What is Apoquel for Dogs?

Apoquel is a trademark of Zoetis pharmaceuticals, available in oral tablet form, and has been provided in three different strengths, i.e. 3.6mg (milligrams), 5.4mg (milligrams), and 16mg (milligrams), etc.

It contains the active component (generic) “Oclacitinib maleate” which is an immune system modulator drug and is used to relieve inflammation or swelling, itchiness, redness, rashes, etc in dogs.

Apoquel is a prescription drug and is only available on a valid prescription provided by the veterinarian. It is an FDA-approved medication for itchy skin in canines (especially dogs). However, some vets also prescribe it for cats and other small animals when other anti-allergy drugs become fail to provide relief against allergy.

Extra-label or off-label use of Oclacitinib maleate may also cause some unwanted consequences.

What is Quercetin?

Quercetin is a plant pigment (flavonoid) and is found in onions, kale, apples, berries, etc. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-histamine properties.

For humans, it has been used in the treatment of cancer, oxidative stress, diabetes, and certain cardiovascular disorders.

For dogs, it is used for the treatment of allergies. It relieves swelling/inflammation, itching, breathing difficulty, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, dry cough, sore throat, and other indications of allergies.

For the best results, good feedback, effectiveness, and quick (Fast) output Quercetin is also called “Natural Benadryl (diphenhydramine)”.

Apoquel Vs Quercetin – Which is Safer & Better

As a pet owner, you always try to do a little research on medications that a veterinarian has advised for your dog, cat, or other pets. It’s really good to know about the indications, side effects, interactions, dosage, storage, and mechanism of action for drugs that have been prescribed to your pets.

Both Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate) and Quercetin are effective treatments for allergies in dogs. But their side effects and adverse reactions are disparts.

Side Effects of Apoquel in Dogs

By using Oclacitinib maleate for your pet, Pet owners must also consider that the following adverse effects may also occur;

• Vomiting & nausea
• Diarrhea
• Infections (caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi)
• Low platelets
• Lethargy
• Sleepiness
• Loss of appetite
• Increased thirst
• Gastric ulcers

If you observe any of the above side effects in your dog, consult your dog veterinarian about this. This medication is prohibited for dogs that are under one year old or those who have a weak immune system, suffering from an infection, or cancer.

Side Effects of Quercetin in Dogs

Unlike Oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel), this plant source supplement that is used for itchy skin, swelling, and other symptoms of allergies in dogs rarely cause any adverse effects.

In rare cases, it may disturb your pet’s stomach and may cause certain kinds of digestive system disorders.

5-10 milligrams of Quercetin in dogs is recommended Once or Twice a day (in 24 hours).

Canines are made to eat meat, so their digestive system can easily digest meat but lacks enzymes that are important or crucial to digest plant-sourced foods and their extracts. You must consider the dosage (that is really important) of Quercetin when giving this to your pet. Overdosage may increase the risks of adverse reactions.

Conclusion: (Summary)

If I can summarize all of the above content in a few lines, I can say both Apoquel and Quercetin are effective in treating the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Their mechanism of action varies from each other as Apoquel belongs to the immune system modulator drugs while Quercetin is a natural supplement and shows fewer side effects compared to Apoquel tablets.