Can dogs take Apoquel and Zyrtec together? Find Out Here

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Why is my dog still itching on Apoquel?

There are a few potential reasons why your dog may still be itching even while taking Apoquel. Here are some possible explanations and advice for addressing the issue:

The underlying cause of the itching has not been properly addressed: Apoquel helps reduce itchiness in dogs with allergies or other skin conditions. However, it does not address the root cause of the itching. If your dog has an allergy or skin condition, it is important to properly diagnose and treat the underlying issue in order to fully resolve the itching.

Your dog is experiencing a secondary infection: Sometimes, dogs that are constantly scratching and biting at their skin can develop secondary infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections. These infections can cause additional itching and discomfort and may need to be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication.

The dosage of Apoquel may not be correct: It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering Apoquel and to monitor your dog’s response to the medication. If your dog is still itching, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage or try a different treatment option.

Your dog may be experiencing an adverse reaction to Apoquel: While rare, it is possible for a dog to have an adverse reaction to Apoquel. If you notice any unusual side effects, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Overall, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s continued itching and to find the most effective treatment option.

Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce itchiness and skin irritation in dogs. They can be found in foods like salmon and flaxseed or can be taken as a supplement in the form of fish oil capsules.

Quercetin: This plant flavonoid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in dogs. It can be found in foods like onions, apples, and green tea, or can be taken as a supplement.

Turmeric: This spice contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be added to your dog’s food or taken as a supplement in the form of capsules or powder.

Aloe vera: This plant has soothing and moisturizing properties, making it helpful for dogs with dry or itchy skin. It can be applied topically or taken as a supplement in the form of gel capsules.

Licorice root: This herb has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it helpful for dogs with skin irritation. It can be taken as a supplement in the form of capsules or powder.

Green tea: This popular beverage contains polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in dogs. It can be given to your dog as a tea or taken as a supplement in the form of capsules.

Boswellia: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing itchiness in dogs. It can be taken as a supplement in the form of capsules or powder.

Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in dogs. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt or taken as a supplement in the form of capsules or powder.

Can I give my dog Apoquel and Zyrtec together?

Pros:

  • Both Apoquel and Zyrtec are effective at relieving allergy symptoms in dogs, so combining them may provide even more relief for your dog.
  • Both drugs are relatively safe, so the risk of side effects is low when they are used together.
  • Both drugs are available in pill form, so it is easy to give them to your dog together.

    • Cons:

  • Apoquel and Zyrtec may interact with other medications your dog is taking, so it is important to inform your veterinarian of all medications your dog is currently taking.
  • Both drugs are relatively expensive, so giving them together may increase the cost of treatment.
  • Both drugs may cause side effects in some dogs, such as drowsiness or upset stomach, so you may need to monitor your dog closely when giving them together.

    • Overall, giving your dog Apoquel and Zyrtec together can be an effective treatment option for allergy symptoms, but it is important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new medications. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of treatment for your dog based on their specific needs and medical history.

    Pros:

  • Apoquel is a fast-acting medication that can provide relief from itching and inflammation within hours of administration.
  • It is effective in treating a wide range of skin allergies, including environmental allergies, food allergies, and atopic dermatitis.
  • It does not have the sedative or behavioral side effects that are commonly associated with older allergy medications like steroids.
  • It has a lower risk of long-term side effects, such as suppression of the immune system, when compared to steroids.

    • Cons:

  • Apoquel is a relatively new medication, so there is limited long-term data available on its safety and effectiveness.
  • It can be expensive, especially if your dog requires long-term treatment.
  • Some dogs may experience digestive side effects, such as diarrhea or vomiting, when taking Apoquel.

    • Side effects:

  • The most common side effects of Apoquel are digestive in nature, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Some dogs may also experience decreased appetite or lethargy while taking Apoquel.
  • Rarely, dogs may develop a skin infection or yeast infection while taking Apoquel.

    • Toxicity:

  • Apoquel is generally safe when used as directed.
  • However, it is important to follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions and not to give your dog more Apoquel than prescribed.
  • Overdosing on Apoquel can lead to serious side effects, including liver damage.

    • Drug interactions:

  • Apoquel may interact with certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids.
  • It is important to inform your veterinarian about all medications your dog is taking before starting Apoquel.

    • Contraindications:

  • Apoquel should not be used in dogs who are pregnant or nursing.
  • It should also not be used in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to the medication.

    • Research and studies:

  • Apoquel has been extensively tested in clinical trials and has been shown to be effective in reducing itching and inflammation in dogs with skin allergies.
  • It has been approved for use in the United States, Europe, and other countries.
  • Ongoing research is being conducted to further understand the long-term safety and effectiveness of Apoquel in dogs.

    • Pros:

  • Zyrtec is a non-sedating antihistamine, meaning it can help alleviate allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness in dogs.
  • It can be effective in treating a variety of allergy symptoms, including itchy skin, sneezing, and watery eyes.
  • It has a relatively low risk of side effects compared to other allergy medications.

    • Cons:

  • Some dogs may experience digestive side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, when taking Zyrtec.
  • It may not be as effective in treating severe allergy symptoms, and may need to be used in combination with other medications.
  • It can be expensive compared to other allergy medications.

    • Side effects:

  • Common side effects of Zyrtec in dogs include digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea), dry mouth, and drowsiness.
  • Less common side effects include changes in behavior, difficulty breathing, and tremors.

    • Toxicity:

  • Zyrtec is generally safe for use in dogs, but high doses or prolonged use can lead to toxicity.
  • Symptoms of toxicity may include tremors, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
  • It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian and avoid giving your dog too much Zyrtec.

    • Drug interactions:

  • Zyrtec may interact with other medications your dog is taking, including other antihistamines, sedatives, and CNS depressants.
  • It is important to inform your veterinarian about any medications your dog is taking before starting Zyrtec.

    • Contraindications:

  • Zyrtec is generally not recommended for dogs with liver or kidney disease, or those taking MAO inhibitors.
  • It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.

    • Research and study:

  • Zyrtec has been extensively studied in humans and has been found to be effective and safe for use in allergic conditions.
  • There is limited research on the use of Zyrtec in dogs, but it has been found to be effective in treating allergy symptoms in some dogs.
  • More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using Zyrtec in dogs.

    • What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

    If your pet is receiving cetirizine twice a day and you miss a dose, give the next dose when it is time to do so.

    If you are giving the medication once a day, give it when you remember and continue giving the medication at the regular time. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.

    A veterinarian explains the Best dog itch medication!

    Allergies, theyre just lovely, aren’t they? The constant sneezing and slimy runny nose. Oh, and how about the itching skin that consumes your entire body? Quite a delight for sure!

    Whenever we feel an allergic reaction like itchy skin about to happen, our first reaction is to reach for allergy medications to help. And just like us, our loveable pet dog can get allergies, and for the same reasons.

    They can experience food allergies, drug-induced allergies, environmental allergies, and seasonal allergies. You want to give your dog a pain-free life but might not know where to start.

    Since we take medication to stop severe allergies, it only makes sense to give our dogs allergy medication as well! But which one is the most effective for your itchy dog when they begin to scratch?

    If your pet is itching and scratching nonstop, its probably due to allergies. And if you take them to the vet, the most commonly prescribed drug for this is Apoquel. Apoquel works by blocking the allergic itch at its source. Its one of many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which means it reduces inflammation and swelling.

    The active ingredient Oclacitinib, brand name Apoquel (distributed by Zoetis), is a medication commonly used to better manage atopic dermatitis – symptoms due to an allergic reaction.

    It’s strange how we can turn on the television and not go one episode without seeing a commercial for allergy medication.

    Yet, we seemingly forget about the fact that many dogs struggle with atopic dermatitis from allergies, and the associated scratching and itching can leave them in a lot of pain and suffering. 10% of dogs suffer from atopic dermatitis – a chronic and incurable type of allergy due to an overactive immune system.

    Even scarier, this statistic does not even include skin reactions caused by food, medications, or the environment.

    Atopic dermatitis can take away your dog’s quality of life and their time with us is already short enough as is. The uncontrollable urge to itch and scratch, known as pruritus, can tear through a dogs skin and make them miserable.

    So now we know why it’s so important that we are always on the lookout for allergic dermatitis, let’s look for solutions available that can stop symptoms like pruritus and associated skin lesions with Canine skin allergies in dogs.

    Apoquel is a vet-trusted solution to atopic dermatitis. Throughout allergy testing trials, the drug Apoquel has been proven to make a real difference in atopic dermatitis pain caused by a constant itch.

    Apoquel oclacitinib is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to help treat inflammation and itching skin associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs. A tablet of Apoquel will take effect to stop an itch within 4 hours and Apoquel can provide overall relief from this allergic skin disease anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

    The issue with this, however, is an Apoquel tablet will need to be re-administered on a constant basis to prevent allergic dermatitis. The price of Apoquel is side effects developing, and even first-time users can report alarming side effects within 24 hours.