Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Can you give a dog apoquel and benadryl together?» often ask the following questions:
Apoquel For Dogs: Dosage
Apoquel comes in three tablet sizes: 3.6mg, 5.4mg, and 16mg. The dose of Apoquel tablets is 0.18-0.27 mg/lb (0.4-0.6 mg/kg). It’s typically prescribed twice daily for up to 14 days and then once daily after that. It can be given with or without food.
The following table tells you how many tablets to administer according to the weight of your dog.
| Weight Range | 3.6mg Tablets | 5.4mg Tablets | 16mg Tablets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6-9.9 lbs | 0.5 | – | – |
| 10-14.9 lbs | – | 0.5 | – |
| 15-19.9 lbs | 1 | – | – |
| 20-29.9 lbs | – | 1 | – |
| 30-44.9 lbs | – | – | 0.5 |
| 45-53.9 lbs | 0.5 | – | 0.5 |
| 54-59.9 lbs | – | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| 60-89.9 lbs | – | – | 1 |
| 90-129.9 lbs | – | – | 1.5 |
| 130-175.9 lbs | – | – | 2 |
One of the major benefits of Apoquel vs more traditional steroid treatments for dog allergies is fewer and less severe side effects. Most dogs have no or very few side effects from Apoquel as long as you follow the dosing guidelines as prescribed by your vet.
The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects are fairly rare according to study results and veterinarian feedback on their clinical experience with the drug. Even rarer side effects can include an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections.
Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs? And how does Apoquel compare to other allergy meds for dogs? Dogs react differently to medications, so if your pup isn’t responding well to Apoquel, your vet may try an alternative. We also have an entire article devoted to allergy medicine for dogs (including all-natural alternatives).
Another oral immunosuppressant that vets commonly prescribe for allergy relief is Atopica (cyclosporine). However, it can take much longer (up to a month of daily dosing) to achieve maximum relief, compared to fast-acting Apoquel. Also, gastrointestinal side effects, mainly vomiting and diarrhea, are relatively common with Atopica. But Atopica can be a better option if your dog suffers from recurrent ear infections.
Cytopoint (by Zoetis, the same drug manufacturer as Apoquel) is an antibody protein. It’s administered as a subcutaneous injection at a veterinarian’s office. One injection reduces itching within 24 hours and offers relief for four to eight weeks in most dogs. Unlike Apoquel, it can be used for dogs less than one year old.
Veterinarians have used corticosteroids, like prednisone and Temaril-P (trimeprazine with prednisolone), for years to control inflammation and itching in dogs. While corticosteroids are effective, they’re not a good long-term solution because of the harsh side effects, such as behavior changes, immune system suppression, and Cushing’s disease, after prolonged use.
The human antihistamine Claritin (loratadine) is generally safe for dogs and can provide allergy relief. But you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medications. Also, Claritin and other human antihistamines aren’t FDA-approved as an allergy treatment for dogs.
Zyrtec (cetirizine), another popular human antihistamine, is similar to Claritin. Again, check with your vet first before giving it to your dog.
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about Apoquel.
Can I give my dog Apoquel and Zyrtec together?
Yes, you can give your dog Apoquel and Zyrtec together. However, it is not recommended that you do so. The combination of these drugs can result in undesired side effects for your pet including vomiting and diarrhea.
Can Apoquel be used with other medications?
Apoquel can be used along with:
Apoquel may be used alone or with other medications to treat your dog’s atopic dermatitis. However, it is important to remember that no drug works for every dog and there will always be some cases where this medication will not work effectively. In these situations, you should talk with your veterinarian about trying other treatments such as corticosteroids or antibiotics.
FAQ
Can I give my dog allergy medicine and Benadryl?
Can I give my dog Benadryl with other medications?
Can Apoquel be used with other medications?