Tag Archives: dog allergies

Zenrelia Relieves Itching & Allergic Skin in Dogs

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What is Zenrelia?

Zenrelia, ilunocitinib, is a new prescription medication for dogs over the age of 12 months that helps control itching caused by allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis. Ilunocitinib, the active ingredient in Zenrelia, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of triggering itch and inflammation in the body. Therefore, it helps reduce your dog’s sensation of itch. It may be used for short-term treatment or long-term term therapy. Ilunocitinib is an immune suppressant drug called a synthetic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. Zenrelia is an unflavored oral tablet that is given once daily and can be given with or without food. It does not contain pork, beef, soy, lactose or dairy. Learn more about Zenrelia’s FDA approval. Zenrelia begins working after the first dose, and most dogs see improvement in itching from day one.

Zenrelia at VetRxDirect

Zenrelia is available in scored tablets in four strengths: 4.8 mg, 6.4 mg, 8.5 mg, and 15 mg. Each tablet strength is available in 10 and 30 count blister packages and 90 count bottles.

What is the difference between Zenrelia and Apoquel?

Zenrelia and Apoquel are the same class of drug, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and they have the same indications for treatment. However, they contain different active ingredients. Apoquel contains oclacitinib, and Zenrelia contains ilunocitinib.

What are the possible side effects of Zenrelia?

The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Dogs should be up to date on vaccinations prior to starting treatment with Zenrelia. Dogs should not take Zenrelia for a period before or after vaccination. If your dog takes Zenrelia, it is important to discuss your dog’s vaccine schedule with your veterinarian. Because Zenrelia is an immune suppressant medication, dogs should be monitored for the development of infections because it may increase the chances of developing an infection.

What is atopic dermaitis in dogs?

It’s not unusual for dogs to have an occasional itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has consistent problems with scratching, licking, rubbing, biting, and chewing to relieve the itching, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies to certain foods or substances in the environment, including insect bites, pollen, mold, and types of grass and trees. Allergens are proteins that, when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin, cause an immune reaction. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic skin disease where allergens in the environment cause an allergic reaction of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be inherited and is more common in certain breeds of dogs. The treatment of atopic dermatitis may involve multiple methods, including avoiding allergens, bathing or topical treatments, medications to relieve itching, and allergy immunotherapy. While commonly overlooked, itching is a medical condition that requires a proper diagnosis to treat the true cause of the itch effectively. Consulting your veterinarian is important to determine the true cause of the itch and what treatment can best help your pet.

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Seasonal Allergy Relief Solutions For Dogs and Cats

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For many of us, the autumn or fall season is approaching as soon as the daylight hours shorten, the weather starts to cool, and the leaves begin to change colors and drop from the trees. Many of the things we enjoy about fall are also triggers for those who suffer from allergies. The flowers of summer start to fade, but some plants wait just for this time of year to bloom. It is also harvest time for many crops, which can cause large amounts of dust, pollen, and mold to be released into the air. Just like us, dogs and cats can develop an allergy or sensitivity to natural substances outside or in the air.

Sneezing, watery eyes, itching ears, itching skin, increased scratching, licking and chewing on skin areas, and hot spots are some of the most common signs. If the itching becomes intense, dogs and cats can damage their skin, trying to scratch and relieve the sensation, which can lead to more problems like infection. Seasonal allergies may come and go depending on the time of the year, and it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact trigger that is causing your dog or cat problems. There are a variety of different treatments, medications, and products to help control seasonal allergies. Talk with your veterinarian about the best solution for your pet. VetClassics features a line of nutritional supplements and topicals designed just for dogs and cats with allergies.

VetClassics Allergy at VetRxDirect

VetClassics Allergy Skin & Coat Soft Chews are packed with Omega fatty acids DHA and EPA in a tasty soft chew. It helps maintain skin moisture and includes natural antioxidants for a healthy immune and respiratory system. Allergy HotSpot Foam is quick drying and designed to relieve itchy, irritated skin. It includes aloe vera, witch hazel, and tea tree oil, which quickly soothes skin. Its bitter taste discourages chewing and licking.

VetClassics Ear Wash cleans away dirt and debris while reducing wax buildup. It also eliminates odor from smelly ears. Allergy Ear Wash contains tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe vera to soothe itching, irritation, and mild inflammation that causes your dog or cat to scratch. This ear cleanser can be used as often as needed, especially after bathing and swimming.

 

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Dogs Find Relief From Allergies And Itching With Apoquel

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Does your dog always have that itch that he can’t quite scratch? Do they have allergies that cause them to constantly lick and chew with no relief? It’s normal to have an itch here and a scratch there, but if your dog has never-ending problems with itching, it might be time to look into it. Just like us, dogs can develop allergies and sensitivities to certain foods or things in the environment, like pollen, mold, and types of grass and trees. They can also become allergic to the saliva of fleas when they bite, a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), and have reactions with only one or two fleas on their body. Dogs can also come in contact with other parasites like lice and mites or irritants like shampoo and medications. The common signs that your dog has itching or irritation include excessive scratching, biting, licking, chewing, rubbing, scooting, foot chewing, and redness of the skin. If you notice changes in the skin or your dog is starting to cause damage to their skin, contact your veterinarian for treatment options and to determine the cause. Chronic scratching that causes skin damage can also be a sign of a more serious skin disease or infection and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Medications like steroids, antihistamines, and medicated shampoos, creams, and sprays are usually prescribed to help dogs and their owners deal with the itching, but recently, a medication called Apoquel was brought back because of popular demand.

What is Apoquel?

Apoquel at VetRxDirect

Apoquel helps relieve itching and inflammation caused by allergies or skin conditions. Apoquel is not a steroid or an antihistamine; it’s a different kind of medication that stops the itch at its source. It contains oclacitinib, which works by blocking certain chemical substances produced by the body called cytokines, which trigger the itching sensation, inflammation, and some allergic responses. In some dogs, it may start providing relief in as little as 4 hours, with complete relief within 24 hours. Apoquel is labeled for short and long-term use in dogs that are over 1 year of age. Before using, talk with your veterinarian about Apoquel and discuss your dog’s treatment options. See what other vets are saying about  Apoquel. 

Get Your Pets Ready for Summer!

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3 Steps to a Healthy Pet this Summer

I’ve got good news and bad news. First, the good: summer is almost here. Now the bad: it’s time to do battle with nasty pests and seasonal allergies on behalf of our pets.  Fortunately, we have everything you need to keep your cat and dog happy, healthy, and safe this summer.

Take these three steps now to get Fido or Fluffy ready for the summer:

Step 1: Protect from heartworms. Mosquitoes hatch in warm weather. They’re the most dangerous parasite for pets because they carry heartworm, which can be deadly. If your dog or cat isn’t on a year-round heartworm medication regimen, now is time to start. Many heartworm treatments also protect your pet from dangerous intestinal worms including whipworm, roundworm, and hookworm. Talk to your veterinarian about which medication is right for your pet then shop with us — we stock a wide range of heartworm medications.

Step 2: Fight fleas and ticks. The two most irritating pests—fleas and ticks – flourish in the summer. Flea bites not only make your pet miserable, they can transmit tapeworms.  And if your pet has a flea infestation, your home may be infested too and that is a huge nuisance.

Ticks may be a little less irritating than fleas (no less gross, though), but they’re more dangerous because they can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichosis.

Prevention is your best defense when it comes to fleas and ticks. Look for broad- spectrum treatments that prevent fleas and ticks from getting on your pet, and kill all stages of existing fleas and ticks – both adults and immature forms. There are several new preventatives that combine medications with new, more convenient dosing processes. Be sure to get your vet’s recommendation first. Click here to see VetRxDirect’s flea and tick newsletter.

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Step 3: Treat allergies. It’s allergy season for humans and pets alike. Pets can develop allergic reactions to flea bites, grasses, pollen, mold, and even foods. How do you know if your pet has allergies? Look for symptoms including skin irritation, scratching, wheezing, and ear infections. We have a many oral and topical allergy treatments for dogs and cats. Talk to your vet about what treatment is best for your pet’s condition.

Here’s to a fun, healthy summer for you and your pet!

Wes