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My dog is losing hair even with Apoquel. What are the possible causes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 12 years and 3 months old | 20 lbs

bear is losing hair right there. he gets oat meal baths weekly i put vitamin e oil on it every day he’s healthy and up to date with shots also on the drops to prevent flea/tick and heart worm monthly. so what could this be? he also is on this medication right now called abognel. i think i’m spelling it right but it is of course prescribed by his vet “L -AQ” is written on the pill. i also have dermavet too

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 19th, 2019

I believe you are referring to the medication Apoquel. I cannot tell much from the photo - is this Bear's back? My suggestions would be: 1. Do an allergy test so you can find out what he is allergic to (if anything). ( http://petslady.com/article/new-allergy-test-my-pet-offers-home-testing-dogs-and-cats ) ( https://www.amazon.com/s?k=allergy+tests&i=pets&tag=petslady-20&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 ) If there are allergies you should talk to your vet about immunotherapy instead of spending time and money on all this other stuff. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs/ ) 2. Talk to your vet about the possibility of underlying endocrinopathy and test for them (ie: Cushing's disease, thryoid disease, etc) 3. Try using this line of anti-itch products. (Calm by Duoxo). There is shampoo, mousse and spray. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6679-douxo-calm-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6688-douxo-calm-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6674-douxo-calm-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx ) With allergies, you need to find the underlying cause and treat that instead of just trying to just cure symptoms.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    I am sorry to hear about Bear! I am not sure what "abognel" is... perhaps Apoquel is what you mean? This is a medication we use to control itching in dogs due to allergies to things in the environment (called atopic dermatitis). If your dog suffers from allergies then this hair loss could be a result of the allergies. Sometimes we can get secondary bacterial or yeast infection of the skin secondary to allergies which can then cause hair loss. If your vet hasn't seen this area of hair loss I would consider an exam. Because it is in an area where the collar lies, I would also consider either a new collar or washing the collar in a perfume and dye free soap regularly in case there is something in the fabric of the collar causing irritation, and when she is indoors removing the collar if that is practical.

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