Does Apoquel Make Dogs Thirsty? What Pet Parents Need to Know

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If your furry friend has been prescribed Apoquel for those pesky itching problems, you might’ve noticed some changes in their water-drinking habits. I’ve seen tons of questions from worried pet parents about whether Apoquel can make dogs thirsty, so today we’re diving deep into this topic to give you the full scoop.

The Quick Answer: Yes, But It’s Complicated

Let me cut to the chase – Apoquel can indeed cause increased thirst in some dogs, but it’s not nearly as common as with steroids like prednisone.

In fact, according to veterinary dermatologist Dr. Melissa Eisenschenk, who’s started over 1000 dogs on Apoquel, polydipsia (increased thirst) was observed in early studies but isn’t frequently reported as a proven side effect in clinical practice.

Understanding Apoquel and How It Works

Before we dive deeper into the thirst issue let’s quickly understand what Apoquel actually is

Apoquel (oclacitinib) is an FDA-approved medication made by Zoetis that helps control itching and inflammation in dogs with allergic skin conditions. Unlike steroids, Apoquel works by blocking specific signaling pathways (JAK-1 and JAK-3) that trigger itching and inflammation.

The standard dosing is:

• 0.4-0.6 mg/kg twice daily for up to 14 days
• Then 0.4-0.6 mg/kg once daily for maintenance

What makes Apoquel different from steroids (which commonly cause extreme thirst) is that it’s more targeted in its approach to controlling inflammation.

Apoquel and Increased Thirst: What We Know

According to the sources I’ve researched, here’s what we know about Apoquel and thirst:

1. Less common than with steroids: Polydipsia (increased thirst) with Apoquel is much less common compared to traditional steroids like prednisone.

2. Early studies noted it: Interestingly, in early studies, a few dogs developed polydipsia, increased appetite, and aggression (similar to steroid side effects), but this hasn’t been widely observed in clinical practice.

3. Reported experiences vary: In Dr. Eisenschenk’s extensive experience with over 1000 dogs on Apoquel, she hasn’t seen many cases with a proven link between Apoquel and increased thirst.

4. Bestie Paws Hospital notes: According to their information, increased thirst and hunger can occur weeks to months after starting Apoquel, though they list it under “mild but frequent adverse effects.”

Why Might Apoquel Cause Thirst in Some Dogs?

While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, there are a few theories:

1. Metabolic changes: Apoquel may cause subtle metabolic shifts that influence hydration needs.

2. Indirect effects: By reducing inflammation and making dogs feel better overall, they might simply return to normal drinking patterns (which might seem like increased thirst if they weren’t drinking enough before).

3. Individual sensitivity: Some dogs may simply be more sensitive to the medication’s effects on their body systems.

Other Common Side Effects of Apoquel

While we’re focusing on thirst, it’s worth knowing other potential side effects to watch for:

More Common Side Effects:

• Vomiting (especially in the first few days)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Increased appetite

Less Common But More Serious:

• Bone marrow suppression (decreased white blood cells)
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Development of skin masses

What Should You Do If Your Dog Seems Thirstier on Apoquel?

If you’ve noticed your dog drinking more water since starting Apoquel, here’s what I recommend:

1. Track Water Intake

Keep a log of how much your dog is drinking. Normal water intake for dogs is about 20-40ml per pound of body weight per day. Anything significantly more might be worth discussing with your vet.

2. Monitor Other Signs

Watch for:

• Excessive urination
• Weight changes
• Other unusual behaviors

3. Get Appropriate Testing

Your vet might recommend:

• Blood work to check kidney and liver function
• Urinalysis to check for any issues
• Regular monitoring if your dog stays on Apoquel long-term

According to Dr. Eisenschenk, the recommended monitoring schedule for dogs on Apoquel is:

• Bloodwork before starting
• Follow-up at 2-3 months
• Then annual monitoring thereafter

Our Experience with Dogs on Apoquel

In our clinic, we’ve seen hundreds of dogs on Apoquel over the years, and honestly, increased thirst isn’t usually at the top of owner concerns. Most of our patients tolerate it really well with minimal side effects – which is why it’s become such a popular alternative to steroids.

When we do see increased thirst, it’s typically mild and not enough to cause concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Comparing Apoquel’s Thirst Effect to Other Allergy Medications

Let’s put things in perspective by comparing Apoquel to other common allergy medications:

As you can see, if thirst is a major concern, Apoquel still performs much better than steroids but perhaps not as well as Cytopoint (which is an injection targeting only the itch pathway).

Tips for Managing Increased Thirst on Apoquel

If your dog is experiencing increased thirst while on Apoquel, here are some practical tips:

1. Always provide fresh water – Never restrict water access to a thirsty dog!

2. Consider timing of water access – You might want to limit water right before bedtime to prevent nighttime accidents, but never restrict during the day.

3. More frequent potty breaks – Plan for additional bathroom trips if your dog is drinking more.

4. Talk to your vet about dosing – Sometimes adjusting the dose slightly can help with side effects while maintaining benefits.

5. Consider alternatives – If thirst is problematic, ask your vet about Cytopoint as an alternative.

When to Be Concerned About Thirst While on Apoquel

While some increase in thirst might be normal, here are some red flags that warrant a call to your vet:

• Extreme, unquenchable thirst
• Drinking from unusual sources (toilets, puddles) when they never did before
• Accidents in the house from a previously house-trained dog
• Lethargy or other concerning symptoms alongside increased thirst

Final Thoughts: Weighing Benefits vs. Side Effects

At the end of the day, every medication comes with potential side effects, and Apoquel is no exception. The question is whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for YOUR dog.

For many itchy, uncomfortable dogs, the relief Apoquel provides from constant scratching and inflammation far outweighs a potential mild increase in thirst. Quality of life matters, and seeing a formerly miserable dog comfortable in their skin again is often worth managing some minor side effects.

However, if the side effects become troublesome or you’re concerned, never hesitate to discuss alternatives with your vet. There are other options out there, including Cytopoint, which works differently and may have a different side effect profile.

In my years of experience working with allergic dogs, I’ve found that finding the right medication often involves some trial and error – what works beautifully for one dog might not be ideal for another.

Have you noticed your dog drinking more on Apoquel? Or have they had a completely different experience? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!

Remember: Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s medication regimen. This article is based on available information but isn’t a substitute for professional veterinary advice.