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My dog is on Apoquel for scratching. Are there cheaper options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Fox Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 20 lbs

My Fox Terrier is on Apoquel for her scratching.It is costing 190 dollars a month to keep it contained.We are finding it hard to pay this much.Is there anything else.Thank you.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on February 18th, 2018

Skin allergies can definitely be frustrating (and sometimes expensive!) to treat. Apoquel is a good drug, but it's pricey. Atopica is another, similar medication option - but tends to be about the same cost-wise. Cytopoint injections are a relatively new thing that can be effective for many dogs - they're typically given about once a month. This drug is somewhat expensive as well, but may be less per injection than the current $190 you're paying for Apoquel. You could also consider allergy testing to identify what specific things Gunner is allergic to, followed by hyposensitization injections to help train his immune system to stop reacting - this is the closest thing there is to a "cure" for allergies. It's pricey up front, but can often save money in the long run. Honestly, if cost is a major concern, you may want to sit down and have a talk with your vet about the pros and cons of using low-dose prednisone long-term to control Gunner's itching. This isn't ideal, but it's very inexpensive - so much more manageable for many owners who simply can't afford the monthly cost of Apoquel or similar drugs. I have a number of patients who do this, and it works well for many of them with few side effects and a low risk of long-term issues.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 24th, 2018

    Hi. Yes, Apoquel is a great medication. Unfortunately there isn't one that works like it or as well for allergies, or a generic. One thing you can ask your veterinarian about ate cytopoint injections. It is a new biologic med by injection every 4 to 8 weeks for allergies. Lots of success and may be cheaper, but you'll have to check prices with your veterinarian.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 2nd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No apoquel is a very unique drug. Only cytopoint is similar which is an injection and is more expensive. Prednisone (steroid) controls scratching but it is not safe to give long term. For dogs with allergies I recommend Omega 3 fish oils, antihistamines, a novel protein or prescription hydrolyzed diet and either apoquel or cytopoint. Allergy testing (blood) costs around $300 just for the test and about $200 for 6-8 weeks of treatment. Allergies are not easy and can be expensive to treat. I wish you the best!

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    Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 14th, 2019

    If the Zyrtec alone doesn't control Lucy's allergies, she will likely need either Apoquel or a steroid such as prednisone to keep things under control. While Pred does have side effects (drinking and peeing a lot, increased appetite, etc) and long term is not ideal, sometimes it is necessary to keep them comfortable. Additional measures that may help-- bathe her weekly with a shampoo designed for allergic skin such as this: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-shampoo-with-vitamin-d3 A fatty acid supplement may help as well. This is a good one. # Best of luck! thanks for asking PetCoach!

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