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Originally Posted by Snickersmama  Thank you Wylie's mom for responding. I'm looking at shampoo you suggested at Amazon. I'm just concerned about potential problems with Apoquel... When I look it up I'm seeing some dogs developed tumors, and/or cancerous tumors while on Apoquel. I do not want Snickers to be uncomfortable due to itching but the thought of giving medication that could stop itching but end result could develope cancer worries me. Which was just one of the possible problems with the medication. What's your opinion of Zyrtec or Claritin? |
In my experience, it's rare that Zyrtec or Claritin works for allergy dogs - but it *may* work for some...it's just rare that it actually does. But perhaps worth a try for your kiddo, I mean why not, ya know? I think the outcome, too, depends upon what they're allergic to (ie, perhaps works better for pollen allergic dogs as compared to, say, dust allergic dogs). Btw, it's recommended by Vet Derms that any OTC allergy med be tried for at least a full 10 days before evaluating.
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Originally Posted by Snickersmama 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 |
You are correct - food allergies only account for about 10% of allergies, very rare.
On the Duoxo -- also check out their sprays - some are specifically for itch relief
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