Apoquel and Zyrtec work differently. Zyrtec blocks histamine, which helps control all allergic reactions in the body. Zyrtec causes side effects in dogs, but not as much as Apoquel.
Zyrtec is a popular second-generation antihistamine first prescribed to people. However, more and more veterinarians have started prescribing it to dogs in pain with pruritus caused by allergic dermatitis. The reason for this is Zyrtec is rather low-risk, however, it's not as effective as the drug Apoquel.
Yucca and quercetin are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.
Apoquel is not available over the counter. You cannot buy Apoquel without presenting a valid prescription from your vet.
Zyrtec is an over-the-counter human allergy medication sometimes given to dogs with atopic dermatitis or mild to moderate environmental allergies. Vets may recommend Zyrtec for dogs who scratch excessively, are sensitive to insect bites, or have dermatitis.
Zyrtec Dosage and Instructions. It is recommended to give your dog 0.5mg per pound of body weight. You can safely give Zyrtec to your dog up to 20 mg per day.
Clemastine Fumarate. Also recommended as an antihistamine for dogs is clemastine fumarate. It is one of the most effective antihistamines for dogs with itchy skin.
There is no generic currently available for Apoquel®. There are other types of medications and treatments available to manage allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Generally, one tablet a day is safe for dogs to take, but the amount can vary greatly depending on your dog's size and symptoms.
How long can my dog use Apoquel? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not placed any time restrictions on the use of Apoquel. Your dog can continue to be treated with Apoquel as long as your veterinarian recommends. In a study, dogs were treated with Apoquel for more than 2 years.
Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablets) is an anti-itch, anti- inflammatory medicine with a new and unique mode of action. It is not an antihistamine or a cortisone-type drug.
The main difference between Apoquel and Benadryl, among other allergy medications for dogs, is that it is distinctly an Immunomodulator rather than an antihistamine. What's more, it is essentially a selective JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor.
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine.
Pet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms.
Apoquel can be used long term to manage chronic itch, or short term to manage intermittent or seasonal itch. Short courses of Apoquel can help reduce allergic itch associated with conditions such as hot spots or ear infections, whilst these are being treated.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
The dose is 5–20 mg/dog once daily. cetirizine (Zyrtec®) – also second gen. It is available as 10 mg tablets and either 1 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml oral solution. The dosage is 5–20 mg/dog once daily.
You may be wondering whether Claritin or Zyrtec is the best pet allergy medicine—but which antihistamine works best for you depends on the severity of your symptoms. For example, a person with a mild allergy to cats or dogs may do well with Claritin. Another person with more severe allergies may do better with Zyrtec.
Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase.
Apoquel™ affects many of the inflammatory pathways that steroids inhibit, but it is not a steroid, so it does not cause any of the short-term or long-term side effects. A small percentage of dogs (comparable to those on pla- cebos) have a small amount of vomiting or diarrhea.
What can you give a dog for severe itching? If your pet has severe itching, it is time to get them to the vet. However, for mild cases, giving them a soothing bath, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an effective next-generation flea medication can all be a good place to start.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well.