💊 Apoquel for Dogs: What It Does, Side Effects, and Alternatives You Can Try Without a Vet Visit
If your dog is constantly itching, licking, or suffering from skin allergies, chances are you’ve heard of Apoquel. It’s a popular prescription medication used in Australia to treat allergic itch in dogs — but it’s not always the first or only option.
And here's the good news: You don’t need a vet visit to get help. At Dial A Vet, our licensed Australian vets can recommend non-prescription alternatives to Apoquel, helping your dog feel better fast — without needing to leave the house.
🐶 What Is Apoquel?
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a fast-acting medication prescribed to relieve:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Environmental allergies (grass, dust mites, pollen)
- Food-related skin reactions
- Chronic itch in dogs
It works by blocking the itch-causing proteins (cytokines) in your dog’s body, offering relief within 4 hours for most dogs.
But Apoquel is a prescription-only medicine in Australia — meaning you’ll need an in-person consult to access it.
⚠️ What Are the Risks of Apoquel?
While effective, Apoquel:
- Suppresses parts of the immune system
- Can increase susceptibility to infection
- Is not recommended for long-term use in some dogs
- Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or skin infections
💡 That’s why it’s not the right choice for every dog — especially if there are milder options available first.
✅ Over-the-Counter Alternatives You Can Try First
Before turning to prescription drugs, there are several effective, vet-recommended options that may help manage your dog’s itching and skin issues, including:
- Antihistamine support: Some dogs respond to OTC antihistamines (under vet guidance)
- Omega-3 supplements: Help reduce inflammation in allergic skin
- Calming skin sprays and shampoos: Soothing products with oatmeal, aloe vera, or chlorhexidine
- Paw wipes and medicated cleansers: Remove allergens after walks
- Diet changes: Switching to a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet
- Probiotics for skin health: Support gut and immune balance
💡 How an Online Vet Can Help Without Apoquel
At Dial A Vet, you can speak to a licensed Australian vet for just $49 — without leaving home. We’ll help you:
- Assess your dog’s allergy symptoms via video
- Recommend over-the-counter or natural solutions
- Avoid steroids or prescription meds where possible
- Decide if an in-person Apoquel script is really necessary
👉 Many mild and moderate cases can be treated effectively without needing a prescription.
👩⚕️ When Apoquel Might Be Necessary
Apoquel may be worth discussing with your local clinic if:
- Your dog has severe, constant itching that doesn’t improve
- They've tried multiple non-prescription options with no relief
- They’re developing hot spots or infections from excessive licking or biting
Even then, a Dial A Vet consult can be a great first step to rule out other causes or explore more affordable and safer solutions.
💬 Final Thoughts
Apoquel works — but it’s not always the best or only solution. If your dog has itchy skin, allergies, or dermatitis, you may be able to manage it effectively without needing a prescription or a stressful vet visit. Start with safe, proven over-the-counter options recommended by an online vet.
🐾 Speak to a Vet From Home — Just $49
Want expert advice on how to help your dog’s allergies? Book a video consult with a licensed Australian vet through Dial A Vet. We’ll recommend gentle, effective solutions tailored to your dog — no prescription, no clinic visit needed.
👉 Book Now
🧠 FAQs
Q1: Can I get Apoquel online in Australia without a script?
No — it requires a prescription from a vet after an in-person physical exam.
Q2: Are there safer alternatives to Apoquel?
Yes — many dogs respond well to OTC calming shampoos, skin supplements, or diet changes.
Q3: Is Apoquel a steroid?
No — it’s not a steroid, but it still suppresses parts of the immune system.
Q4: Can I use antihistamines instead?
Sometimes — but always speak to a vet first to ensure the dosage and type are safe for your dog.
Q5: Can Dial A Vet prescribe Apoquel?
Not directly — because it’s a Schedule 4 medication in Australia. But we can advise on whether it’s truly needed and suggest non-prescription solutions first.
📚 Citations
- Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. (2024). Apoquel Product Registration & Usage Guidelines.
- Zoetis Australia. (2024). Apoquel for Dogs: Product Information. Retrieved from https://www.zoetis.com.au
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2023). Managing Allergies in Dogs. Retrieved from https://www.ava.com.au
