Apoquel isn't working for my dog's itchy paws & red eyes. Supplements?

That does look really red! More than likely, it is caused by his allergies. The Apoquel is a great allergy medicine that seems to work very well but he may need an additional medicine to try and get this flare up under control. He might need an antihistamine for a little bit so you could call your vet and see if he/she would prescribe an anti-histamine. If there is any evidence of infection than he might also need an antibiotic to treat. You could also soak his paw in a warm Epsom salt solution and see if that helps with the redness and itching. Using Mal-A-Ket wipes may also help.

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

Based on the redness, crustiness and loss of pigment on the nose and eyelids, I would worry about him possibly having an auto-immune disease such as lupus or pemphigus. These diseases commonly affect the eyelids and nose in this way. Only a skin biopsy can definitively diagnose these conditions. It is also possible that there is a secondary infection. I would recommend having a skin cytology and a culture and sensitivity done. This means that the vet will take a superficial sample of those areas and look for bacteria. It will then be cultured to see what kind of bacteria is it and the sensitivity shows you what kind of antibiotic it is sensitive to. If there is an infection, it is best to clear that up prior to doing a biopsy as infection can make it hard to see the primary cause. Even though he doesn't seem to be responding to Apoquel, it could still be allergies. Most dogs I have treated with Apoquel have done very well, but there have been some dogs who don't improve in their allergy symptoms. I hope this helps and that he gets better soon!

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

You can call the vet and ask about using an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs if this does not interfere with the new protein. Prevent him from licking the feet by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Do not walk him and make sure that he is only walking on soft surfaces. You can wash the feet daily with soap and rinse well. Once it is dried, you can apply a dab of organic coconut oil and rub it in well. Make sure he does not lick this as it can cause GI upset. You may also call your veterinarian and ask about a medication like Apoquel or Cytopoint which will help with itching the most. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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

It sounds like you may need a prescription strength medicine to help your dog become more comfortable. Your vet will need to examine your dog to ensure they are otherwise healthy (and to start a valid client/ patient/ vet relationship to legally dispense medicine) and then will decide which medicine would work best. There are newer products such as Apoquel and Cytopoint which may be appropriate. Your vet may also suggest an eye ointment to apply. You are welcome to request a consultation with one of the Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach veterinarians to prepare for your vet visit.