The Hidden Dangers of Apoquel, Cytopoint & Steroids for Allergic Dogs

Quick Relief vs. Long-Term Solutions

If your dog struggles with constant itching, paw licking, or flare-ups, your vet may have prescribed a medication like Apoquel, Cytopoint, or steroids.

These drugs can feel like a lifesaver — sometimes calming the itch within hours. And when your dog is suffering, that kind of quick relief matters.

But here’s the problem: while they suppress the symptoms, they don’t address what’s really driving allergies. That’s why flare-ups return, side effects may appear, and long-term progress can feel out of reach.

🟩 Quick Win for TonightAdd 1 teaspoon of ground flax or chia seeds to your dog’s dinner.Rich in natural omega-3s, these seeds support the skin barrier and may reduce itching over time.

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1. How Allergy Medications Work

• Apoquel → blocks the JAK-STAT pathway (the “switchboard” of immune signals), stopping inflammatory messengers that cause itching and redness.

• Cytopoint → is a lab-made antibody that targets IL-31 — nicknamed the “itch cytokine.”

• Steroids (like prednisone) → broadly suppress the immune system, reducing inflammation body-wide.

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👉 What this means for your dog: These drugs shut down the “alarm bells” of allergies, but they don’t repair why the alarm is ringing in the first place.

📘 Glossary Box

• JAK-STAT = immune signaling switchboard.

• IL-31 = the molecule that tells your dog to itch.

2. Why They’re Not Enough

Allergies aren’t just a skin problem — they’re a whole-body immune dysfunction. Studies show that allergic dogs often have:

• Gut dysbiosis → imbalanced bacteria that fuel inflammation.

• Increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) → when the gut lining lets proteins slip into the bloodstream, triggering immune overreactions.

• Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, vitamin A, omega-3s) → which weaken the skin barrier, making it easier for allergens to penetrate.

💡 Key takeaway: Medications don’t fix any of these. They suppress symptoms, while the underlying causes remain active — which is why flare-ups come back.

3. The Real Risks of Long-Term Use

These medications are widely prescribed — but science shows they come with serious risks, especially when used beyond the short term.

Apoquel (oclacitinib): Immune Suppression & Tumor Risk

• Suppresses the JAK-STAT pathway, critical for immune defense.

• Documented risks include:

  • Recurrent infections (skin, ears, urinary, respiratory).

  • Parasitic overgrowth such as mange.

  • Tumor development or acceleration (listed in Apoquel’s own safety data).

⚠️ The same pathway that stops itching also weakens your dog’s ability to fight infection and abnormal cell growth.

Cytopoint (lokivetmab): Short-Term, Not a Solution

• Marketed as “targeted” and safer, but independent research is limited.

• Dogs may stop responding after repeated injections.

• Rare hypersensitivity reactions reported.

• Does nothing to repair the underlying immune dysfunction.

  
  

Steroids (prednisone, prednisolone, etc.): Heavy Side Effects

• Side effects even with moderate use:

  • Excessive thirst and urination, weight gain, muscle loss.

  • Increased risk of infections and diabetes.

  • Adrenal suppression — body can’t regulate stress or inflammation naturally.

• Long-term use is linked to iatrogenic Cushing’s disease, a serious hormonal disorder.

👉 Bottom line: These drugs are not “solutions.” They silence symptoms temporarily, while leaving your dog more vulnerable to infections, chronic disease, and even cancer.

✅ What You Can Do Instead

True progress comes from addressing the root causes:

• Restore gut balance with fresh, fiber-rich foods and probiotics.

• Strengthen the skin barrier with zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3s.

• Support immune resilience with anti-inflammatory, whole-food nutrition.

📝 Next Steps for You

Here are 3 simple actions to try now:

• ✅ Swap processed treats for apple slices or carrots.

• ✅ Add 1 tsp ground flax or chia daily.

• ✅ Check your dog’s food for chicken, beef, or dairy — the top 3 allergens.

🌟 Go Deeper: The Allergies Hub

This free guide gives you knowledge.

Inside the Allergies Hub, you’ll get:

• Step-by-step frameworks to apply it.

• Therapeutic recipes tailored for allergic dogs.

• Supplement protocols with science-backed dosages.

• Lifestyle strategies to calm flare-ups and prevent relapse.

👉 Click here to explore Allergies Hub

Scientific References To Go Further

1. How Allergy Medications Work

1. Gonzales AJ, Humphrey WR, Messamore JE, et al. “Oclacitinib (Apoquel®): a novel Janus kinase inhibitor for the control of pruritus and allergic dermatitis in dogs.” Vet Dermatol. 2014;25(3):163–e44.

2. Michels GM, Ramsey DS, Walsh KF, et al. “A blinded, randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab (Cytopoint®), a caninized anti–IL-31 monoclonal antibody, to ciclosporin in client-owned dogs with atopic dermatitis.” Vet Dermatol. 2016;27(6):478–e129.

3. Olivry T, Bizikova P. “A systematic review of randomized controlled trials for canine atopic dermatitis: 2008–2013.” Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(4):305–e69.

2. Why They’re Not Enough

4. Marsella R, Olivry T. “Animal models of atopic dermatitis: a critical review.” Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(1):7–11. (Highlights gut–skin axis relevance).

5. Schmitz S, Suchodolski JS. “Understanding the canine intestinal microbiota and its modification by pro-, pre- and synbiotics.” Vet Med Sci. 2016;2(2):71–94.

6. White SD, Rosychuk RA, et al. “Zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs.” J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001;219(12):1661–1664.

7. Yamazaki K, et al. “Vitamin A-responsive dermatosis in dogs: clinical and histopathological features.” J Vet Med Sci. 1994;56(6):1101–1104.

8. Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, et al. “Addition of fiber and prebiotics increases microbial diversity and immune markers in dogs.” J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2020;104(6):1851–1860.

   
   

3. Risks of Long-Term Use

9. Cosgrove SB, Wren JA, Cleaver DM, et al. “Efficacy and safety of oclacitinib (Apoquel®) for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with allergic dermatitis.” Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(5):479–e114.

10. Little PR, King VL, Davis KR, et al. “Long-term safety and efficacy of oclacitinib in dogs with allergic skin disease: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.” Vet Dermatol. 2015;26(1):23–e7.

11. Steffan J, Favrot C, Mueller R. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of cyclosporin for treating atopic dermatitis in dogs.” Vet Dermatol. 2006;17(1):3–16.

12. Scott DW, Miller WH, Griffin CE. Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2012. (Classic reference on long-term steroid effects).

About the Author: Claire Lucie Sonck is an UK-trained, CMA-registered canine nutritionist specializing in fresh, whole, anti-inflammatory plant-based diets for dogs. With experience helping dogs from 65+ countries, Claire provides science-backed nutrition guidance to improve canine health, longevity, and well-being. She is a global speaker, educator, and advocate for ethical and sustainable pet nutrition. Claire’s work has been featured in international conferences, research projects, and educational platforms, helping dog parents make informed, science-driven decisions about their dogs’ diets.

Learn more: www.mycaninenutritionist.com

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Get in touch with Claire Lucie: info@clairethedognutritionist.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian or canine nutritionist before making changes to your dog’s diet, health routine, or medical care. The author is a certified canine nutritionist and does not claim to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

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