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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Lily's allergies. I would highly advice that you consider Apoquel. This medication is very effective to decrease the itch and help with the clinical signs associated with allergies that you describe. The best thing about Apoquel besides its efficacy is that you can stop it at any point so you can consider using it just for the time being while she is affected by allergies the most. That is how I use it for my own dogs and they are going great. Good luck and have a nice day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! While apoquel is a great drug to stop scratching and to help atopic dermatitis it doesn't do anything in the face of a skin infection. Coco should be checked to see if she now has a yeast and or bacterial skin infection. There is also the option of doing an injection for scratching called cytopoint, which lasts 30-60 days (dog dependent). I would also consider adding Omega 3 fish oils and changing her diet to a non-chicken based novel protein diet (try venison, lamb, fish). Claritin, benadryl and zyrtec can be sued in dogs, see links below: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/ https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15235
Updated on September 24th, 2025

If there is a secondary bacterial infection, I would recommend using product called Duoxo Chlorhexidine + Calm shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved. I would also recommend picking up a hydrocortisone spray (Well and Good at Petco) and apply daily to the affected area to relieve inflammation. If it does not resolve or worsens, I would have a veterinarian take a look at Harley so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the picture, it does appear that this could be a hot spot. I typically recommend using products that soothe and treat infection. What I would recommend would be Well & Good Hydrocortisone spray (at Petco) and Miconahex + Triz spray and apply both of these twice daily until resolved. If there is no improvement within 7 days, I would recommend taking your dog in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Koa. I personally have not see any adverse effects from using Apoquel longterm. Neither have I seen any case reports detailing the risks. However, if you are not comfortable with it, Cytopoint may be a better option for Koa. It is an infection given under the skin that provides itch relief from allergies for 4-8 weeks. It is very effective. I have not heard of Pet Lab Co. Itch Relief chews. There are numerous over-the-counter options. However, they are just not all that effective. If his symptoms are significant enough to require Apoquel, I doubt the chews will be helpful. If they were, they would be advertised and reviewed in veterinary literature and they have not been. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025