Health & WellnessMy dog still scratches on Apoquel. Can I use OTC allergy meds?
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!
While apoquel is a great drug to stop scratching and to help atopic dermatitis it doesn't do anything in the face of a skin infection. Coco should be checked to see if she now has a yeast and or bacterial skin infection. There is also the option of doing an injection for scratching called cytopoint, which lasts 30-60 days (dog dependent). I would also consider adding Omega 3 fish oils and changing her diet to a non-chicken based novel protein diet (try venison, lamb, fish). Claritin, benadryl and zyrtec can be sued in dogs, see links below:
https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/
https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/
https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/
https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/
https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15235
Updated on September 24th, 2025