Is There An Alternative To Apoquel For Dogs? 9 Alternatives For Dog Owner

If you have a dog who is suffering from allergies, it can be difficult to know what medications are safe for them.

Alternative To Apoquel For Dogs

This blog post talks about 9 Alternative To Apoquel For Dogs that are less harmful for dogs.

9 Alternative To Apoquel For Dogs

1. Benadryl

Benadryl It has been found that Benadryl can help relieve some allergy symptoms in dogs. It is important to note that Benadryl should not be given to dogs who are pregnant or who have glaucoma.

2. Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is a common antihistamine that can sometimes be prescribed by veterinarians. It works to reduce swelling and itching, which helps relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. 

As with Benadryl, it should not be given to pregnant or glaucoma-prone dogs.

3. Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Chlorpheniramine is another antihistamine that can be prescribed to dogs. This drug also helps relieve allergy symptoms, but it should not be given to animals who have glaucoma.

4. Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant which has been shown to help treat allergies in dogs. Like many other drugs, it should not be given to animals who are pregnant or have glaucoma.

5. Cephadyn

Cephadyn is a common pain reliever that can help relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. It has also been prescribed to treat arthritis and post-operative discomfort due to surgery. 

Like most other drugs on this list, it should not be given to pregnant or glaucoma-prone dogs.

6. Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is a drug that is often used to suppress the immune system in people who have autoimmune diseases. It has also been shown to help relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. 

7. Zyrtec

Zyrtec is a drug that is often used to treat allergies in people. It has been found to help relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. Zyrtec is safe for pregnant and glaucoma-prone dogs.

8. Claritin

Claritin is a drug that is often used to treat allergies in people. It has been found to help relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. Claritin is safe for pregnant and glaucoma-prone dogs.

9. Piriton

Piriton is an antihistamine that can be used to help relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. Piriton is not safe for pregnant or glaucoma-prone dogs.

10 Apoquel side effects for dogs 

Apoquel is the brand name of the medication called Apoquel. It’s an antihistamine that has recently become very popular among pet owners because it works well in most cases, especially when it comes to scratching.

There are some side effects associated with Apoquel use in dogs though and this article will cover those as well as what you can do if your dog experiences any of them.

1. Increased thirst and/or urination: One of the most common side effects of Apoquel is increased thirst and urination. This is likely due to the medication’s ability to reduce histamine levels in the body.

If your dog experiences this side effect, be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh water and make sure to monitor their bathroom breaks closely.

2. Increased Appetite: Another common side effect of Apoquel is an increased appetite. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your dog’s diet and weight.

If your dog starts eating more and gaining weight, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about switching to a weight loss diet.

3. Increased Sleepiness: Apoquel is know for making dogs extra sleepy, which can be kind of funny when you think about it (I mean my dog falls asleep in the strangest places when she’s on this medication).

However, if your dog’s increased sleepiness is starting to get in the way of normal activities, you may want to talk with your veterinarian about switching them to a different medication.

4. Vomiting: Sometimes Apoquel can cause dogs to vomit after taking it. This side effect typically goes away on its own and doesn’t require treatment.

If your dog vomits after taking Apoquel several times in a row, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about switching medications.

5. Shaking/Tremors: Some dogs experience tremors and shaking when they take Apoquel. While this can be disconcerting and scary for pet owners, these side effects typically go away on their own after a few days.

If your dog experiences these side effects for an extended period, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about discontinuing the medication.

6. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common side effect of Apoquel. This can be caused by the medication itself or by a change in the dog’s diet. Some dogs may experience bouts of diarrhea that don’t go away when they stop taking Apoquel.

So you’ll want to be sure and speak with your veterinarian about making dietary changes if diarrhea is a problem for your dog’s specific case.

7. Allergic Reactions: Like any medication, Apoquel can cause allergic reactions in dogs. This typically manifests as skin rash and itchiness, but may also include swelling or hives.

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian right away so they can decide what course of action need be taken.

8. Lethargy: Some dogs experience lethargy when taking Apoquel. This may be due to the medication itself or to an increase in appetite.

If your dog is lethargic and it’s not due to an underlying medical condition, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about discontinuing the medication.

9. Increased Risk of Infections: Apoquel works by suppressing the immune system, which can make dogs more susceptible to infections.

If your dog seems like they’re coming down with every cold that goes around, you may want to take them off Apoquel for some time so the medication doesn’t worsen their symptoms.

10. Vomiting Bile: If your dog vomits bile after taking Apoquel, it’s likely a sign that the medication isn’t agreeing with them.

If this happens more than once, you’ll want to speak with your veterinarian about discontinuing the medication.

As you can see, there are several potential side effects associated with Apoquel. However, most dogs only experience a few of them and they typically go away on their own after a little while.

If you’re concerned about how your dog is reacting to Apoquel, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can help you sort out the problem. 

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