My dog's Apoquel isn't lasting. Is twice daily dosing too much?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Dove! Apoquel will stop working or not work well if the dog has a skin infection. It only helps control itching. If the apoquel was working and now it isn't that could be the cause. Yeast or bacterial skin infections are possible which can easily be determined with cytology (looking under the microscope). Apoquel is only labeled to be given twice daily for 2 weeks then decreased to once daily due to the risk of suppressing the immune system. I would have Dove rechecked by your Vet. I always recommend for my bad allergy patients to start an Omega 3 supplement and also use an antihistamine. Sometimes bathing in medicated shampoos can help as well (bathe twice weekly and leave the lather on for 10 mins before rinsing). I wish Dove the very best! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/ https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

The shot was likely cytopoint. Depending on the dog sometimes the shot works better and sometimes the pill works better. I even have some patients that need both to help control their allergies. If you feel like the pill worked better then I would contact you vet for a prescription of apoquel for her as well. I think it is perfectly safe for her to have apoquel on a long term basis as long as she has no other medical issues. You can talk to ypur vet in more details about whether or not she is okay to stay in apoquel long term. I hope this helps!

You are correct in that most pets are started and maintained on the twice a day dosage. We can’t legally go against what your vet says without establishing a pet client relationship after physical exam, but you can do what you think will achieve the desired results for your pets itchy skin knowning that it is safe for twice daily dosage with this medication. Best of luck with your pet Lily and I hope that her eye ulcer resolves quickly so that she can resume her normal allergy treatment. Take care.

Yes these two options are commonly offered and usually the best ones. Especially short term steroids are very effective, but increasing dosage of apoquel can be used as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tate. While Apoquel is still a somewhat new drug, it is very safe in my experience. It seems to have many less side effects when compared to steroids. If you are still wanting to stop, you do not need to taper him down. The drug can be given as needed for itching. You could consider Cytopoint instead. This is an injectable allergy medication that controls itching for 4-8 weeks. I hope this information helps!

Hello. While Apoquel has been an absolutely wonderful addition to our ability to help allergic dogs, it is not 100% effective all the time & in every pet. I have had to add medications to the really tough cases, including using the injectable Cytopoint, adding antihistamines, or even very low doses of glucocorticoids. Talk to your vet to see what might be the next step for helping Zelda. You might also consider seeing a veterinary dermatologist to see what exactly she might be allergic to & if a desensitization protocol would be helpful. Good luck & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

She should be fine to get her second dose a bit early. Go ahead with her second dose at midnight and then resume her normal every 12 hr schedule tomorrow. : ) I hope that Lily’s new medication helps to control her allergies! Take care.