Can I use Benadryl instead of Apoquel?

To recap: Apoquel may work better for long-term solutions to pruritus, but Benadryl will be fine in a pinch until you can get something better.


What can I give my dog as a substitute for Apoquel?

Yucca and quercetin are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.

Does Benadryl work better than Apoquel for dogs?

Apoquel vs. Benadryl, which is the best dog medication for itching? The best medicine of these two products is dependent on your unique needs. If your dog is exhibiting mild itchiness, which comes and goes, then your best option is Benadryl.


Is there an over the counter version of Apoquel?

Apoquel is not available over the counter. You cannot buy Apoquel without presenting a valid prescription from your vet.

How much Benadryl can I give a dog?

Benadryl Tablets

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog's weight, given 2-3 times a day.


Does Benadryl Work?



What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?

Apoquel starts relieving allergic dog itch and inflammation due to skin allergies within 4 hours — and controls it within 24 hours. The #1 prescribed medicine for allergic itch in dogs.

How often can I give my dog Benadryl for itching?

Dosage of Benadryl for Dogs

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day.

What medicine is equal to Apoquel?

Safe Apoquel Alternatives For Dogs
  • Atopica.
  • Prednisone.
  • Antihistamines.


What is safer than Apoquel?

In general, Cytopoint® has fewer potential for side effects than Apoquel®, and that is often a reason to select it as a first choice therapy. However, neither Cytopoint® nor Apoquel® are effective in every dog. Some dogs do not respond to either therapy, or respond initially and then stop responding eventually.

Can I give my dog Claritin instead of Apoquel?

Yes, Claritin can be safe and effective for dogs. Vets recommend that you give your dog approximately 0.1 to 0.5 milligram/pound of body weight once to twice daily. However, check with your vet before administering any medication to ensure it's safe for your dog.

Is Zyrtec as good as Apoquel for dogs?

Apoquel is used to help dogs with their skin itching and inflammation caused by allergies. Apoquel is associated with more side effects than Zyrtec or CBD – some of them quite serious. Zyrtec and CBD alone or combined are likely safer for your dog if they successfully control your pet's itching and inflammation.


Why I would not give my dog Apoquel?

Apoquel is not safe for dogs with serious infections. Zoetispetcare.com offers the following safety information: Apoquel may increase the chances of developing serious infections. Apoquel may worsen existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers.

What is the generic form of Apoquel for dogs?

Oclacitinib (brand name Apoquel®) is an oral medication used to manage itching associated with allergic dermatitis (including atopy) in dogs at least 12 months of age.

How long can a dog stay on Apoquel?

Some dogs have been treated with Apoquel for more than five years without any problem, and we do not expect there will be long-term problems.


Why is my dog still itching after Benadryl?

Histamines cause upper respiratory allergies in people, whereas cytokines (not histamines) cause itchy skin in dogs. For dogs with underlying allergies, antihistamines don't control the cytokines (signaling proteins) that cause inflammation and itch.

Can I give my dog Benadryl to stop itching?

For most dogs, the appropriate dosage of Benadryl is perfectly safe. It will begin to reduce symptoms like skin rashes in about an hour. Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans. Some dogs can be quite small, so they need less Benadryl than a person.

How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs for itching?

This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.


What OTC meds can I give my dog for itching?

Benadryl Ultratabs

This well-known antihistamine is most veterinarians go-to OTC option. Dogs who take Benadryl typically don't get as sleepy as humans do and tolerate it well, but it's important to check with your veterinarian about the ideal dosage based on your dog's weight.

How can I get immediate relief from itching on my dog?

If there is no need for medical treatment, here are some home remedies that are completely safe and can help with itch relief.
  1. Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks. ...
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  3. Oatmeal Bath. ...
  4. Epsom Salt Baths. ...
  5. Aloe Vera. ...
  6. Coconut Oil. ...
  7. Unsweetened Plain Yogurt.


What can I give my dog for immediate allergy relief?

The most common antihistamine for dogs is diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl). Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.


Can I give my dog Claritin for itching?

Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily. twice daily. Dogs > 60 lbs: 50mg PER POUND of combined EPA and DHA daily. recommend “Welactin” due to it's high-potency and purity.

Can Zyrtec help dogs with itching?

Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect-bite reactions in cats and dogs. Its use is in cats and dogs is 'off label' or 'extra label'.

Can CBD oil replace Apoquel?

CBD is a natural and safe option for treating dog allergies. After all, it doesn't come with the side effects and risks that many other medications do. That's why we recommend using this powerful plant-based treatment as an alternative to Apoquel.


Can dogs miss a day of Apoquel?

Apoquel is typically prescribed for once daily dosing after an initial two week course of twice daily administration. If a dose is missed and it is less than 12 hours late, go ahead and give the missed dose. If it is within 12 hours of the next dose, skip a dose and resume regular schedule with the next dose.

What are the negative side effects of Apoquel in dogs?

Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase.