Can I give my dog antihistamine instead of Apoquel?

Can I give my dog piriton instead of Apoquel?

If your dog suffers from chronic itching or allergic skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, you may have heard of Apoquel. This prescription medication is commonly used to manage severe itching and inflammation. However, many pet parents may consider switching their dog from Apoquel to over-the-counter antihistamines, believing they can provide the same relief. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Why Stopping Apoquel and Switching to Antihistamines Is Not The Answer

Apoquel is specifically designed to block the immune system signals (cytokines) that cause inflammation and itching. It's an immunosuppressive drug that targets the root cause of allergic reactions. On the other hand, antihistamines primarily block histamines—the chemicals released during allergic reactions—but do not have the same immune-modulating effects as Apoquel. Here's why simply switching to antihistamines may not be the answer:

1. Limited Effectiveness of Antihistamines

• Antihistamines may help control mild symptoms, but they are not as effective for severe allergic reactions or chronic inflammation. Apoquel, in contrast, is specifically designed for managing chronic itching and allergic responses in pets.
• Antihistamines are typically effective for hay fever or seasonal allergies but don’t address the root cause of skin inflammation in dogs with conditions like atopic dermatitis or flea allergy dermatitis.

2. Risks of Switching

• Stopping Apoquel without proper management can lead to a worsening of symptoms, including increased itching, inflammation, and skin lesions. The skin may become more prone to infection, and your dog could experience a rebound effect where symptoms intensify.
• Antihistamines can cause side effects like sedation, dry mouth, and even vomiting, depending on the drug, and they don't provide the targeted action needed to address the chronic allergic reactions seen in many dogs.

3. Serious Side Effects of Abruptly Stopping Apoquel

• If your dog is on Apoquel and it’s suddenly stopped, the underlying immune system inflammation could worsen and cause rebound inflammation. The body may struggle to regulate itching, inflammation, and skin repair.
• Dogs might experience secondary infections due to a weakened skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to heal and recover from allergies.

Addressing the Root Cause: Why Topical Skin Repair is Key

The key to treating allergic skin conditions is addressing both the immune system and the skin barrier. While Apoquel can suppress the immune response, it doesn’t necessarily restore the damaged skin barrier that many dogs with allergic reactions experience.

This is where topical skin repair becomes essential. Using products like DERMARENEW Skin Repair Serum and DERMAPROTECT Skin Repair Serum can help to nourish, hydrate, and restore the skin barrier, improving the skin’s natural defense mechanisms.

Topical Skin Repair: A Crucial Step for Healing

• DERMARENEW Skin Repair Serum: Enriched with lavender and carrot seed oil, this serum helps to reduce inflammation and irritation, while also promoting skin regeneration.
• DERMAPROTECT Skin Repair Serum: Perfect for dogs with flea allergies, hormonal imbalances, or sensitive skin, this serum contains rose and calendula, which are naturally soothing and support skin barrier recovery.

These serums not only help control itching but also provide long-term support for the skin, reducing the frequency of flare-ups and providing relief from the underlying causes of chronic skin conditions.

Answers to Common Questions About Apoquel

What is Apoquel used for?

Apoquel is used to treat allergic skin conditions in dogs, including atopic dermatitis, flea allergy dermatitis, hot spots, and other conditions that cause chronic itching, inflammation, and discomfort.

Can I switch my dog from Apoquel to antihistamines?

While antihistamines may offer some relief for mild itching, they are not a substitute for Apoquel. Antihistamines do not address the immune response or inflammation that Apoquel targets. Switching from Apoquel to antihistamines without veterinary guidance can result in uncontrolled symptoms and skin damage.

What are the risks of stopping Apoquel?

Stopping Apoquel abruptly can lead to a worsening of symptoms. Your dog may experience intensified itching, skin lesions, and secondary infections. It’s crucial to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s treatment plan.

Why is topical skin repair important?

Topical skin repair is essential to restore the skin’s barrier function and prevent further allergic reactions. Even if Apoquel is controlling the symptoms, topical products like DERMARENEW and DERMAPROTECT Serums can help accelerate skin barrier repair and therefore reduce inflammation, and provide long-lasting relief.

Should I use Apoquel and topical skin repair together?

Yes! Apoquel and topical skin repair products complement each other. Apoquel helps control the immune system response, while the serums provide much needed skin barrier repair and support to the skin. This combination can lead to better long-term outcomes for managing allergic skin conditions.

Conclusion: Taking a Holistic Approach to Skin Health

Switching your dog from Apoquel to antihistamines is not a viable solution for managing chronic itching or allergic skin conditions. Apoquel targets the immune system pathway responsible for inflammation, while antihistamines only mask the symptoms. Apoquel like any immune modulting drug has its limitations & can cause serious side effects (discussed in another blog). To achieve lasting skin barrier support, it’s important to support both your dog’s immune health and skin barrier function with topical skin repair products like DERMARENEW and DERMAPROTECT Serums.

Always consult with your vet before making changes to your dog’s treatment plan. If you’re looking for additional support for your dog’s skin health, consider incorporating topical skin care products into your daily routine.

For more information about how our products can help your dog, send us a message and we will be happy to support you.