Does Apoquel Make Dogs Hungry?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Interestingly, in early studies,

a few dogs developed polydipsia, increased appetite

, and aggression, similar to what may be seen with steroids- I have not seen these issues with a proven link to Apoquel. My Experiences: I have started over 1000 dogs on Apoquel. It is rare to see side effects while a pet is on Apoquel.

Does Apoquel make a dog Thirsty?

Why is Apoquel Better than Corticosteroids


Corticosteroids can cause polydipsia (increased thirst)

, polyurea (increased urination), polyphagia (increased hunger), and organ damage when used long term or at high doses. While there are Apoquel side effects, they do not include potential organ damage.

Can Apoquel cause my dog to gain weight?

In a review of her experiences with Apoquel for Pet Dermatology Clinic website, vet Melissa Eisenschenk agrees that

incidences of ear infections, weight gain and urinary tract infections are higher in dogs on Apoquel

.

Should I give my dog Apoquel in the morning or at night?


If given once daily, it can be given either morning OR night, depending on when your dog seems most itchy

. Ideally, Apoquel® should not be used twice daily over a long period of time, as this may increase the chances for side effects.

Does Apoquel shorten a dog's life?

A safety study by Apoquel manufacturer Zoetis reported

there were no fatalities and abnormal health events in a 28 day study

. But abnormal health events were reported in 11 of 179 dogs post-study. These include: 1 dog got euthanized after 450 days of the drug.

What does Apoquel do for a dog?

WHAT IS APOQUEL USED FOR? APOQUEL is used for the

control of itch associated with allergic skin disease and for control of atopic skin disease in dogs at least 1 year of age

. APOQUEL significantly reduces itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin.

How quickly does Apoquel work?

HOW FAST WILL APOQUEL START WORKING? APOQUEL starts relieving itch

within 4 hours

of giving the treatment to your dog.

Is Apoquel and Benadryl the same?

This ingredient works to prevent and curb the inflammatory reaction, particularly for the itching sensation.

The main difference between Apoquel and Benadryl, among other allergy for dogs, is that it is distinctly an Immunomodulator rather than an antihistamine

.

Which is better Apoquel or Cytopoint?

The main difference is the method of administration.

Cytopoint is an, on average, once a month injection into the skin. Apoquel, on the other hand, requires daily oral dosing

. Additionally, Cytopoint was specifically created to target itch associated with atopic (environmental) allergies.

Why do you have to wash your hands after handling Apoquel?

Humans should make sure to wash their hands thoroughly after handling Apoquel tablets.

Apoquel is not a steroid, and so the list of possible side effects is much shorter compared to steroid drugs like prednisone

.

Can you crush Apoquel for dogs?



You can put it in a pill pocket or a treat or crush it with water

.” He says that your dog will feel relief within hours of taking it for the first time and that there are countless health benefits for less scratching.

Can you mix Benadryl with Apoquel for dogs?

Common antihistamines like Benadryl and Apoquel are

safe to be used together

.

Is Apoquel expensive?


The lowest price for 100 tablets of Apoquel 16mg at accredited international online pharmacies is $228.99

.

How many hours does Apoquel last?

Fast Acting and Safe Itch Relief For Your Dog

Apoquel starts relieving allergic dog itch within 4 hours — and

controls it within 24 hours

. Apoquel is given twice daily, for up to 14 days, and then once daily for maintenance therapy. Speak to your vet for the right dosage and course of treatment.

What is a natural alternative to Apoquel?


Yucca and quercetin

are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.

Does Apoquel help with hot spots?

Cases where I prescribe Apoquel® include dogs over 12 months with first-time allergic or atopic dermatitis, during the diagnostic workup to provide itch relief,

in dogs with hot spots due to allergic dermatitis

along with antibiotics, or as a long-term treatment for chronic allergic or atopic dermatitis.

Why is Apoquel not working?

Now, if Apoquel worked in the past and suddenly is not,

there may be a secondary infection

. You should take her to the vet to rule out infection. Typically vets will do a swab of the skin or tape prep cytology to look for yeast and bacteria under the microscope.

Does Apoquel help with food allergies?

When Apoquel is best.


Apoquel can be used in all these instances since it's labeled for the control of pruritus associated with any allergic disorder, including flea allergy dermatitis, scabies or food allergies

, as well as canine atopic dermatitis.

Which is better Apoquel vs Atopica?


Atopica treats the immune system cause of the itch, so is more effective at preventing skin infections, ear infections, and itch

; Apoquel and Cytopoint only suppress the itch and do not address the underlying cause.

What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?

  • Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment. …
  • Vet's Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs. …
  • Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hydrocortisone Spray Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Soothing Medicated Dog & Cat Spray. …
  • Dr. …
  • Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief Dog & Cat Spray.

Does Apoquel stop itching?


APOQUEL works right at the source to stop itching and relieve inflammation

. It is a prescription medicine used for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis.

Does Apoquel really work?

Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) blocks the effects of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory proteins heavily involved in the allergy cascade. It is an oral tablet administered twice daily for 14 days, then once daily. It takes effect quickly, within 24 hours, and

works really well for many dogs

.

Can dogs take Zyrtec and Apoquel together?

While

it is safe to give these two medications together

I'd check in with your vet before proceeding to make sure it is safe for Izzie specifically. Also, it may not be necessary to add in an antihistamine if the Apoquel is doing it's job.

Is Benadryl better than Apoquel?

If your dog has more long-term allergies that plague them seasonally or even year-round,

Apoquel is probably a better choice

. It is meant for long-term use and generally provides more relief than antihistamines alone.

Can I give my dog Apoquel every other day?

Apoquel should be given orally to your dog as a pill

twice daily for the first 14 days, then reduced to once daily for maintenance

. It may be given with or without food, but giving it with food may reduce the chances of GI side effects. Apoquel can be used long-term at maintenance doses or seasonally as needed.

Can I just stop giving my dog Apoquel?

Unlike steroids, (that patients must be weaned off slowly over a number of weeks),

Apoquel can be stopped suddenly then restarted again at a lower dose

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.