As a dog owner, you know how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be to see your furry friend suffer from skin allergies. Constant scratching, biting, and licking can lead to inflamed, irritated skin and even secondary infections.
Allergic dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects over 10% of dogs and can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold, as well as food allergies.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, and two of the most effective are Apoquel and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) prevention.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Apoquel and FAD prevention works together to treat skin allergies in dogs.
Understanding Apoquel
Apoquel is a medication that’s used to treat allergic skin conditions in dogs, such as atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and flea allergies. It works by blocking a specific protein (JAK-1) that triggers itching and inflammation in the skin. By inhibiting this protein, Apoquel can help to reduce itching and inflammation and provide relief for your dog’s skin allergy symptoms.
Studies have shown that Apoquel has a high success rate in treating atopic dermatitis in dogs, with an efficacy rate of 66%. The medication is widely available and can be easily found in any drug store or online pet care store. In fact, some companies like PetRx even offer free delivery on a minimum purchase of as low as $49, making it even more convenient for busy dog owners.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
PetMD notes that Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common dermatologic disease in domestic dogs in the United States. There has been an increase of 13% in FAD in dogs over the last decade, according to a study. FAD is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva and is often characterized by intense itching and inflammation.
Even just one flea bite can trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs, leading to intense itching, redness, and irritation. The best way to treat FAD is to prevent flea infestations in the first place.
These medications work by killing fleas and preventing their eggs from hatching, which helps to break the flea life cycle and reduce the risk of FAD. By preventing flea infestations, you can minimize your dog’s exposure to flea saliva and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
One effective flea prevention medication is spinosad, which has been shown in preliminary studies to be both safe and effective in controlling fleas in dogs. In these studies, flea counts were reduced by 98.6% just 15 days after enrollment.
How Apoquel and FAD Prevention Work Together
Apoquel and FAD prevention can work together to provide comprehensive relief for your dog’s skin allergies. By using Apoquel to reduce itching and inflammation and FAD prevention to prevent flea infestations, you can help to manage your dog’s skin allergy symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Apoquel can provide rapid relief from itching and inflammation, helping to soothe your dog’s skin and reduce the risk of secondary infections. FAD prevention can help to reduce the risk of future flea infestations, reducing your dog’s exposure to flea saliva and minimizing the risk of FAD.
Together, these two treatment options can help to manage your dog’s skin allergies and improve its comfort and well-being.
Tips for Using Apoquel and FAD Prevention
If your dog suffers from skin allergies, it’s important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan tailored to their needs. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Apoquel and FAD prevention:
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering Apoquel and FAD prevention medications.
- Keep up with regular flea prevention treatments to prevent flea infestations and reduce the risk of FAD.
- Watch for any side effects from Apoquel, and report them to your veterinarian if you notice any.
- Monitor your dog’s skin allergy symptoms closely, and contact your veterinarian if you notice any changes or if your dog’s symptoms worsen.
Conclusion
Skin allergies can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition for your dog, but with the right treatment plan, you can help to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Apoquel and FAD prevention can work together to provide comprehensive relief for your dog’s skin allergies, reducing itching and inflammation and minimizing the risk of future flea infestations.
By working closely with your veterinarian and following their recommendations, you can help to keep your dog healthy, happy, and comfortable.
