allergies unfortunately don’t stop at dogs either. Many four-legged friends suffer from allergies or skin problemsand are tormented by severe itching.
An allergy is not only a severe limitation of the dog’s quality of life, but unfortunately can also result in diseases such as infections to lead.
Due to the extreme itching, many dogs cannot rest and scratch or even bite themselves sore. And often day and night.
Exactly what Apoquel is, when and how it is used correctly and lots of other helpful information on the subject Apollo dogyou can find in this article.
In a nutshell: What is Apoquel and what effect does it have?
The veterinary drug Apoquel is a drug in tablet formwhich is used to treat itching (pruritus) in connection with a allergic reaction or one acute/ chronic skin inflammation is used.
The active ingredient in Apoquel, oclacitinib, changes the activity of the immune system and blocks a specific enzyme.
Inhibiting this enzyme reduces the itching and associated excessive scratching or biting caused by the disease or allergy.
Cetirizine for dogs can help with allergies.
Many dog owners report that the allergy tablets noticeably and quickly bring relief.
How is Apoquel used?
Apoquel is only available in tablet form and oral application determined.
Since the individual tablets have score lines, they can be halved.
The use of Apoquel is not recommended in pregnant and lactating bitches and in males and females used for breeding.
The correct dosage of Apoquel for dogs
Apoquel is available in three different dosages:
- Apoquel 3.6 mg
- Apoquel 5.4 mg
- Apoquel 16 mg
For the first 14 days of treatment, the dosage is up to a maximum of 0.6 mg/oclacitinib body weight twice a day.
After 14 days, the dose is reduced to 0.6 mg/oclacitinib body weight once daily as maintenance therapy.
Dog body weight (kg)Number of Apoquel tablets to be administered
3.6 mg5.4 mg16 mg3.0 – 4.40.5––4.5 – 5.9-0.5-6.0 – 8.91–9.0 – 13.4-1-13.5 – 19.9––0.520.0 – 26.9-2-27.0 – 39.9–140.0 – 54.9––1.555.0 – 80.0––2
Apoquel should not be used in dogs younger than 12 months or weighing less than 3 kg.
Apoquel can promote susceptibility to infections.
Dogs treated with Apoquel as a long-term medication require regular blood count monitoring.
Liver function should be checked regularly in dogs that are given anti-inflammatory drugs in addition to Apoquel.
How long and how often can I give my dog Apoquel?
Apoquel can as long-term drug be used. In the first 14 days becomes the drug 2x daily administered.
After 14 days, the dose is reduced to once a day.
However, it is important that the dosage for long-term administration is not only adapted to the dog’s body weight, but also that the circumstances of the trigger are carefully considered and treated if necessary.
There are also dogs in which a lower dose than the recommended one is already effective.
There are dogs that do very well with one not daily gift get by
Once the dosage is too low, the dog will revert to the old scratching pattern. Therefore, when giving Apoquel, it is relatively easy to find out when the dosage or the dose is too low.
However, dog owners should not play around with the dosages themselves, but always do so in consultation with the treating veterinarian. The credo: as much as necessary, as little as possible also applies to Apoquel.
How fast and how long does Apoquel work in dogs?
The first effects of Apoquel set in after about 4 hours.
If the dog does not show a significant improvement in itching within a week, treatment with Apoquel should be discontinued.
If Apoquel is stopped, the active ingredient loses its effect within a short time and the dog starts scratching again.
Areas of application of Apoquel for dogs
apoquel will only at allergic and chronic itching deployed.
Since Apoquel only treats the symptom of itching, the cause should be determined and treated before administration. (flea dermatitis, contact allergy, food allergy).
In addition, other factors such as fungi or parasitic infections (eg, fleas, mange, demodicosis) should be identified and treated.
What are the side effects of Apoquel?
The most common side effects of Apoquel are diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite. These side effects occur in 1 in 10 animals. This usually subsided after a very short time.
Oatmeal can help with diarrhea.
stay the side effects existtogether with the treating veterinarian should have a Benefit – damage calculation to be created.
Apoquel can promote the growth of tumor cells, but does not trigger them. Therefore, Apoquel is not considered carcinogenic.
Where and how is Apoquel for dogs available?
Apoquel is a prescription veterinary medicine and is only available by prescription.
Delivery is mainly via the responsible veterinarian.
Is Apoquel dangerous?
Because Apoquel affects the dog’s immune system, it can increase the animal’s susceptibility to infections and promote neoplastic conditions.
Therefore, dogs treated with Apoquel should be regularly checked for the possible development of infections and neoplasms.
Alternatives to Apoquel
A good alternative to Apoquel cytopoint. Cytopoint provides long-term relief from extreme itching and is injected subcutaneously twice a month.
If there is a food intolerance that triggers the allergy, a feeding consultation is recommended.
A Allergy Test often brings light into the darkness, which is why the dog scratches so extremely. If the cause is known, there are often options for additional alternative treatment to support it.
Experiences with Apoquel: What do other dog owners say?
Testimonials from other dog owners are always very informative when it comes to treating your own dog with the drug Apoquel in the future.
I have researched in detail and summarized the most meaningful experiences for you:
A friend tried Apoquel on her allergic dog. Everything was fine with the initial dosage, but after she reduced the dosage after two weeks, in consultation with the vet and as recommended by the manufacturer, everything was unfortunately back to normal. The dog scratches and scratches and scratches.»
According to the treating veterinarian, passing on the drug in the initial dosage is too dangerous because of the severe side effects»
“My dog is also allergic and has been extremely itchy since the last operation, nobody knows what the trigger was. We also got Apoquel from our vet and are super satisfied. We have no side effects and our vet showed me studies on this. The test dogs had little to no side effects.”
“My dog now gets one pill a day and he’s still fine. We are extremely satisfied.”
“Now a few months have passed and I am reporting again. So the dog gets 1 tablet per day, I don’t know the dosage right now. With Apoquel no allergies, after weaning everything starts again.”
“This week my girlfriend went to the vet. There she was told that Aqoquel is the drug of choice for allergies.»
«The latest studies would show that Apoquel promotes, but does not induce, tumor formation in dogs.»
“Since the tablets with the desired effective dose were no longer available at the vet, my friend should actually give her dog two. She is now trying to see if her dog can get by with a lower dose, i.e. one tablet.”
«Dog and mistress are super happy and so far there have been no side effects.»
“My dog has been on Apoquel for 5 years and tolerates it well. She’s allergic to dust mites and flea saliva.»
Conclusion
the through allergies or skin diseases extreme strong itching can make life hell for the dog.
Not only the constant, excessive scratching, but also the resulting inflammation can be treated with a targeted administration of Apoquel under control being held.
However, it is not only important to treat the itching by administering medication, as this only combats the symptoms.
If your dog suffers from an allergy or skin condition, it is crucial that the cause and trigger is identified and treated.
Is your dog allergic and being treated with Apoquel? Let us be part of your experiences and leave us a comment.