Apoquel (Oclacitinib) for Dogs in 2025 🐶

When your dog can't stop scratching, licking, or chewing, it affects their happiness—and yours. Apoquel® (oclacitinib maleate) offers fast relief for allergy-related itching. I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this 2025 veterinary guide, I’ll walk you through safe use of Apoquel, its benefits, and its cautions 🐾💊

🧬 What Is Apoquel?

Oclacitinib maleate is a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor, a new class of drugs that blocks signals from certain cytokines—molecules that trigger inflammation and itching.

• ✅ Controls allergic itch caused by atopic dermatitis, flea allergies, food allergies, and more
• ✅ Often works within 24 hours
• ✅ Comparable in effectiveness to corticosteroids without as many side effects

💊 Available Formulations

• 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, 16 mg oral tablets

📋 How Apoquel Is Used

• 🕒 Initial dose: Twice daily for 14 days
• 🕒 Maintenance dose: Once daily
• 🍽️ May be given with or without food
• 🔁 If a dose is missed, give when remembered—do not double up

🚫 Not Approved For

• 🐶 Dogs under 12 months of age
• 🐶 Pregnant or lactating dogs
• 🐱 Not FDA-approved for cats, but sometimes used off-label with caution

⚠️ Side Effects

Most dogs tolerate Apoquel well. The most common side effects include:

• 🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
• 🥱 Lethargy or appetite changes
• 📉 Mild drop in white blood cell counts (monitoring recommended)

🧪 Important Considerations

1. 🐾 Apoquel controls symptoms—not the underlying cause of itch. If there’s infection or parasites, they still need treatment.
2. ⚠️ Apoquel may suppress the immune response—it is not recommended in dogs with cancer or severe infections.
3. 🐛 Apoquel can worsen or reactivate Demodex mange. It should not be used for dogs with known demodectic mange.

🧬 Drug Interactions

Do not combine Apoquel long-term with:

• 🔴 Cyclosporine (Atopica)
• 🔴 Caution: With other immunosuppressants or long-term corticosteroids

🩺 Monitoring

• 📊 Baseline bloodwork recommended before starting
• 📅 Monitor every 6–12 months for long-term use
• 🔍 Report new lumps, infections, or unusual symptoms

📲 When to Ask a Vet

Not sure if Apoquel is right for your dog? Have a dog with cancer or recurrent skin infections? Use the Ask A Vet app for real-time advice from licensed veterinarians 🐾💬

✅ Summary

• ✔️ Fast itch relief for allergic dogs
• ✔️ Works within 24 hours
• ✔️ Good safety profile when used correctly
• ⚠️ Not for dogs with cancer, serious infections, or Demodex
• ✔️ Monitoring advised for long-term use

For dogs struggling with chronic itching, Apoquel can provide life-changing comfort and restore quality of life—when used safely and thoughtfully 💛

Need help managing your dog’s allergies? Download the Ask A Vet app for expert guidance and personalized allergy care plans 🩺🐶

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc