Apoquel and Benadryl for Dogs?
Apoquel and Benadryl are both commonly used medications for treating various conditions in dogs. In this article, we will discuss the potential risks and benefits of giving your dog Apoquel and Benadryl together, as well as the proper dosing and administration of these medications.
Can I give my dog Apoquel and Benadryl together?
It is generally safe to give your dog Apoquel and Benadryl together as long as your veterinarian has approved it and you follow their recommended dosage.
Some potential pros of giving your dog both Apoquel and Benadryl together include:
- They may provide additional relief for allergies and inflammation.
- They may help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
- They may be used in combination to treat specific conditions.
There are also some potential cons to consider when giving your dog both Apoquel and Benadryl together:
- They may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and upset stomach.
- They may interact with other medications your dog is taking, so consult with your veterinarian before giving them together.
- They may not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.
Apoquel for dogs reviews
Pros:
Apoquel is a fast-acting medication that can provide relief from allergy symptoms within hours of being administered.
It is effective at reducing itchiness and inflammation caused by allergies and has been shown to be as effective as corticosteroids in clinical trials.
It has a good safety profile and is generally well-tolerated by dogs, with few side effects reported.
Cons:
Apoquel is a relatively expensive medication, and may not be affordable for all pet owners.
It is only available by prescription, so it requires a visit to a veterinarian to obtain.
Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea when taking Apoquel.
Side effects:
The most common side effects of Apoquel are gastrointestinal in nature, such as vomiting or diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.
In rare cases, Apoquel may cause more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, anemia, or changes in white blood cell counts. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your dog while taking Apoquel, you should contact your veterinarian.
Toxicity:
Apoquel is generally considered safe for dogs when used as directed. However, it should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to oclacitinib or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
Apoquel should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Drug interactions:
Apoquel may interact with other medications your dog is taking, including corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain antibiotics. It is important to tell your veterinarian about all medications and supplements your dog is taking before starting treatment with Apoquel.
Contraindications:
Apoquel should not be used in dogs with known hypersensitivity to oclacitinib or any of the other ingredients in the medication.
It should also not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Benadryl for dogs reviews
Pros:
Benadryl can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, including allergies, anxiety, and motion sickness.
It is generally well-tolerated by most dogs and can be given orally or topically.
It is relatively inexpensive and widely available.
Cons:
Benadryl can cause side effects in some dogs, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.
It may interact with other medications your dog is taking, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving it.
It may not be effective in treating more severe allergies or anxiety in dogs.
Side effects:
The most common side effect of Benadryl in dogs is drowsiness, which can be helpful for anxiety or motion sickness but may not be desired in all cases.
Other side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and increased heart rate.
Toxicity:
Benadryl is generally considered safe for dogs when given at the recommended dosage. However, overdose or prolonged use can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even coma.
It’s important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian and not exceed the recommended amount.
Drug interactions:
Benadryl can interact with other medications your dog may be taking, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
It’s important to inform your veterinarian about all medications your dog is taking before giving Benadryl.
Contraindications:
Benadryl is not recommended for dogs with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, and hyperthyroidism.
It should also not be given to pregnant or nursing dogs.
Always consult with your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to your dog to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific needs.
What drugs should not be taken with Apoquel?
Here are some medications that should not be taken with Apoquel:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and naproxen should not be taken with Apoquel as they can interfere with its effectiveness and potentially cause stomach ulcers.
Corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone should not be taken with Apoquel as they can interfere with its effectiveness and potentially cause other side effects.
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and tetracycline should not be taken with Apoquel as they can interfere with its effectiveness and potentially cause other side effects.
Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and azathioprine should not be taken with Apoquel as they can interfere with its effectiveness and potentially cause other side effects.
Other medications that should not be taken with Apoquel include antifungals, anticonvulsants, and blood thinners.
FAQs about Benadryl and Apoquel for dogs
We will answer some frequently asked questions about Benadryl and Apoquel for dogs.
What is Benadryl, and can I give it to my dog?
Benadryl is an antihistamine medication that is used to treat allergies in both humans and dogs. It can be given to dogs to relieve symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the proper dosage for your dog based on their weight, medical history, and other factors.
What are the possible side effects of Benadryl for dogs?
While Benadryl is generally safe for dogs, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These may include drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, and diarrhea. If your dog experiences any unusual symptoms after taking Benadryl, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
What is Apoquel, and what conditions does it treat?
Apoquel is a prescription medication that is used to treat allergic skin conditions in dogs, such as atopic dermatitis and allergic dermatitis. It works by inhibiting the release of certain chemicals that cause itching and inflammation. Apoquel is often used as an alternative to steroid medications, which can have more serious side effects.
Can Apoquel be given to dogs of all ages?
Apoquel is generally safe for dogs of all ages, although it is not recommended for puppies under 12 months old. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if Apoquel is the right medication for your dog’s specific condition.
What are the potential side effects of Apoquel for dogs?
While Apoquel is generally well-tolerated by dogs, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy. In some cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as infections or tumors. It’s important to monitor your dog for any unusual symptoms after starting Apoquel and to contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Can Benadryl and Apoquel be given together?
In some cases, Benadryl and Apoquel may be used together to provide relief from allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medications to your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the proper dosage and timing for each medication to ensure that they are safe and effective for your dog.
Can Benadryl and Apoquel be used long-term for my dog’s allergies?
While Benadryl and Apoquel can provide relief for your dog’s allergies, they should not be used long-term without consulting with your veterinarian. Long-term use of these medications can lead to potential side effects and may not be the most effective treatment for your dog’s specific condition. Your veterinarian may recommend other treatments or medications to help manage your dog’s allergies in the long-term.
Can Benadryl and Apoquel be given to dogs with other medical conditions?
It’s important to inform your veterinarian of any other medical conditions or medications that your dog is currently taking before giving them Benadryl or Apoquel. These medications may interact with other drugs or conditions, so it’s important to ensure that they are safe for your dog to take.
How do I know if my dog is having an allergic reaction to Benadryl or Apoquel?
While allergic reactions to Benadryl and Apoquel are rare, it’s important to monitor your dog for any unusual symptoms after starting these medications. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or lips, hives, or severe itching. If you suspect that your dog is having an allergic reaction to Benadryl or Apoquel, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Are there any alternative treatments to Benadryl and Apoquel for my dog’s allergies?
There are a variety of alternative treatments that may be effective in managing your dog’s allergies, depending on the specific condition. These may include dietary changes, supplements, and other medications. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your dog.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel cause drowsiness in my dog?
Yes, both Benadryl and Apoquel may cause drowsiness in some dogs. This side effect is more common with Benadryl, which is an antihistamine that can cause sedation. Apoquel, on the other hand, is designed to target specific receptors in the immune system and is less likely to cause drowsiness. However, it’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior after giving them either medication, especially if they will be driving or operating heavy machinery.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to pregnant or nursing dogs?
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to a pregnant or nursing dog. The safety of Benadryl and Apoquel in these situations has not been fully evaluated, and your veterinarian will be able to determine the appropriate treatment options for your dog’s specific needs.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to puppies?
Benadryl and Apoquel can be given to puppies, but the dosage may need to be adjusted based on the puppy’s weight and age. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to a puppy, as they may be more sensitive to certain medications and require a lower dosage.
How quickly will Benadryl or Apoquel start to work?
Benadryl typically starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour after administration, while Apoquel may take a few hours to become fully effective. However, the timing may vary depending on your dog’s individual response to the medication and the severity of their allergies.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given with food?
Benadryl and Apoquel can both be given with or without food, but giving them with a small amount of food may help reduce the risk of stomach upset. It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering these medications, including whether or not to give them with food.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be used for other conditions besides allergies?
Benadryl and Apoquel are primarily used to treat allergies and related skin conditions in dogs, but they may be used for other conditions as well. For example, Benadryl may be used to treat motion sickness or anxiety, while Apoquel may be used to treat certain types of arthritis. However, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before using either medication for a condition other than allergies.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to dogs with other health conditions or taking other medications?
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving Benadryl or Apoquel to a dog that has other health conditions or is taking other medications. These medications may interact with other drugs, which could potentially cause harm to your pet. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your dog’s overall health and determine if these medications are safe and appropriate for your pet’s specific situation.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to dogs with liver or kidney disease?
Both Benadryl and Apoquel are metabolized by the liver, and they may not be recommended for dogs with liver or kidney disease. In some cases, your veterinarian may need to adjust the dosage or recommend alternative medications. It’s important to discuss your pet’s medical history and any pre-existing conditions with your veterinarian before giving these medications.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to dogs with a history of seizures?
Benadryl and Apoquel may lower the seizure threshold in some dogs, which means they may increase the risk of seizures in dogs with a history of seizures. It’s important to discuss your pet’s medical history with your veterinarian before giving these medications. Your veterinarian may need to monitor your dog closely or recommend alternative medications.
Can Benadryl or Apoquel be given to dogs with heart disease?
Benadryl and Apoquel may not be recommended for dogs with heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions. These medications may cause changes in heart rate or blood pressure, which could potentially worsen your pet’s condition. It’s important to discuss your pet’s medical history with your veterinarian before giving these medications.