Anti-itch medicines for allergic dogs
Dogs often experience itch as worse than pain. Dogs with continuous itch may not sleep, become irritable, eat less, develop skin infections and visibly lose joy in life. Treating the cause, such as fleas or food, always remains the goal, but that is not always possible straight away. The diagnosis of atopy, for example, often requires months of investigation and treatment.
When coat care, nutrition and supplements are not enough, anti-itch medicines can help. They reduce inflammation in the skin and break the itch-scratch cycle so the skin can settle.
Below we discuss the main medical options, including their pros and cons.
Prednisolone (corticosteroids)
Prednisolone works powerfully and quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. It helps in most allergic dogs and is sometimes used as an emergency brake during severe itch or intense flare-ups.
Advantages:
- fast onset
- very effective for many dogs
- can be used orally or topically
Disadvantages:
- risk of side effects (drinking and urinating more, increased appetite, weight gain, thin skin, higher infection risk)
- risk of developing diabetes mellitus
- not suitable for long-term use
- prednisolone must always be tapered; never stop abruptly
Prednisolone is therefore mainly a short-term solution.
Ciclosporin (Atopica, Sporimune)
Ciclosporin suppresses the immune reaction that drives the allergy.
Advantages:
- suitable for long-term use
- effective in many dogs with atopy
- fewer side effects than prednisolone
Disadvantages:
- onset only after 4 to 6 weeks
- occasional nausea or diarrhoea
- some dogs develop gingival overgrowth
- relatively costly
A good option for dogs needing long-term control.
JAK inhibitors (Janus kinase inhibitors)
JAK inhibitors block an important signalling pathway (JAK-STAT) involved in allergic inflammation. This leads to faster and more targeted itch relief.
There are several JAK inhibitors for dogs:
Apoquel (oclacitinib)
Apoquel is considered a first-generation JAK inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the JAK1 enzyme.
Advantages:
- fast action, usually within 4 hours
- suitable for long-term use
- few side effects in most dogs
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for puppies under 12 months
- costly
- does not work for every dog
Zenrelia (ilunocitinib)
Zenrelia is a non-selective JAK inhibitor. It inhibits multiple JAK enzymes.
Advantages:
- rapid onset
- an option when Apoquel is insufficient
Disadvantages:
- because it is less selective, side effects may occur more often
- costly
Numelvi (atinvicitinib)
Numelvi is a new medicine (2025) described by the manufacturer as the first second-generation selective JAK1 inhibitor. It is said to be around 10 times more selective for JAK1 than for other JAK proteins. It is also the only JAK inhibitor that may be used in dogs aged 6 to 12 months.
Advantages:
- highly selective, so you often see fewer side effects
- fast action
- suited to younger dogs
Disadvantages:
- does not work for every dog
- costly
- still relatively new, so fewer long-term data
Cytopoint (lokivetmab)
Cytopoint is an injection based on monoclonal antibodies. It blocks the protein IL-31, the molecule that causes a major part of the itch signal.
Advantages:
- one injection works for 4-8 weeks
- very few side effects
- safe for dogs of all ages
- acts specifically on itch without general immune suppression
Disadvantages:
- does not work for every dog
- costly
- needs regular repetition (depending on the dog)
Cytopoint is one of the most widely used options for dogs with atopic itch.
Antihistamines (such as cetirizine, clemastine, loratadine)
While antihistamines often help people with allergies, they are unfortunately much less effective in dogs. Only 10-30% of dogs respond. They are mainly used as an add-on therapy. They are considered safe, but rarely strong enough as the only itch treatment. Antihistamines can sometimes add a little extra comfort, but they rarely solve the itch completely.
Which anti-itch medicine suits your dog?
Have you tried everything, but the itch persists? Anti-itch medication can still offer effective treatment. The same medicine will not be the best solution for every dog.
The best treatment depends on:
- the cause of the allergy
- the severity of the itch
- your dog’s age
- any concurrent health problems
- how quickly you need results
- whether you are aiming for short- or long-term control
Many dogs benefit from a combination of measures: good coat care, appropriate nutrition, parasite control and, when needed, medication.
Your vet will help determine which anti-itch option suits your dog best. Itch has a huge impact on daily life, but with the right approach you can quickly make your dog much more comfortable.
Do you have any questions about anti-itch medicines for allergic dogs? Write to veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
