If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, or chewing, it’s natural to want fast relief. But before reaching for steroids, it’s important to understand the risks and explore better prevention and improved care options. Allergic itch can make your dog miserable, but there are solutions that keep your pet happy and healthy.
Finding the Cause of Your Dog’s Itch
The best way to help your dog is to work with your veterinarian to find the cause of their itch. Common triggers include fleas, mites, bacterial or yeast infections, and allergies to dust mites, molds, pollens, food, and even things like carpets or wool. Identifying the cause gives you and your pet the best chance for long-term relief and improved care.
In the past, allergic itch was treated with antihistamines which were largely ineffective for most dogs, or with corticosteroids (prednisolone/prednisone) which worked but had undesirable side effects.1
Side Effects of Corticosteroids in Dogs
Steroids are naturally produced by your dog’s adrenal glands and help with metabolism and immune system function. Using steroids for skin issues can lead to unwanted side effects:
- Excessive urination. 33% of dogs treated by steroids have to go to the bathroom more often2, meaning more late-night potty trips and accidental urination for an otherwise potty-trained dog.
- Increased thirst. 45% of dogs experience an insatiable thirst as a side effect from steroids2, meaning you’ll be filling up that water bowl over and over. Some dogs even result to drinking out of the toilet bowl to satisfy their need for water.
- Increased hunger. Not only can increased hunger cause weight gain3 (which can lead to orthopedic problems), but it can cause your dog to steal food (including from the trashcan) and even nip children trying to take food out of their hands.4
- Heightened stress and anxiety. Steroids have the potential to increase anxiety-related behaviors, like a lack of obedience, increased panting, barking more often, and being restless, nervous, or fearful.4
Are Corticosteroids Right for Your Dog?
Dogs, pet parents, and corticosteroids don’t always get along. Dog owners spend an average of 5 hours per week dealing with the side effects of dogs on steroids.2 These side effects can put a strain on the special bond you share with your dog. Ask your veterinarian about alternative, targeted allergic itch treatments for your dog’s itchy skin that can give you and your dog a positive experience. Given the side effects of corticosteroids in dogs, consider if this treatment is right for you and your pet.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: See full Prescribing Information. Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines.
INDICATIONS: Control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.
- Olivry et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the international committee on allergic diseases of animals. (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research 2015;11:210.
- Data on file, Pet Owner Quantitative Market Research, 2013, Zoetis Inc.
- Sousa CA. Glucocosteroids in veterinary dermatology. In: Bonagura JD, Twedt DC, eds. Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy. 14th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:400-404.
- Notari L, Burman O, Mills D. Behavioural changes in dogs treated with corticosteroids. Physiol Behav. 2015;151:609-616. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.041.
