Allergies in Dogs: What are the Effective Alternatives to Apoquel?

Dogs are susceptible to a variety of allergies, just like humans. While many treatments are available for canine allergies, Apoquel is one of the most popular and effective in reducing dogs’ allergy symptoms. However, there are some potential side effects related to its use.

This article will discuss a natural alternative to Apoquel and how they compare to the drug.

What is Apoquel?

Apoquel is a drug that is used to treat allergies in dogs. Zoetis created it, and it was released to the market in 2013. The drug is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, which means that it blocks the effects of leukotrienes.

There are chemicals released during an allergic reaction, and they can cause inflammation and other problems. Apoquel works by blocking the receptors that these chemicals bind to, which reduces the inflammation caused by them.

The drug effectively treats the symptoms of allergies, but it does not cure the underlying cause of the allergies. It is also a costly drug and has many side effects. Some of the most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

There are many alternative treatments for allergies in dogs that are much less expensive and have fewer side effects. These include homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, and dietary changes. CBD oil is also an effective treatment for allergies in dogs with no side effects.

What is CBD?

CBD, a natural compound is found in the hemp/cannabis plant. CBD does not have any psychoactive properties, unlike THC. It means that it will not make your dog high. Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote balance and homeostasis.

CBD is effective in treating various conditions in both humans and animals. Studies have shown that this compound can help to reduce inflammation, anxiety, and pain. Additionally, it has also been shown to help treat seizures and other neurological disorders.

Benefits of Using CBD vs. Apoquel

CBD is a natural alternative to Apoquel. Here are the benefits of using CBD oil for dogs:

1) It is Non-Addictive        

CBD is not addictive and does not interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system as THC does. Your dog will not become addicted to CBD oil and will not experience any adverse side effects if they stop taking it.

It is vital to note that while CBD is non-addictive, some dogs may still experience withdrawal symptoms if they are suddenly taken off of it. These symptoms are typically mild and include decreased appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea.

If your dog experiences any of these symptoms after stopping CBD oil, start them back on it at a lower dose and increase the amount gradually over time until their symptoms subside.

2) It is Non-Toxic    

CBD is non-toxic and will not cause adverse side effects, even at high doses. In contrast, Apoquel has a long list of potential side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and infections.

CBD is a much safer option for treating allergies in dogs.

3) It Can Reduce Inflammation   

CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the symptoms of allergies. It can also help to soothe itchiness and redness caused by allergies.

Apoquel may also help reduce inflammation, but it does so by suppressing the immune system. It can lead to many other problems like infections, digestive issues, and even cancer.

4) It is All-Natural  

CBD is an all-natural supplement made from the hemp plant. Apoquel, on the other hand, is a synthetic drug created in a laboratory.

It has no known side effects. Apoquel can cause serious side effects, including liver disease, pancreatitis, and weight gain.

5) It is Affordable   

CBD is a fraction of the cost of Apoquel. Apoquel can cost up to $100 per month, while CBD only costs a few dollars per month.

Different Forms of CBD Products for Dogs

1) Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures are one of the most popular and effective forms of CBD for dogs. They are easy to administer and can be given directly into your dog’s mouth or added to their food.

CBD tinctures come in different concentrations to choose the right one for your dog based on their weight and the severity of their allergies.

Start with a little dose and increase it gradually until you see the desired effect. Most

CBD tinctures for dogs come in concentrations of 300 mg, 600 mg, 1,200 mg, and 3,000 mg.

2) Capsules

CBD capsules are another popular form of CBD for dogs, especially those who don’t like the taste of tinctures. They are easy to administer and can be given directly into your dog’s mouth or added to their food.

You give the capsules in different ways:

-For tiny dogs (<20 lbs), open the capsule and mix it with a little bit of wet food

-For medium-sized dogs (20–60 lbs), give them the capsule whole

-For large dogs (>60lbs), you can either give them the capsule whole or cut it open and mix it with wet food

3) Edibles

CBD edibles are a great way to give your dog their daily dose of CBD, and they’re also a lot of fun. There are all sorts of different CBD-infused dog treats on the market, from bones to biscuits to peanut butter.

You can also make your edibles at home using CBD oil or CBD isolate. Add the perfect amount of CBD to your recipe and bake.

4) Topicals

CBD oil can be administered topically and rubbed directly into the affected area. It is an excellent option for localized allergies or if your dog hates taking pills.

Topicals are also relatively easy to make at home using CBD isolate or full spectrum CBD oil and a carrier oil like coconut oil. Mix both the ingredients in a bowl and apply them to the affected area.

5) Full Spectrum CBD oil

Full spectrum CBD oil is made with the whole plant and contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.03 percent).

Some pet parents prefer full spectrum oil because they believe the entourage effect of the plant’s compounds offers more benefits than CBD isolate.

CBD isolate is made with only CBD and contains no THC.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are several effective alternatives to Apoquel for dogs with allergies. While CBD oil is not a cure-all, it is a safe and natural option that can provide your dog with relief from the symptoms of allergies.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

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