Apoquel, Cytopoint, or Steroids
When your dog just won’t stop scratching, biting their paws, or shaking their ears, it’s not just frustrating—it’s heartbreaking. Allergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet, and finding the right treatment is key to keeping them comfortable.
At Creature Comforts, we often help pet parents choose between Apoquel®, Cytopoint®, or corticosteroids to manage allergic itch and inflammation. Each has its pros and cons, and the best option depends on your pet’s specific needs.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of what each treatment does—and how to choose the right one.
🧠 First, What’s Causing the Itch?
Most dogs scratch because of:
- Environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis)
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Contact allergies or infections
Before we reach for medication, our team will work to identify the underlying cause. In many cases, itch control is still necessary to keep your pet comfortable while we investigate further.
💊 Option 1: Apoquel® (oclacitinib)
What it is:
An oral tablet that blocks itch and inflammation signals in the body by targeting Janus kinase (JAK) enzymes.
How fast it works:
Often within 4–24 hours.
Best for:
- Dogs over 12 months of age
- Quick itch relief without drowsiness
- Long-term management of atopic dermatitis
- Dogs that prefer tablets over injections
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Can be used daily for long-term control
- Doesn’t cause drowsiness or increased hunger
Considerations:
- Not suitable for puppies or pets with certain immune-related conditions
- Requires daily dosing
- Not effective for food allergies unless paired with a diet trial
💉 Option 2: Cytopoint® (lokivetmab)
What it is:
An injectable monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes interleukin-31 (IL-31), a key itch-causing protein in dogs.
How fast it works:
Usually within 1–3 days.
Best for:
- Dogs with seasonal or year-round allergies
- Pet parents who want less frequent dosing
- Dogs who don’t tolerate oral meds well
Pros:
- One injection lasts 4–8 weeks
- Ideal for dogs who resist tablets
- Very safe—even for younger dogs (over 12 months) and seniors
Considerations:
- No effect on inflammation (itch-focused only)
- Doesn’t treat food allergies
- Requires clinic visits for injections
🩺 Option 3: Steroids (Prednisone, Prednisolone, etc.)
What they are:
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. They’ve been used for decades to treat allergy symptoms, skin conditions, and more.
How fast they work:
Rapid relief—often within hours.
Best for:
- Short-term flare-ups
- Budget-conscious pet parents
- Severe reactions needing quick control
Pros:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory and itch relief
- Low cost
- Available in pills, liquids, or injections
Considerations:
- Not ideal for long-term use due to side effects, such as:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Panting
- Risk of diabetes or liver changes
- Suppressed immune function
Steroids can be lifesaving for short-term use—but we prefer safer, more targeted alternatives for chronic conditions.
⚖️ Quick Comparison
Feature | Apoquel® | Cytopoint® | Steroids |
|---|---|---|---|
Form | Tablet (oral) | Injection | Tablet, liquid, or shot |
Speed of relief | 4–24 hours | 1–3 days | A few hours |
Duration | 24 hours (daily dose) | 4–8 weeks per shot | Depends on dosage |
For long-term use? | Yes | Yes | Not recommended |
Side effects | Mild to rare | Very rare | Common with long-term use |
Good for food allergy? | No (needs diet trial) | No | May help symptoms |
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can I switch between treatments?
Yes—some pets benefit from combination therapy or may start on steroids for flare-ups, then transition to Apoquel or Cytopoint for maintenance.
Q: Which is best for long-term use?
Apoquel and Cytopoint are both approved for long-term use and are much safer than long-term steroid use.
Q: Can I use these without allergy testing?
Yes—your vet can prescribe itch relief while investigating the underlying allergy through food trials or environmental testing.