your dog is itchy, and he seems to be uncomfortable some of the time. But, how do you know whether your dog needs a medicine to help him feel better, or whether your dog is simply a doc that has itches, aches, and pains?
If you are wondering whether your dog might be a good candidate for Apoquel, it can help to really understand the physical symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Your dog may be a good candidate for Apoquel if he is exhibiting signs of a chronic, serious medical condition. If you are not sure what those symptoms are, consider the following list:
- Excessive or endless licking
- Excessive of endless scratching
- Excessive or endless biting of his own body
- Excessive or endless chewing
- Excessive scooting
- Excessive rolling around to relieve itchiness and discomfort
- Chewing his feet
- Licking his feet
- Patches of hair loss
- Skin sores
- Skin that looks darker than the skin around it
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair or skin that smells different than your dog normally does
- Ear problems, like infections, that recur
- Stopping to itch, bite, lick, or scratch in the middle of regular activities (e.g. while playing fetch)
What Dogs are Not a Good Candidate for Apoquel?
Most dogs are great candidates for taking Apoquel. However, there are some dogs who should avoid taking the medicine. First, dogs must be older than 12 months in order to take the medicine. Also, no dogs who are currently breeding should take Apoquel. Dogs that are lactating should also not be given Apoquel, Finally, if your dog has a compromised immune system, it’s safest to avoid giving them Apoquel.
Also, Apoquel may not be effective if your dog has a severe, severe case of allergies that already requires a regular steroid. Check with your vet if you are unsure about whether your dog is a good candidate or whether something about his current condition should stop him from trying Apoquel as a treatment.
Could My Dog Be Suffering from Something Other than Atopic Dermatitis, and How Do I know if Apoquel is the Right Treatment?
If your dog is very itchy, you may want to consider giving him Apoquel. However, it’s important for you to determine whether your dog’s itching is being caused by atopic dermatitis, or whether he could be suffering from another condition that is making him itch. To determine if your dog needs to be treated for atopic dermatitis or another condition, take him to the vet. Your vet should help you work to understand what is causing your dog’s suffering. The following conditions should be ruled out before atopic dermatitis is diagnosed and Apoquel is given:
- Infections: Many infections cause dogs to scratch or lick themselves because they are uncomfortable. Have your vet check the areas that are itchy for infections—particularly if your dog is scratching his ears or one particular place on his skin. Infections that cause itchig can be caused by yeast or bacteria. Rule these out before your dog gets diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, or treat an infection properly if your vet finds one on your dog.
- Food Allergies: Food allergies can happen if your dog does not react well to an ingredient in his regular dog food. Your vet may suspect that your dog’s itching, as well as any other symptoms, are coming from the food he eats. You can work with your vet to make sure your dog’s isn’t having a food allergy by doing an elimination diet with your dog and working to determine what specific ingredient your dog may be allergic to.
- Parasites: There are lots of parasites in the world that could just love to call your dog home. Many of these pesky parasites cause severe itching in dogs. Common parasites that dogs get include fleas and scabies. Have your vet do a check to see if your dog has any parasites on him You can also do this check at home. You will need to treat your dog for parasites if any are found. You may also have to treat your furniture and items in your home, because once a dog has an infestation he can bring it with him into your living space. To avoid any parasite infections in the first place, make sure you are disciplined about giving your dog regular flea and tick treatments.
Once your vet has determined that your pup is not suffering from any other serious condition that causes him to itch, he may determine that your dog has atopic dermatitis. If so, Apoquel may be the best treatment for the condition. Alternatively, if your vet diagnoses your dog with another condition, you will want to make sure you treat it to alleviate your pet’s suffering.
How to Get Apoquel for Your Pet
Apoquel is a medication for dogs that is prescription only. This means that you cannot simply buy it over the counter at a pet supply store. You must make an appointment with your vet and get him to write a prescription for the medicine if you want to have access to it. Your vet can give you a prescription for the medication, and most vet offices will also have the medication itself on hand.
Once you get a prescription from Apoquel from your vet, you may be able to buy it from a pet store that also provides medications. Call the place you usually get your dog’s drugs in order to see if they have Apoquel in stock.
How to Give Your Dog Apoquel
If your dog is prescribed Apoquel to help improve his atopic dermatitis and alleviate his itching, get the medication from your vet. It comes in pill form. Then, for the first 14 days, your dog can take 1 tablet twice a day. After the first 14 days, your dog should only take one Apoquel daily.
Your dog can take Apoquel with or without food—food is not required for its consumption or to make it effective. If you have trouble getting your dog to swallow pills, talk to your vet about how you can make it easier for him. Vets will recommend things like feeding the pill to your dog in a spoon of peanut butter, or disguising it in his food another way.
Your dog can continue to take Apoquel regularly, every day of his life in order to prevent symptoms from returning or to simply maintain his health. Alternatively, your dog may take Apoquel to treat a flare-up or bout of allergies or atopic dermatitis, then stop taking the medication once his condition seems to have resolved. If your dog stops taking Apoquel at any time, it is safe for him to start taking the drug again when he needs it.
What to Expect When Your Dog Takes Apoquel
When your dog takes Apoquel, you may not notice a difference immediately. However, within 4 hours, your dog should be showing signs that he is far less itchy than before. This means less biting, scratching, chewing, licking, and more. If you start your dog on a regular, twice-a-day Apoquel dosage, then by 24 hours, the itching should be nearly gone, and his comfort should continue to be maintained throughout the course of receiving the medication.
If your dog continues to remain as itchy as before, or if he experiences any strange side effects, contact your vet immediately. Read on to learn more about what a negative reaction to Apoquel looks like or what it can look like when your dog is allergic to Apoquel.
What Side Effects to Watch Out For When Giving Your Dog Apoquel
Apoquel is an excellent drug to help treat your dog. It mostly offers health benefits and is a safe option for pups that are older than a year. However, there are some potentially negative side effects that your dog might experience when he takes Apoquel, and it can be helpful to watch out for them to make sure your dog’s health is not in danger. Here are some of the potential side effects that could arise when your pet takes this drug:
- Gastrointestinal reactions, like diarrhea or vomiting
- Decreased globulins
- Increased lipase
- Lethargy
- Appetite loss
- Higher cholesterol
- Decrease leukocytes
- Worsening of existing parasitic skin infestations
- Worsening of pre-existing cancers
- Increased risk of developing serious infections
- New subcutaneous lumps
- New cutaneous lumps
If your dog experiences any of the above side effects while taking Apoquel, or if you notice any changes in his health or behavior when taking the medicine, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet may want you to bring your pup in order to test his blood, treat any existing infections, or ensure that your dog isn’t having a negative reaction to the treatment.
Other Helpful Ideas for Treating Atopic Dermatitis in Your Pup
Giving your pet Apoquel to treat his atopic dermatitis is a great way to help alleviate a life-disrupting health condtion. However, there are other natural steps you can take that can help alleviate itching for your pup that do not involve giving him medication. Here are some idea for how to treat your dog’s allergic itching that are totally safe to do in tandem with an Apoquel treatment. Combined, you can take care of the cause of your dog’s itching, and you can also alleviate short term discomforts and make him feel more pampered and cared for.
Regular Baths
There’s a chance your pooch just loves rolling around the mud, and he may wear a dirty dog stench like a badge of pride. However, you can help alleviate your dog’s symptoms if you commit to giving him regular baths. By bathing your dog weekly, you can remove allergens that sit on his skin and help remove parasites. Consider asking your vet for a medicated shampoo that can help soothe and moisturize a dog’s skin.
All-Natural Treats
Scrap those cheap treats you find at the mini-mart. Give your dog all-natural treats with wholesome, healthy ingredients. If your vet has determined that your dog has a food allergy, make sure you avoid food and treats with those ingredients. Then give your dog healthy snacks full of vitamins that boost his immune system and make him feel like he is full of energy and vitality.
Probiotics
Many vets believe today that a dog’s overall health is greatly affected by his gut health. Make sure your dog has the right amount and combination of bacteria in his digestive system by giving your dog probiotics. Ask your vet for what kind of probiotics will work for your pooch. You may get a prescription probiotic or one that is sold over the counter. Alternatively, your vet may encourage you to feed your dog probiotic foods, like yogurt.
Paw Wiping
When your dog goes on a walk, he picks up all sorts of things from outside on the bottom of his paws. These substances don’t only affect his paws, they also get tracked into the house, and then he (and your family) can encounter them via furniture, rugs, floors, etc. Try to eliminate tracking allergens through your home by regularly wiping your dog’s paws off after every time he goes outside. You can also ask your vet or pet supply store about medicated wipes that offer soothing relief in addition to cleaner feet.
Conclusion: Consider Apoquel to Alleviate Your Dog’s Atopic Dermatitis
If your dog is suffering from allergies or any of the symptoms that atopic dermatitis causes, then you likely want to end his pain. Watching a dog lick, scratch, chew, and feel discomfort can be heartbreaking! Luckily, there are many types of medications and natural treatments that can help.
When your dog seems like he might be suffering from allergic itching, take immediate steps to naturally alleviate the condition. Give him a bath, clean his bedding, wipe off his paws, etc. While this might not cure the problem, it can certainly help how your pup feels in the short term.
Next, consider giving your dog some medication in order to improve his condition. Some medications that are designed to treat atopic dermatitis just treat the symptoms. These drugs can be good options for soothing a pup in the short term and making him feel better for a short period of time. Others get at the source of the itching and offer fuller, longer-term relief. One of these medicines is Apoquel.
If you feel ready to help your dog that you think might be suffering from atopic dermatitis or itching from allergies, schedule an appointment with your vet. Once you’re there and your vet diagnoses your dog’s condition, ask him about Apoquel. He may agree that prescribing this medication is the best and most effective way to help your dog live a healthier, fuller, happier, freer life.
