Getting Your Dog Off Apoquel

Allergies are uncomfortable and stressful for our dogs. Itching, scratching, rashes, and redness are all symptoms that accompany your dog’s allergic reactions. The most commonly prescribed medication for allergies in dogs is Apoquel. 

This powerful pharmaceutical drug alleviates allergy symptoms in as little as a few hours and allows dogs to get back to normal quickly (at first). 

Despite Apoquel’s fast-acting nature, is it really what is best for our dogs? 

The short answer: NO. And, we’ll explain why.

Your Dog Should Not Be on Apoquel Long-term

Apoquel is a unique drug. The way it was made to be used is really just for the short-term. The drug has a quick onset of action and can reduce itching in as few as four hours. Since it was designed to be short-lived, if it’s used continuously, a dose is generally needed every 4 hours or so. Apoquel is generally recommended for one to two weeks, twice a day minimum, in order for the anti-allergy effect to continue working.

Also, since it’s a drug that requires continuous usage, it’s not one that is known to build up in our dog’s body. This makes it easier to get off of Apoquel. Your dog is not likely to experience any sort of withdrawal symptoms when she gets off of Apoquel, but the likelihood for her allergy symptoms to reappear is high within hours of stopping the Apoquel.

Recurrence of Symptoms after Apoquel

The recurrence of symptoms is the reason we are seeing dogs on Apoquel for life. What was meant to be short-term relief while veterinarians and other professionals determine the underlying problem has become a lifelong addition to their routine. 

Unfortunately, this comes with side effects. The longer your dog is taking Apoquel, the higher the likelihood for them to develop serious health conditions. 

Zoetis, Apoquel’s manufacturer, conducted a long-term (two year) study examining 247 dogs and the side effects of Apoquel they experienced. Of the 247 dogs studied, 26 were removed for unknown reasons and 18 were euthanized.

The most common side effects, as indicated by the study, included:

UTI or Cystitis

• Bacterial infection of urinary tract
• Affected 11.3 % of test subjects

Otitis

• Bacterial infection of the ear canal
• Affected 9.3 % of test subjects

Pyoderma

• Bacterial infection of the skin 
• Affected 9.3 % of test subjects

Vomiting

• Chronic GI upset 
• Affected 10.1 % of test subjects

At our animal rescue, Fire Flake Farm, we know the side effects all too well. We have dogs who come to the farm who have experienced all the above symptoms as well as lumps, bumps, tumors, and other cancerous growths on their body. 

Transitioning from Apoquel to Natural Remedies

Apoquel, like most other allergy medications, doesn’t reach the root of the problem. As noted before, once Apoquel is stopped, the problem will return.

Before discussing ways to help the allergy symptoms, I always stress the importance of finding the root of the problem! Check out my blog all about finding the cause of your dog’s allergies.

If your dog has an allergic reaction to the environment, for example, environmental allergens are getting into the body and stimulating the body to react through the skin.

According to our holistic Board of Advisors, “topical therapies in terms of shampooing and cleaning the epidermal barrier are important.”

One of the best ways to support your dog’s skin health is with a gentle, nourishing grooming routine. Regular baths help remove allergens, reduce irritation, and soothe inflamed skin. CBD Dog Health’s Replenish CBD Dog Shampoo is formulated with organic aloe vera, jojoba oil, and full-spectrum hemp extract to cleanse and hydrate your dog’s skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier. For in-between baths, Restore CBD Groom Spray provides instant relief with organic rosehip seed oil and tremella mushroom extract, helping to reduce itching and redness caused by allergies.

Other effective natural remedies for allergies include:

• Aloe: Promotes the skin’s healing from dermatitis, burns, and wounds.
• Full Spectrum Hemp Extract: CBD oil for dog allergies and Topical CBD for Allergy Relief
• Yarrow: Assists with wound-healing mechanisms.
• Black Tea/Nettle Tea: Used at room temperature, these astringents can help remove discharge from hot spots and relieve itching.
• Zymox: Available in spray, cream, and shampoo form, with antibacterial and antifungal properties.

According to Dr. Gary Richter, an Integrative Veterinarian well-known for his natural practices, nutritional therapy should also be implemented. He stated “nutritional therapy relates to improving allergic symptoms through nutrition. Offering a balanced, fresh, whole-food diet provides optimal nutrition with a minimum of unwanted additives and contaminants. Sometimes this is enough to resolve allergic symptoms.” 

Dr. Richter continued to state “although not life threatening, allergies can have a major impact on quality of life. Funding a path to controlling allergic skin disease can be an exercise in patience. While allergies are seldom cured, they are routinely controlled with well-thought-out integrative care that includes a combination of allergen avoidance, improving the immune response, and symptomatic care.”

Transition to CBD

CBD and the other compounds found in a full-spectrum hemp extract, like the EASE tincture, are well-known for bringing the body back to balance. There are many cannabinoid receptors throughout the body that control our dog’s immune system. Instead of turning off the immune response, like many pharmaceuticals do, CBD opens up the communication pathway between cells and the immune system to target allergic reactions. 

 

According to Dr. Pilossoph, “CBD shouldn’t be a sole therapy to prevent most allergic conditions, but it is known to help in reducing the symptoms associated with allergies. CBD doesn’t cure the underlying cause, but rather reduces the body’s neurological response to make your dog feel better.”

CBD Dog Health’s EASE tincture not only contains full-spectrum CBD oil, but incorporates powerful medicinal herbs like turmeric and frankincense as well for additional support with inflammation and immune boost. The medicinal herbs work synergistically with the CBD.  

Final Thoughts

If you are considering taking your dog off of Apoquel, you don’t have to worry about withdrawal effects, but should be prepared for her allergic reaction/symptoms to return since she will no longer have an ‘allergy blocker’ for a period of time. To learn more about the transition to CBD, and other natural therapies, check out CBD Dog Health. They can guide you in the right direction toward a healthier path of life for your dog.

 

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Angela is the founder and formulator behind CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.