Dog Seasonal Allergies: Apoquel, Cytopoint, Zenrelia & New Numelvi Meds Explained! 🐾
Dr. Marty Greer and Laura Reeves move past food allergies to dive deep into the itchy world of seasonal pet allergies. From Marty’s hectic week and scenic family getaway to South Dakota to the latest medical breakthroughs, this episode is packed with essential advice to keep your pets comfortable.
Key Episode Takeaways
- Understanding “Phenology”: Nature’s calendar (like tracking the first robin or mosquito of the year) is incredibly consistent. If you track when your pet’s allergies flare up each year, you can start their medications one week early to stay ahead of the scratching.
- The Allergy Treatment Toolkit:
- Cytopoint: A targeted, monoclonal antibody injection that blocks the allergic reaction for 3 to 5 weeks.
- Apoquel: The original JAK inhibitor, now available in a hypoallergenic chewable form.
- Zenrelia: A newer option that carries a strict FDA black box warning—never vaccinate your dog within 30 days of being on this medication.
- Numelvi: The newest second-generation JAK inhibitor on the block. It works in as little as 45 minutes, costs slightly less, and features a highly entertaining “Resting Itch Face” ad campaign starring a crinkly-faced French Bulldog.
- Is Prednisone Still Good?: Yes! While newer medications are great for smaller dogs, cheap and classic prednisone is still an effective anti-inflammatory choice for larger dogs or the very end of the allergy season. However, Marty warns that long-acting steroid injections are highly dangerous and can lead to diabetes or Addison’s disease.
- At-Home Environmental Hacks: Bathing your allergic pet as often as once a week is a safe way to physically wash away contact pollens. Also, be aware that the cozy “fall smell” of raked leaves is actually mold, which can trigger allergic dogs right up until a full snow cover blankets the ground.
- A Warning for Cat Owners: Cats rarely experience seasonal allergies. If your cat is chewing or licking its paws, it could actually point to liver problems that require blood work and a liver ultrasound.
- Behind the Scenes: Marty breaks down a hilarious “color-matching” marketing trick in TV drug ads and shares a story about spotting a massive “Skin Vet” sign painted on a rooftop in New Zealand.
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