Apoquel Side Effects in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know
Apoquel for Allergies in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Apoquel has quickly become the most popular drug prescribed for managing allergies in dogs. It’s often promoted as being fast-acting, safe, and with minimal risk of side effects. But is that the full story?
As a veterinarian, I’ve heard from many of my subscribers about their personal experiences with Apoquel—and unfortunately, not all of them are positive. In fact, some dogs have had severe reactions, with several heartbreaking cases where dogs have died after being on this drug. This makes it crucial to explore safer, natural alternatives for allergy relief in our pets.
Safer Alternatives to Apoquel
One of the most effective natural alternatives is the bioflavonoid Quercetin, which is derived from sources like apple peel and red onion. Studies have shown that Quercetin can naturally help reduce itching in dogs. However, not all Quercetin supplements are created equal.
Some formulations of Quercetin are more effective than others. Whole plant extracts, which include other beneficial compounds found in the plant, can work synergistically with Quercetin to enhance its effectiveness. This holistic approach ensures your dog receives all the natural benefits that come with a more complete formulation.
Introducing Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Bioactive Quercetin
I’m excited to share that we now offer an All-Natural, Whole Plant Quercetin Supplement specifically designed for dogs and cats. This formulation has been receiving excellent reviews from many pet owners, particularly those with itchy pets. If you’re looking for a safer, natural alternative to Apoquel, I highly recommend giving it a try.
You can find it here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats
This supplement has been crafted to provide your pet with relief from itching, using the power of nature. Let’s prioritize their well-being by choosing safer options.
Apoquel Alert: Beware of the Side Effects
As a veterinarian, I receive many messages from concerned pet owners. Recently, a subscriber shared a troubling experience with the allergy drug Apoquel and how it affected their dog.
They wrote that after about a year of using Apoquel, their dog developed multiple skin growths and tumors, as well as a serious neurological tremor causing uncontrolled leg shaking. Despite stopping the drug and undergoing multiple surgeries to remove the masses, the tremor has persisted.
After posting a YouTube video discussing these concerns, many other dog parents began sharing their experiences with Apoquel, detailing some of the serious side effects it had on their dogs. Disturbingly, several even reported that their dog died after using the drug.
What is Apoquel?
Apoquel works by suppressing part of the immune response. The active ingredient, oclacitinib, is classified as a Janus kinase (JAK1) inhibitor. It blocks signals that trigger itching and inflammation in allergic dogs, reducing their urge to scratch and calming skin inflammation. Apoquel is not a corticosteroid or an antihistamine, which makes it a popular option for managing dog allergies.
Apoquel Side Effects
However, because Apoquel suppresses the immune system, many of the side effects are linked to this suppression. According to the information sheet inside the box, potential side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Anorexia
- Skin masses or tumors
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Increased cholesterol and lipase
- Tumor growth (benign or malignant)
Some dogs have also developed:
- Demodicosis (mange)
- Neoplasia (tumors)
- Pneumonia
- Bloody diarrhea
- Skin and ear infections
- UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- Tremors
- Seizures
In early studies, some side effects were similar to those seen in dogs taking steroids, such as increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight gain, and aggression.
The Unspoken Risk
Most reports and veterinarians claim that the incidence of serious side effects is less than 1%. However, there is a growing number of dog owners in our community reporting serious side effects, including death, despite no published sources officially listing death as a potential outcome. This suggests a larger issue that may not be fully reported, possibly because it’s in Zoetis’ best interest to emphasize that the drug is “safe and effective with minimal chance of complications."
Alternatives to Apoquel
If your dog has environmental allergies and none of the holistic options have helped, then you may need to consider Apoquel. However, be fully aware of the potential side effects. Before resorting to Apoquel, try some natural alternatives, including:
- Proper food trials
- Parasite control
- Essential fatty acids
- Natural antihistamines like Beta-sitosterol or Licorice root extract
- Holistic ceramides (from safflower oil)
- 95% Curcumin
- CBD
A Natural Alternative Worth Trying
One holistic supplement I recommend is quercetin, which acts as a natural antihistamine to decrease itching without the side effects associated with Apoquel. Our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats is a whole-plant extract that may help your pet find relief from allergies in a safer way.
P.S. Always weigh the risks and benefits of any medication. Stay informed, try natural solutions first, and consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s treatment plan.
Introducing Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Bioactive Quercetin
I’m excited to share that we now offer an All-Natural, Whole Plant Quercetin Supplement specifically designed for dogs and cats. This formulation has been receiving excellent reviews from many pet owners, particularly those with itchy pets. If you’re looking for a safer, natural alternative to Apoquel, I highly recommend giving it a try.
You can find it here:
Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats
This supplement has been crafted to provide your pet with relief from itching, using the power of nature. Let’s prioritize their well-being by choosing safer options.
Dr. Jones my 11 years old German Shepherd suffers from allergies, very bad ones. I am scared to try anything since one look of the ingredients list and I am discouraged by all the synthetic stuff! Is your product free of synthetic ingredients?I can see the list of ingredients anywhere.
Yes, all of our products are made with natural ingredients. You can find the full list of ingredients on the Ingredients Tab and on the label in our store.
Our five-year-old pit-bull recently died of lymphoma. It has taken Apoquel for about 3 years for its itchy feet. The vet who has been prescribed the medicine for our dog has never told us the side effect. Even when our dog was dying and I asked him if he was aware of any connection between the Apoquel and dog cancer, he said Apoquel does not cause cancer even though it may make the situation worse if the dog has already had cancer. I accidentally found out some dog owners complain about Apoquel when I told one of my friends who also had lost her dog to cancer when my dog was dying. Her late dog had also taken Apoquel for several years.
Is there some organizations to which we can report this situation? Someone needs to do more research about the connection between Apoquel and dog cancer. It may be the best interest for the drug manufacturer to keep it quiet, it also brings big money to the vet. During the weekend we took our dog to the vet because it quit eating any food. The vet went through all kinds of tests and told us he cannot figure out why the dog had quit eating. He gave a couple of guesses and told us to go to a specialist. The specialist did more tests and told us chances are our dog has got cancer. Each of the vets charged us close to 2000 dollars. If the vet is aware that so many dog have got cancer after taking Apoquel, they could simplify their checking process and it could cost us less. Instead they went through the process with “Due Diligence”.
We are deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your pet due to lymphoma, potentially as a side effect of Apoquel. Losing a beloved companion is an incredibly painful experience, and we truly understand the heartache you’re going through. It’s heartbreaking to know that your pet’s health may have been affected by a medication intended to help. We will raise this to Dr. Jones.