If you’re a Dog-Owner concerned about your furry friend’s allergies and itchy skin, you may have heard of Apoquel.
This medication, manufactured by Zoetis, is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor that can start reducing itching in as little as four to 24 hours. It’s important that you are aware of the potential side effects – including sleepiness – which may occur when admistering Apoquel to your dog.
In this article, I will explore the potential side-effects of Apoquel, if drowsiness a common side effect of Apoquel in dogs? – “What is Apoquel used for in dogs?”
Contents
Does Apoquel cause Sleepiness in Dogs?
Side effects of Apoquel tablets include upset stomach, bloating, gas, GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease), vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc as well as dizziness, lack of appetite (also called anorexia), mood swings (change in behavior), tiredness, fatigue, and Sleepiness, in most cases.
Yes, Apoquel tablets (generic: oclacitinib) can make dogs look sleepy, tired, and drowsy.
Apoquel is an immunosuppressant drug that has a sedative effect on dogs – used to treat pruritus and other allergy symptoms including skin irritations, redness, rashes, swelling and inflammation on the skin, atopic dermatitis, lumps, bumps, impetigo, flea and ticks allergy, folliculitis, and mange, etc.
What Is Apoquel Used for in Dogs?
Apoquel is a medication that can provide relief for dogs suffering from itching caused by allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis.
Unlike traditional allergy medicines, Apoquel is a selective Janus Kinase Inhibitor, making it a unique option on the veterinary market. Manufactured by Zoetis, this medication can start working to reduce itching in as little as four to 24 hours.
Here are some key points to know about Apoquel:
- Apoquel is the brand name of oclacitinib, a medication designed to relieve itching in dogs.
- It is not a steroid or antihistamine, but a selective Janus kinase inhibitor.
- It is made by Zoetis.
- It selectively inhibits the cytokines involved in allergic reactions with minimal impact on the immune system and blood cell production.
- Apoquel is often prescribed by veterinarians for treating allergies in dogs because it tends to have milder side effects compared to steroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
- It can start working to reduce itching in as little as four to 24 hours.
If your dog is suffering from itching caused by allergies, it’s worth having a conversation with your vet to determine if Apoquel is a good option for them.
Read also: Can Humans Take Apoquel – Apoquel Side effects and Alternative Medications.
How Apoquel Causes Sleepiness In Dogs?
In common, administration of Apoquel (oclacitinib as active ingredient) does lead to sleepiness in dogs. It’s an FDA-approved, JAK-1 inhibitor, for dogs that are above 1 year of age (older than 12 months).
Anyhow, not suitable for dogs below 12 months, because this immune system suppressant may cause commensals bacteria (good bacteria of the body) to take advantage of the suppressed immune system and cause bacterial infections, i.e. Pneumonia (acute respiratory tract infection), UTI’s (urinary tract infections, etc.
Potential Side Effects of Apoquel in Dogs?
Apoquel is a medication that can provide relief for dogs suffering from itching caused by allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis.
Here are some potential side effects to be aware of when using Apoquel:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
- Drowsiness: Apoquel can make dogs feel sleepy or sluggish
- Bloodwork changes: Particularly decreased blood cell counts.
- Increased risk of infections: Urinary tract infections, skin infections, respiratory infections, and demodectic mange.
- Worsening of existing tumors: Apoquel should not be used in dogs with a history of cancer.
- Infections: Apoquel may make some dogs more prone to infections – because of its immune lowering effects.
Your VET may recommend routine blood tests for your dog – to see if Apoquel is impacting any blood cell production or organ function!
Pros & Cons of Apoquel for Dogs
Apoquel Dosage in Dogs
Here are some key points to know about Apoquel dosage:
- Apoquel is available as an oral tablet in three strengths: 3.6, 5.6, and 16 milligrams.
- The recommended dose range is 0.18 to 0.27 milligrams per pound, so the variety of strengths makes accurate dosing easy for dogs of most sizes.
- Zoetis provides vets with a convenient dosing chart as a guideline.
- Apoquel should be given orally as a pill twice daily for the first 14 days, then reduced to once daily for maintenance.
- It may be given with or without food, but giving it with food may reduce the chances of gastrointestinal side effects.
- Apoquel can be used long-term at maintenance doses or seasonally as needed. Unlike steroids, it can be stopped without tapering.
- Some dogs may respond well to the initial higher doses, but experience itching again when the dose is reduced to maintenance levels.
- It may be prescribed along with other treatments to manage allergies in dogs.
- Do not change your dog’s Apoquel dose without first consulting your vet.
It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog and monitor their response to the medication.
An initial two-week period of higher dosage for your dog can provide superior itch-relief while other treatments can start getting to work at the source of the itching.
Summary
Apoquel is a medication that can provide fast relief for dogs suffering from itching caused by allergies, particularly atopic dermatitis. Apoquel is a selective Janus kinase inhibitor – manufactured by Zoetis. Apoquel can start working to reduce itching in as little as four to 24 hours.
Apoquel can induce lethargy in canines – it is important to be aware of the potential side effects, including sleepiness, which may occur when giving Apoquel to your dog.
It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to weigh the benefits and risks of any medication for your furry friend.
Read also: Can Humans Take Apoquel? Side Effects and Alternatives
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