Apoquel® Tablets for Dogs with Allergic Itch

Apoquel® is a veterinary medicine used to control allergic itch in dogs. It helps reduce scratching related to atopic and allergic dermatitis. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and how you can arrange US delivery from Canada, even if you pay without insurance.

What Apoquel Is and How It Works

Apoquel® contains oclacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for canine use. It targets signaling pathways involved in itch and inflammation, which can calm scratching and skin irritation. In short, it modulates cytokines linked to allergy and atopic disease. It is Oclacitinib for dogs that acts on key itch mediators while avoiding steroid pathways.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

This medicine is prescription-only. A veterinarian diagnoses the underlying cause of itch, which may include fleas, food sensitivities, and environmental triggers like pollen and dust mites. The treatment can be used for both short-term flares and ongoing control when directed by your prescriber. See our condition guides on Atopic Dermatitis and Itching for general background.

Who It’s For

Veterinarians may prescribe Apoquel for dog itching associated with allergic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Dogs should be at least 12 months old. Your prescriber may avoid this therapy in dogs with serious infections, or when there is concern about immune compromise.

It is not for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Cats are not an indicated species. If your dog has recurrent infections, a history of demodicosis, or existing tumors, your veterinarian will weigh benefits and risks before using this treatment.

Dosage and Usage

Your veterinarian will choose a dosing schedule based on weight and clinical signs. Typical labeling uses a twice-daily schedule for a short initial period during a flare, then a once-daily maintenance schedule. Give tablets by mouth with or without food. Try to give doses at the same times each day during maintenance.

Do not adjust the dose on your own. If vomiting occurs when given on an empty stomach, your veterinarian may suggest giving with food. Keep a log of doses and your dog’s comfort level to share at follow-up. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s directions.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is available as scored oral tablets. Common strengths for dogs include 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, and 16 mg. Many pet owners are familiar with Apoquel 16mg tablets for larger dogs, while lower strengths are selected for smaller weights.

Tablet appearance and packs may vary by manufacturer lot. Availability can differ over time or by dispensing pharmacy.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. Consistency supports steady itch control.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original packaging, away from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and other pets. Do not store in the bathroom or near sinks. When you travel, carry the prescription label, a copy of veterinarian instructions, and enough tablets for the full time away plus a small buffer. Use a sealed container, and keep the medication with you rather than in checked luggage. If your itinerary crosses borders, carry documentation showing the prescription for your dog’s use.

For general pet supply planning, you can browse our Pet Medications category.

Benefits

This therapy can reduce itch intensity and help break the itch-scratch cycle. Less scratching may allow irritated skin to recover under your veterinarian’s care plan. Because it targets specific pathways, it may offer a non-steroid option for ongoing management when appropriate. Oral tablets are convenient for many households, and the dosing schedule allows flexibility between flare control and daily maintenance.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy
• Occasional: ear infections, skin infections, increased liver enzymes
• Reported: demodicosis, new or worsening infections

Serious risks are uncommon but can include bone marrow effects or worsening of pre-existing cancers. This medicine may increase susceptibility to infection and may exacerbate some neoplastic conditions. Dogs with a history of demodicosis or frequent infections require careful monitoring. Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog shows persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, unusual bruising, severe lethargy, or any rapidly changing masses.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, supplements, and parasite preventives your dog receives. Use caution with other immunosuppressive therapies. Corticosteroids, cyclosporine, or other JAK inhibitors may increase immunosuppressive effects when used together. Discuss vaccination plans, especially live vaccines, as immune response could be altered. Dogs with active infections should be stabilized before starting therapy. Your prescriber will individualize the approach to minimize risks.

What to Expect Over Time

Many dogs show noticeable relief as scratching decreases, which can improve sleep and skin comfort. During flares, your veterinarian may start with more frequent dosing to quiet itch, then move to a maintenance schedule. Skin healing often requires time, environmental control, and supportive care such as medicated baths or flea control.

Regular check-ins help confirm that the lowest effective dose is used. If itching persists, your veterinarian may re-evaluate triggers such as fleas or diet, or add supportive therapies like fatty acids and topical care. For general education on pet therapies, see our article Doxycycline For Dogs And Cats, which reviews safe antibiotic use when infections complicate skin disease.

Compare With Alternatives

Alternatives your veterinarian may consider include cyclosporine capsules and monoclonal antibody injections for itch control. We carry Atopica® For Dogs (cyclosporine), an established option for chronic atopic dermatitis. Some dogs benefit from a cytokine-targeting injection administered in the clinic, particularly for seasonal flares or when tablets are difficult for the household. Your prescriber will help match the therapy to your dog’s history and triggers.

Pricing and Access

We list current options so you can compare packs and see typical cash-pay savings. If you are checking the Apoquel price without insurance, you can review our posted options and talk with your veterinarian about multi-bottle planning. We offer Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada to support access for U.S. households. Looking for any current offers? Visit our Promotions page for updates. Checkout is encrypted to protect your information.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and pack size. If a strength is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a different pack size or a therapeutic alternative. When substitution is considered, your veterinarian and the dispensing pharmacist will ensure the dose and plan remain appropriate for your dog. We also support sourcing Oclacitinib from Canada when the veterinarian’s prescription is verified and an appropriate product is available.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adult dogs with confirmed allergic or atopic dermatitis who need ongoing itch control. Dogs with active infections, demodicosis, or certain tumors may not be good candidates until stabilized or cleared. Discuss your dog’s medical history and any previous reactions before starting this therapy.

Cost-saving ideas include asking your veterinarian about multi-month fills, using refill reminders, and aligning rechecks with prescription renewals. If your clinician approves, you can Buy oclacitinib online here after your prescription is received. For country-of-origin details where available, see the attribute page for Canada. For broader pet health planning, this guide on Insulin For Dogs shows how chronic therapies are often organized for households.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis plan: how allergy and atopic triggers were identified
• Goals of care: what improvement would show the plan is working
• Dose strategy: flare control versus maintenance schedule
• Monitoring: signs that require a check-in or lab work
• Interactions: other medicines or vaccines to time carefully
• Long-term plan: when to reassess triggers or consider alternatives

Authoritative Sources

• Zoetis Apoquel Product Information
• FDA CVM FOI Summary: Apoquel (oclacitinib)
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to start? Order Apoquel online today for your dog with pharmacist dispensing upon prescription verification, with prompt, express shipping that ships from Canada to US. This content is for information only and does not replace your veterinarian’s advice.