Thanks everyone for replies and suggestions. I called the vet today but he wasn't in. He will be back tomorrow and will ask him about trying Claritin or Zyrtec first. I'd prefer that due to possible serious problems with Apoquel. I may be paranoid on meds that can cause cancer, my son has gone thru cancer treatment twice now and he's only 22. So drugs that can potentially cause cancer scare me. Supposedly food allergies only account for 10% of pet allergy problems. And I don't think it's food related, so far anyway. I asked about the shampoo that was suggested, (duoxo) vet tech said that's recommended for bacterial type skin problems but will discuss with my vet tomorrow about that or another shampoo he could suggest. Itching is progressively a little worse today
Here's hoping a gentler alternative is ok with him if not I guess I'll consider the Apoquel
If anyone else has suggestions for vet to consider I'm glad to hear it