What is Apoquel?
Apoquel, developed by Zoetis, is a groundbreaking medication for managing allergies and atopic dermatitis in dogs. Since its introduction in 2014, Apoquel has emerged as a highly effective and widely embraced solution for treating allergic itching and atopic dermatitis in canines. What sets Apoquel apart is its classification as a Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor, a distinct category among allergy medications. JAKs play a pivotal role in a dog's physiological functions, influencing inflammatory responses, tumor formation, growth, and blood cell production.
By inhibiting JAKs, Apoquel directly addresses the root cause of atopic dermatitis, quelling the redness and itchiness at their source. Instead of merely alleviating or mitigating the symptoms once they've surfaced, Apoquel intervenes in the signaling pathway responsible for your dog's itching and inflammation. This targeted approach often yields longer-lasting and more comprehensive relief for your beloved companion.
The Advantages of Apoquel
Understanding why Apoquel is a wise choice for your dog involves recognizing its specific benefits. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages Apoquel offers to enhance your dog's health and overall well-being:
- Rapid Relief: Apoquel is exceptionally fast-acting, alleviating itching within just 4 hours of administration, ensuring your dog's swift comfort.
- Long-Lasting: Not only is Apoquel quick to act, but it also provides lasting relief, controlling allergic itching for a full 24 hours, granting your dog a full day of respite.
- Comprehensive Relief: Apoquel's effectiveness extends beyond symptom relief; it tackles the root cause of itching, reducing inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis, as well as swelling and discomfort.
- Allergy Agnostic: Apoquel doesn't discriminate based on allergy triggers; it halts allergic responses, making it effective for a wide range of allergies, ensuring your dog's comfort regardless of the allergen.
- Safety First: Apoquel is a safe treatment for atopic dermatitis and allergy-related itching in dogs older than 12 months, without adverse effects.
- Steroid-Free Solution: Unlike steroids often prescribed for symptom management, Apoquel offers comparable or superior relief without unwanted side effects such as anxiety, aggression, weight gain, and excessive thirst or urination.
- Compatible with Other Therapies: Apoquel can complement other treatments like allergy shots, vaccines, NSAIDs, and more, enhancing your dog's overall well-being.
- Immune System Integrity: Apoquel doesn't compromise your dog's immune system, ensuring they remain resilient against illnesses and infections.
- Gentle on the Stomach: Apoquel's easily digestible tablets are gentle on your dog's gastrointestinal system.
- Non-Interference: Apoquel doesn't interfere with diagnostic testing, allowing accurate results for allergy or thyroid tests.
- Short and Long-Term Use: Apoquel is suitable for short-term relief and long-term management of allergic itching, providing a dependable treatment option that eliminates the need for experimentation or switching medications.