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My dog's Apoquel isn't working for allergies. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 4 years and 7 months old | 8 lbs

My baby has bad allergies and she is prescribed apoquel dosage is 3.6mg tablet and we are only suppose to give her half. So i was wondering if we can ask our vet to up the dosage because it seems like the 3.6mg isnt working as well anymore? Thank you.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 6th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Dove! Apoquel will stop working or not work well if the dog has a skin infection. It only helps control itching. If the apoquel was working and now it isn't that could be the cause. Yeast or bacterial skin infections are possible which can easily be determined with cytology (looking under the microscope). Apoquel is only labeled to be given twice daily for 2 weeks then decreased to once daily due to the risk of suppressing the immune system. I would have Dove rechecked by your Vet. I always recommend for my bad allergy patients to start an Omega 3 supplement and also use an antihistamine. Sometimes bathing in medicated shampoos can help as well (bathe twice weekly and leave the lather on for 10 mins before rinsing). I wish Dove the very best! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/ https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2018

    There may be a seasonal allergy (like some pollen or flower blooming) that is causing a flare up of Lily’s allergies. Sometimes increasing the apoquel to twice daily for 7-10 days can help get the itch under control. There is another medication that is fairly new, Cytopoint, that works very well for allergy dogs. I have had several dogs do well on Cytopoint whose allergies aren’t well controlled by Apoquel alone. I can understand your hesitation in using steroids. It is best to avoid those if possible but a short course, along with the Apoquel may be another way to give Lily some relief. It would also be helpful to bathe Lily once or twice a week to help remove the surface allergens from her skin and coat. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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