Do you think that your pet is scratching and itching more than it used to previously? If so, you may have heard of Apoquel. It has become common for pet owners to administer this medication for their dogs suffering skin allergies. However, how do you properly dispense it so that your fur baby can get the break or relief that they so much deserve? So in this specific blog post, we will take a closer look at what Apoquel actually is as well as some of the most important uses for it and at the same time, we will try to present to you some of the best ways to administer the product to your beloved pet without too much trouble. In addition, we will be able to recommend some likely side effects for the medication and if you’d rather not use it and you are looking for an alternative medication. Let’s dive right in!
What is Apoquel and its Uses
Apoquel is an prescription only tablet that is intended for use in allergic skin disease affected dogs. Its active substance, oclacitinib, selectively inhibits cytokines responsible for itching and inflammation in the dog’s immune system.
You can buy apoquel for dogs to help manage their allergies and provide relief from itching, but make sure to consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage and prescription.
This powerful drug will therefore be very useful for treating all symptoms that might be associated with environmental allergy, food allergy and other skin conditions. Most use Apoquel if other methods fail or if a dog is in chronic pain.
This is Abele’s pride and joy because more often than not, dogs start to feel better within 24 hours of taking apoquel. For those whose pets do not respond well to topical applications or steroids, this might just be the oral treatment that will solve all their allergy problem.
When used under the advice of your veterinarian, Apoquel can add years of quality to your dog’s life and ensure he or she doesn’t spend hours scratching or being uncomfortable.
Understanding the Dosage and Directions
We therefore recommend the administration of Apoquel follows the recommended dosage in order to be effective. However, the quantity depends on your veterinarian, who will prescribe the correct dose depending on your dog’s weight and other conditions.
The initial daily dose of 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg is given divided q.12h for the first 1-2 weeks. That means after these first few days the dose may then be reduced to one dose per day for chronic use.
Never take more than the prescribed amounts of any medication, even if you are feeling worse; always cut pills in half or use a measuring spoon or a scale if necessary. This means that in your pet is in need of medication, you will give them exactly what they require without endangering their health with half or over dosage.
Ensure that you feed Apoquel at the same time every day to your pet. This ensures that they rarely get affected by variations in their system and also the best way to get the most from their system.
For those who have missed a dose, one should consume it and time reckoned from the time the dose was taken While if the time elapsed to the next dose is small, one should bypass the missed dose. To avoid any harm you shouldn’t give your furry friend more than the recommended dosage otherwise it will harm him instead of helping him.
Tips for Administering Apoquel to Your Dog
Giving your dog Apoquel is easy if you have the following tips practiced. Begin with knowing that having a healthy regimen is the way forward. In adherence to recommendations, it is important to give the medication at the same time each day.
If your pet is quite choosy, then you may concealed the tablet in a small portion of the pet’s food or treat. Soft cheese or peanut butter is usually quite effective as far as tasty masks are concerning.
If your dog is fending off the medication or may try to grab the capsule from you, then observe your dog’s body language and pose throughout the method. Be as polite as possible to avoid stressing both of you in the middle of the process.
Sometimes, if able, you can offer some incentive soon after administration of the medicine. This results in a positive conditioning over time about taking Apoquel.
Ask your vet for help if problems appear When having problems. They may come up with other care measures oriented to your pet’s specific needs whether it’s a dog or cat or any other type of a pet.
Common Side Effects of Apoquel
For the most part, dogs do tolerate Apoquel well, which means it is those side effects’ that should be taken into account. Pets may develop minor intolerance symptoms such as vomiting and or diarrhea in some instances. Most of these symptoms are usually mild and disappear on without medical intervention.
One of the other reactions may involve changes in appetite. When beginning the medication, your dog may lose its appetite or start eating a lot more than it ususal does. Monitor how often they are eating and if this changes, it’s always wise to seek advice from your vet.
Also, some of the dog might develop skin rashes including reddening or itching in areas that they never had in the course of their treatment. If this happens it is recommended that you seek advice from your vet.
There are other effects, severe though rare, associated with the use of Boswellia serrata. These may include signs of infection since most patients have a low immune response due to the disease. Make sure your dog is okay physically and behaviorally as you are using Apoquel and call your vet if there are any changes or problems.
Alternatives to Apoquel for Treating Skin Allergies in Dogs
That said, let us look at the other options that pet owners might consider when it comes to the treatment of skin allergies in their dog. Both types have advantages and drawbacks, and either may have possible adverse consequences that you need to discuss together with your veterinarian.
One common substitute medication is corticosteroids. These drugs can treat swelling and itching but the long-term uses present severe side effects unlike Apoquel. These are often employed as rescue medications when you are experiencing an acute attack.
The other is antihistamines This category of drugs is effective action against allergy symptoms, Prevention of reactions to insect bites, Hay fever and fights against common cold. However not all the dogs are benefited with these medications but there are few which respond well with these medicines for allergies as these medicines act on histamine receptors.
In addition, there deserves consideration a number of natural remedies. Omega-3 fatty acids have multiple positive effects on skin; probiotics positively affect immune system. Some pet owners that stick to herbal remedies or homeopath; but the outcome depends on the outcome of your pet.
Another type is immunotherapy in which the immune system of the dog is slowly conditioned on particular allergens via injections or orally administered drops. The available evidence suggests that it is a somewhat slower approach, yet it allows achieving a more sustainable outcome compared with medication use.
All of them respond differently owing to their differences when it comes to their physical health and previous injuries. The truth is that the treatment plan has to be developed in cooperation with your vet and it has to be adjusted to the needs of your pet.