Why is my dog still itching and whining after taking Apoquel?

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).

With that description, I'm concerned that he has a secondary bacterial infection, which neither elocon or apoquel would fix. I would recommend a quick vet visit to see if he needs oral antibiotics or a medicated bath. As you may know, allergies cause itching but also can cause bacterial or yeast infections and those infections are REALLY itchy - so if he had a flare up, he may need a bit of extra support right now. I hope that helps!

I am sorry to hear about Diesel! Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with. We can have allergies to ingredients in food (it is usually a protein source and not a grain allergy), or allergies to things in the environment like pollen, grass, dust, etc. If he isn't already on a fatty acid supplement, I would consider starting one (such as Welactin) as they can have anti-inflammatory effects in the body and reduce itching in some dogs if given daily. With mild allergy cases, sometimes antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, cetirizine, or hydroxyzine are used and are effective. You should discuss with your vet if they feel any of these are appropriate for Diesel. In severe cases we need stronger immune-modulating drugs such as Apoquel or Atopica (unfortunately these are also more expensive but can make a dramatic difference for some dogs). Sometimes these dogs also have secondary bacterial or yeast infections that may require treatment by a veterinarian as well that are contributing to the itching.

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

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.

The itching, scaling and dry skin is an indication that he likely requires long term, regular dose apoquel - these are all signs of allergic skin disease and if the symptoms have only reappeared as you have reduced the apoquel you should discuss returning to the previously prescribed dose with your vet. An omega fatty acid supplement such as viacutan is very helpful as a natural antiinflammatory and moisturiser for all dogs but especially those with allergic skin disease

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!