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The basic Composition difference between Apoquel and Benadryl

Benadryl is commonly known to prevent histamines from inhibiting your dog's body. Benadryl also functions as an anti-anxiety drug. Combats allergies, some of which are as a result stings and bites from insects.

However, it can be used to counter long-term allergic reactions. Benadryl for this case displays inconclusive or different results.

Contrastingly, Apoquel features a unique active ingredient known as oclacitinib. This ingredient works to prevent and curb the inflammatory reaction, particularly for the itching sensation.

The main difference between Apoquel and Benadryl, among other allergy medications for dogs, is that it is distinctly an Immunomodulator rather than an antihistamine. What's more, it is essentially a selective JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitor. Typically, this medication targets the enzymes that result in the itching sensation in your furry friend.

Is your dog scratching or gnawing more than normal? Ideally, this can be a distressing sight, particularly if you know that your furry friend is struggling with an allergic skin disease.

Worse yet are the effects of all this gnawing and scratching-inflamed skin, dog hair across the whole house, and leaky pores (among other effects). Besides causing you heartbreak as you watch your dog struggle, it is no more fun for your dog, too.

Allergies are not only a frustrating experience for dogs, but they tend to be challenging to identify and treat. And it doesn't matter what condition your pup is suffering from, but itching usually worsens it.

So, if your dog is suffering from unbearable itching (pruritus), be ready to lose your sleep since you will undeniably have to cope with a lot of fidgeting and whining throughout the night...and it is not any fun, you can be sure!

Why Does Your Dog Have Allergies and What Medications Can You Use?

Typically, there are several reasons why your dog might be itching way over normal. Your pup may be suffering from an inflammatory (chronic) skin condition called atopic dermatitis. Additionally, your dog may be suffering from the irritating little critters known as fleas that hide on your pup's fur resulting in unbearable itching. Your dog may also be having an ear infection, a condition known to result in your dog furiously scratching its ears.

Your pup might also be suffering from food allergies. Whatever the problem is, two specific drugs have dominated the market and offer an ideal solution for your dog's persistent itching condition- Apoquel and Benadryl. These two remarkable drugs have grown in popularity with both veterinarians and dog owners owing to their effectiveness.

While these two solutions to dog itching problems are both effective and reliable, they share some common differences that set them apart. This post seeks to define both Apoquel and Benadryl and help you understand the difference between these drugs.

With numerous products in the market to help control dog allergies, which is the best? Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two typical dog allergy remedies: Apoquel and Benadryl

Apoquel vs. Benadryl: Definitions

What is Apoquel?

Apoquel is an allergy remedy drug known to counter any forms of itching that may irritate your dog. It is a form of medication that deals with allergies that may cause swelling in your dog.

It features a unique compound commonly referred to as &#2013266048;Janus Kinase Inhibitor' (JAK) that works fast in alleviating your dog's allergies. Moreover, it helps produce white & red blood cells and generally promotes your dog's growth.

Because cells utilize kinase to transmit information in your dog's body, the compound holds an immune-modulator known as oclacitinib, which acts as a protective substance that prevents over-excitement of the Janus kinase.

Pros of Apoquel in Dogs

They are quickly metabolized.
Provide an instant relief for itchiness( 24 hours)
Used in both long-term and short-term
It does not weaken/exhaust your dog
Interacts positively with parasiticides, vaccines, and antibiotics.

Cons of Apoquel in Dogs

Expensive
Severe side-effects when used for long leading to several types of cancer.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl, on the other hand, is a unique dog antihistamine. This medication prevents the entrance of histamines into your dog's body which causes allergic reactions. Benadryl must be given to the dog early, although most people administer it to their pups while suffering from allergic reactions.

It is also used to heal a variety of dog allergies ranging from;

Itching
Running nose
Rashes
Hives
Wheezing
Breathing difficulties
Watery red eyes

Pros of Benadryl for Dogs

It is an over-the-counter medication which means it is readily available?
Benadryl comes with a distinctive wide safety margin. Essentially, this characteristic makes it flexible in that you can adjust your dog's dose either up or down depending on your dog's reaction to it. This can be sedation-wise or itchy-wise.
Other than countering allergic reactions, Benadryl can be used to regulate anxiety experienced by your dog, especially during walks and car journeys.

Cons of Benadryl

Mild side effects including diarrhea
Works rather slowly compared to Apoquel

Apoquel Vs. Benadryl: What's The Difference in Drugs?

Now that you understand these two essential drugs (Benadryl and Apoquel), used in helping alleviate itching problems in your dog, it is also crucial to know how they differ. So here is a list of several unique differences between Apoquel vs. Benadryl:

Dosage:

When it is a matter of safe dosage, Benadryl tends to have a significant safety margin. It works slowly and therefore calls for dose upgrades and downgrades mainly on a long-term basis.

It works to prevent the entrance of histamines which may eventually re-occur. Your dog's response to this drug is the primary determinant of the amount of medicine given.

Apoquel is always more precise, unlike steroids, and has minimal side effects. It only takes a maximum of 2 days to kill enzymes irritating your dog. With the initial dosage decreasing after a maximum of 2 weeks, Apoquel will have done its job.

Prescription:

If you want to give Apoquel to your dog, you can only buy it through a prescription, and better for you, it only needs several hours to kick in properly. Although this medication doesn't have the capacity to cure allergies in your dog thoroughly, it serves as a fantastic treatment option.

Alternatively, Benadryl is a standard over-the-counter treatment option and therefore doesn't need a prescription. Nonetheless, you must still use Benadryl under the supervision of a professional vet to ensure that you offer your pup the correct dose.

Side Effects:

Ideally, one of the common factors with these two itching treatment treatments products is that your dog may experience side effects. However, Apoquel's effects can be more severe than those of Benadryl.

With Benadryl, this medication comes with mild side effects, causing lethargy or sedation, particularly when taken in higher doses. What's more, taking this medication can lead your dog to develop digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, urine retention, and dry mouth. Besides this, though, it is an effective solution to itching.

On the other hand, with Apoquel, although the side effects are mild, this medication is a standard immune suppressant. This means that your dog is more vulnerable to various illnesses, including several forms of infections and, in rare cases of cancer. Finally, you will also need to monitor your pup for bone marrow suppression, especially if you give it Apoquel for a long time.

Pricing:

Lastly, although there is really no price to good quality when choosing which drug between Apoquel and Benadryl you will give your dog, price is also a defining factor. Apoquel is rather pricey, and despite the prospect of causing cancer and overdependence on the drug, it's the cost of Apoquel, which usually results in owners hunting for alternatives like Benadryl.

Verdict:

Apoquel vs. Benadryl, which is the best dog medication for itching?

The best medicine of these two products is dependent on your unique needs. If your dog is exhibiting mild itchiness, which comes and goes, then your best option is Benadryl. Not only is it safe, but it also doesn't need a hefty dosage to be effective.

Essentially your dog can use it and stop it without any withdrawal symptoms. If your furry friend has any long-standing allergies that affect them occasionally or throughout the year, then Apoquel is by far the better option.

Why? It is designed for long-term usage and usually offers better relief than standard antihistamines alone. Even so, Apoquel isn't suitable for all dogs.

This medication should not be used on dogs suffering from other conditions that result in cancer or immune suppression.

Conclusion

No one wants to endure the pain of watching their pet and furry friend struggle with allergies and constant itching.

Plus, no one happily looks forward to cleaning up all that loose hair (or worse, staying up through the night consoling their pup).

Luckily, there are two effective medications for itching, Apoquel and Benadryl. These practical solutions offer a dependable remedy to help relieve itching dogs by eradicating all the symptoms and reducing those itchy symptoms.

So don't just watch those irritating itches ruin everything... Get Apoquel or Benadryl for your pup.

Nonetheless, like with any other medication, the right product for you will ultimately come down on the underlying cause of your dog's discomfort and the duration it needs for proper treatment and recovery.