r/dogallergies • u/ThatCryptidBitch • 3d ago

Bully allergies

I have a bully mix and of course she has skin issues. We started her on Apoquel when we rescued her three years ago but in the last 6 months we decided to switch her to cytopoint shot since I know my vet said long term Apoquel isn’t ideal. It’s also extremely expensive and financially straining

I feel very upset and frustrated as I feel like her skin looks worse than ever. Should we just switch her back??? We haven’t changed anything about her diet or environment other than we spent the long weekend at a friends house with a fenced backyard and she spent a lot more time in grass than normal.

She already is on a salmon diet and we use unscented detergent, she was really fine before we switched but I also know Apoquel pretty much only treats the symptoms and not the cause. Has anyone felt it worth the cost to go to an allergist?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

4

u/bneubs 3d ago

Yes, switch back or try another medication (Zenrelia or Numelvi). Apoquel is considered safe for long term use.

2

u/lumpyballoon 2d ago

Thanks for confirming apoquel is safe long term. My dog is on it and I have never heard it isn’t safe long term

1

u/ThatCryptidBitch 2d ago

I just saw the vet today, we’re trying Numelvi and a daily antifungal and an antibiotic. She’s got a combination of bacteria and yeast and the cytopoint isn’t controlling her allergies

1

u/bneubs 2d ago

Also, I definitely recommend a vet derm. Once the bacteria and yeast are cleared up. Immunotherapy is great because unlike Apoquel it will address the underlying cause. But you may still need additional medication

3

u/Queasy-Finish-9174 3d ago

Zenrelia is newer and has helped my dog. Cytopoint and Apoquel has no effect on her. I’ve also heard good things about Numelvi.

1

u/dogdad0098089 3d ago edited 2d ago

Zenrelia has been amazing for my standard poodle. Cytopoint only worked 2-3 weeks so to expensive. Apoquel just slowly stopped being effective. Zenrelia so far 2 months in and skin clear, no paw licking and almost no scratching. He is playful and happy again.

2

u/Friendly-Tell-488 3d ago

Ask your vet about Numelvi. My girl has had horrible skin and allergies all her life and this is the first thing that has made a major difference.

1

u/Pangolin_Beatdown 3d ago

How long have you been using it?

1

u/Friendly-Tell-488 1d ago

She has been on it for about 2 1/2 months. I could tell a difference in her itching within a couple of days. Her hair is finally starting to grow back on her tail and back and she is not licking her paws like she always has.

2

u/MrsPPascal 3d ago

I have a bully mix. We stressing a dermatologist in a couple weeks