Apoquel not working? Why is my dog still scratching and losing hair?

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

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! While apoquel is a great drug to stop scratching and to help atopic dermatitis it doesn't do anything in the face of a skin infection. Coco should be checked to see if she now has a yeast and or bacterial skin infection. There is also the option of doing an injection for scratching called cytopoint, which lasts 30-60 days (dog dependent). I would also consider adding Omega 3 fish oils and changing her diet to a non-chicken based novel protein diet (try venison, lamb, fish). Claritin, benadryl and zyrtec can be sued in dogs, see links below: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/ https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15235

Hello, thank you for your question about Honey. Based on the symptoms that you describe it seems that Honey has pretty significant allergies. Another treatment option that you can discuss with your veterinarian is use of a relatively new product called Cytopoint. This is an injectable medication given by your veterinarian that helps to treat severe allergic dermatitis. Many owners report that this medication has helped dramatically. Another option would be to schedule an appointment with a veterinary dermatologist for further evaluation of her skin disease and to discuss more extensive treatment options. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Apoquel will not work if the dog has a skin infection. I recommend anytime that the apoquel has stopped working that the dog be taken to the Vet for an exam to check for a bacterial or yeast infection. Most dogs with allergies need to be on a special diet, apoquel or cytopoint, an antihistamine and an Omega 3 supplement to keep the dog comfortable, but flare ups are bound to happen, we just hope less frequently. As for the bloody diarrhea, it is likely unrelated to her skin and the apoquel but it is fine that you stopped it. Especially if it wasn't working. The blood indicated inflammation in the colon. Common causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new food/treat/table food. If the diarrhea is bad I would fast her for 12-24 hours to rest her GI tract then start feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. I wish you the best!

Apoquel usually works very well in dogs with atopic dermatitis. It does stop the pruritus (itch) in most cases. However, allergies don;t usually smell bad. Baxcterial infection or a mite infection can cause a bad, often sweetish smell, so unless your vet has checked your dog for sarcoptes mites or a bacterial infection on top of the allergy. Frequent bathing actually may cause higher skin grease production which gives bacteria a substrate to thrive on. So I suggest the following: 1) do not bathe your dog every other day 2) make an appointment with your vet for a skin swab ( to determine bacterial infection) and a skin scrape to be looked at under the microscope. 3) Your dog may need an antibacterial shampoo for bathing (frequency according to the instructions on the shampoo).

I believe you are referring to the medication Apoquel. I cannot tell much from the photo - is this Bear's back? My suggestions would be: 1. Do an allergy test so you can find out what he is allergic to (if anything). ( http://petslady.com/article/new-allergy-test-my-pet-offers-home-testing-dogs-and-cats ) ( https://www.amazon.com/s?k=allergy+tests&i=pets&tag=petslady-20&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 ) If there are allergies you should talk to your vet about immunotherapy instead of spending time and money on all this other stuff. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs/ ) 2. Talk to your vet about the possibility of underlying endocrinopathy and test for them (ie: Cushing's disease, thryoid disease, etc) 3. Try using this line of anti-itch products. (Calm by Duoxo). There is shampoo, mousse and spray. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6679-douxo-calm-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6688-douxo-calm-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6674-douxo-calm-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx ) With allergies, you need to find the underlying cause and treat that instead of just trying to just cure symptoms.

Poor Lily. Sometime both Apoquel and steroids might be necessary to control skin condition. Generally speaking, steroids have more side effects compared to Apoquel and is important to consider correct amount and length of treatments. Steroids need to be tapered gradually so please do not stop them without having gradually reduced the dose. Apoquel has a maximum effective dose so if Lily is already getting the maximum you won't see any beneficial effect if you increase it further. I would suggest to ask your vet exactly when to start and stop steroids as she knows Lily condition very well and can organize for her a treatment plan. Please post again in the forum if you need further advices and I hope my answer is helpful.