Apoquel Dosage Chart for Dogs: Risks, Side Effects, Dosage, and More

Has your vet prescribed Apoquel for your itchy dog? You likely have questions about what this medication is and how it works, so let’s discuss everything you need to know about Apoquel for dogs with allergies below!

What Is Apoquel?

Apoquel is a medication that was specifically designed to manage itchy skin in dogs with allergies. Apoquel targets the pathway in the dog’s immune system that creates the inflammatory itch that comes along with canine allergies. Specifically, the medication inhibits the activity of two proteins that incite the immune system’s response to allergens.

By blocking the activity of these proteins, Apoquel reduces the amount of inflammatory substances and histamines that the body releases. These inflammatory substances are what causes the itchy skin and inflammation that dogs with allergies suffer from. Daily Apoquel use leads to less itching, less skin inflammation, and decreased skin and ear infections.

Is Apoquel Safe For Dogs?

Apoquel is entirely safe for dogs when following the guidance of your veterinarian, as it was designed specifically for our canine friends! It was created to be safe for long term allergy management, and free of the health risks that usually accompany chronic steroid use for allergies. Apoquel is a safe way to improve the life of your little one with irritating allergies.

Why Do Dogs Take Apoquel?

The main and only purpose of Apoquel for dogs is the management of itchy canine allergies. Apoquel can significantly reduce itching and inflammation in dogs with seasonal allergies, finally putting an end to the cycle of skin mutilation and secondary infection. It works within 24 hours of being administered, so many pups will find significant relief from their allergy symptoms within just days.

Some of the allergy symptoms that Apoquel can effectively manage include:

• Constant skin itching
• Skin redness
• Excessive shedding
• Skin odor
• Sores on the skin from constant scratching and licking
• Chronic ear infections
• Anal gland complications

How Do You Give Apoquel To Dogs?

Veterinarians can prescribe Apoquel to your dog in pill form. It does not need to be given with any food, but it is usually easiest to offer your dog their daily dose of Apoquel with a small treat. However, you can give your dog their dose of Apoquel with breakfast or dinner if they ever appear nauseous after their daily dose.

What Is The Dose Of Apoquel For Dogs?

Before we discuss the standard dose of Apoquel for dogs, we should state again that you should never give your dog Apoquel without approval from your veterinarian. With that in mind, there is a common Apoquel dose that most veterinarians follow!

The standard dose of Apoquel for dogs is 0.18 to 0.27 mg per pound of body weight. Their dose will vary based on the severity of their allergies, as well as how their body responds to the medication. Your vet will likely prescribe a loading dose of Apoquel initially, as this will help the medication jump into action and tackle their skin inflammation. This means you will often give the Apoquel twice daily for 14 days, then taper down to a once daily dose.

Are There Any Side Effects With Apoquel For Dogs?

Dr. Amy Nicole Lewis, a veterinarian with Worldwide Veterinary Services told A-Z Animals that Apoquel has a favorable safety profile. It is rare for dogs to experience health complications when taking Apoquel, but if they do experience any side effects, they are minor. Some dogs have developed mild nausea and vomiting, but this can usually be prevented by giving their daily Apoquel with a meal.

What Are The Alternatives For Apoquel For Dogs?

Apoquel is only effective when it is given every day. If you are unable to give your dog a daily medication for any reason, then there is a veterinary approved alternative named Cytopoint that works similarly to Apoquel! However, instead of being given once daily at home, Cytopoint is an injection that is administered once every 6-8 weeks at your vet’s office.

This is a convenient alternative if you do not want to worry about giving your dog a daily medication to manage their itchy skin. Just reach out to your veterinary team for more information on Cytopoint injections for allergies.

If your dog suffers from occasional itching and irritation from allergies, then antihistamines like Benadryl may be effective in managing their mild symptoms.

How Do I Get Apoquel For My Dog?

Apoquel is a prescription medication that can only be found at your veterinarian’s office. If your little one is suffering with itchy skin due to seasonal allergies, then we suggest reaching out to your vet to see if Apoquel is right for your canine companion!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Donna Ellen Coleman/Shutterstock.com