New Ways to Beat the Itch of Allergies in Dogs

New Treatments Available for Allergic Dogs

Many of our patients at the Patton Veterinary Hospital come to see us due to skin allergies which may be seasonal or year-round.  While trying to find the underlying cause of the allergy is important (i.e. ruling out food vs. environmental causes as the culprit), there are new medications now available for controlling your dog’s itch. 

That chronic unrelenting itch is often the most frustrating part of owning an allergic dog.  In past years, we were limited to using shampoos, steroids (like prednisone) and antihistamines to control itching in dogs.  Side effects and sometimes limited response made these patients frustrating to treat. 

Two new products are now available from Zoetis Animal Health to reduce itching in dogs.  One medication that may help stop your pet from scratching is a pill called Apoquel.  Apoquel has very few side effects and is effective in about 85% of cases.  It is important to note that, in some dogs, itching was significantly reduced, but may not be entirely gone.  Apoquel should not be used in dogs with cancer or with a serious infection or in dogs under 12 months of age. 

Apoquel is NOT a steroid.  The drug acts on a cell receptor called a Janus kinase receptor.  It prevents certain proteins known as cytokines from binding to the receptor which in turn blocks the signal from the cytokine from entering the cell.  By blocking the cell signal, it “turns off” the signal to itch. 

The other treatment available is an injection currently known as CADI (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Immunotherapeutic) but soon to be renamed Cytopoint.  CADI or Cytopoint contains a protein known as a monoclonal antibody.  This antibody targets another cell protein or cytokine called Interleukin 31

(IL-31).  IL-31 causes activation of sensory nerves causing the itchy sensation.  The monoclonal antibody in the CADI injection neutralizes IL-31 which safely and rapidly reduces the clinical symptoms of itching without affecting the rest of the dog’s immune system.  CADI starts working within 24 hours and the effects actually last for 30 days.  Side effects are limited—pain at the site of the injection is the most common problem seen and the injection does not interact with any other drugs your pet may be taking and there is no minimum age for use.

            While these products do not cure canine allergies, they do represent exciting ways to control that annoying itch, making allergic dogs feel better until the underlying allergy can be identified and managed.  Treatment of secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections is also important in allergic dogs.  Please let us know if you are interested in more information about these products as they can dramatically improve the quality of life of dogs with chronic allergies. 

            This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.