Apoquel is a medication used to manage itchiness caused by airborne allergies in dogs, specifically atopic dermatitis. It works by disrupting the immune response that causes itching and inflammation. Apoquel is the #1 prescribed medicine for allergic itch and is a safe, long-term allergy treatment with minimal side effects. It is the first and only chewable treatment for the relief of allergic itch in dogs. Apoquel is highly palatable, which may help eliminate stress and enhance dosing compliance. It is also effective in controlling itching caused by allergic skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis. Apoquel starts working within 4 hours and helps stop itching within 24 hours. The antipruritic effects of Apoquel wear off quickly, within 12-24 hours, so the medication needs to be given daily in most cases. Apoquel is a highly effective medication for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs, but there are a few things veterinarians and owners should monitor. Apoquel side effects listed for dogs in the product insert include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, SQ or dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase. Low numbers of dogs in the studies developed demodicosis, neoplasia, pneumonia, bloody diarrhea, skin and ear infections, UTIs, and histiocytomas. Very rare dogs have become manic on Apoquel, but this condition resolved when the Apoquel was stopped.