Apoquel Chewable for Itchy Dogs

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Holly

POV: Your dog has a terrible itch, and you always find them licking and chewing the itch with no relief. Why are they itching so much? Itchiness, or pruritis, is a very common problem in dogs. It can be caused by a number of factors, and allergies can be one of them. Depending on the type of allergies, certain prescription medications or treatments can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help alleviate symptoms that come with allergies. Some medications usually prescribed for relieving itch include steroids, antihistamines, and medicated topical solutions like shampoos, creams, and sprays. These are the usual medications and treatments that are thought about when we think of itch, but there’s another option that you may not know about. Introducing Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable.

What is Apoquel & Apoquel Chewable?

Apoquel, oclacitinib, is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control itching from allergies and other skin conditions. Oclacitinib, the active ingredient in Apoquel, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of itching and inflammation in the body. In some dogs, it may provide relief in as little as 4 hours with complete relief in 24 hours. It may be used long-term for chronic skin issues or short-term to treat flare-ups in dogs that are at least 1 years old. This medication is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually minimal but can occur. Apoquel has been on the market for a while, but the manufacturer recently released a chewable formulation. The chewable tablets are pork-liver flavored and some people have found it easier to administer the medication since they are flavored.

At VetRxDirect, we now supply both the tablet and chewable tablets! Before using this medication, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition to see if Apoquel would be a good fit.

The month of August is known as Itchy Pet Awareness Month, which aims to promote dog and cat skin health and your pet’s health and happiness. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to effectively treat the true cause of the itch. Learn more about Itchy Pet Awareness and Solutions on our other blog!

About the Author

This article was written by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Jennifer.

My cats’ names are Butters (orange) and Luna (gray). They are both three years old and were from the same litter. Butters loves to sunbathe and Luna loves butt-pats and cuddles. – Jennifer, PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Dogs Find Relief From Allergies And Itching With Apoquel

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Holly

Does your dog always have that itch that he can’t quite scratch? Do they have allergies that cause them to constantly lick and chew with no relief? It’s normal to have an itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has never-ending problems with itching, it might be time to look into it. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies and sensitivities to certain foods or things in the environment, like pollen, mold, and types of grass and trees. They can also become allergic to the saliva of fleas when they bite, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), and have reactions with only one or two fleas on their body. Dogs can also come in contact with other parasites like lice and mites or irritants like shampoo and medications. The common signs that your dog has itching or irritation include excessive scratching, biting, licking, chewing, rubbing, scooting, foot chewing, and redness of the skin. If you notice changes in the skin or your dog is starting to cause damage to their skin, contact your veterinarian for treatment options and to determine the cause. Chronic scratching that causes skin damage can also be a sign of a more serious skin disease or infection and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Medications like steroids, antihistamines, and medicated shampoos, creams, and sprays are usually prescribed to help dogs and their owners deal with the itching, but recently, a medication called Apoquel was brought back because of popular demand.

What is Apoquel?

Apoquel helps relieve itching and inflammation caused by allergies or skin conditions. Apoquel is not a steroid or an antihistamine; it’s a different kind of medication that stops the itch at its source. It contains oclacitinib, which works by blocking certain chemical substances produced by the body called cytokines, which trigger the itching sensation, inflammation, and some allergic responses. In some dogs, it may start providing relief in as little as 4 hours, with complete relief within 24 hours. Apoquel is labeled for short and long-term use in dogs that are over 1 year of age. Before using, talk with your veterinarian about Apoquel and discuss your dog’s treatment options. See what other vets are saying about Apoquel.