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Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor · For Dogs

Apoquel dosage reference for dogs (Oclacitinib)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 0.6 mg per kg (0.27 mg per lb), with twice daily for 14 days, then once daily recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

Onset
4 hours
Duration
12-24 hours
Class
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Oclacitinib (often known by brand names such as Apoquel) is a janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor commonly used in veterinary medicine for atopic dermatitis, allergic itching, and skin allergies. Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Oclacitinib is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Oclacitinib dose for dogs is around 0.6 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily, within a usual range of 0.4-0.6 mg/kg. Available forms include tablet.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Oclacitinib Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Oclacitinib dose from the 0.6 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Oclacitinib amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Apoquel weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Lower Reference Standard Reference Upper Reference Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.92 mg 1.4 mg 1.4 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1.8 mg 2.7 mg 2.7 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 2.7 mg (3.6mg tablet) 4.1 mg (3.6mg tablet) 4.1 mg (3.6mg tablet) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 3.6 mg (3.6mg tablet) 5.5 mg 5.5 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 4.5 mg 6.8 mg (2 × 3.6mg) 6.8 mg (2 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 5.4 mg 8.2 mg 8.2 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 7.2 mg (2 × 3.6mg) 10.9 mg (3 × 3.6mg) 10.9 mg (3 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 9.1 mg 13.6 mg (4 × 3.6mg) 13.6 mg (4 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 10.9 mg (3 × 3.6mg) 16.3 mg 16.3 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 12.7 mg 19.0 mg 19.0 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 14.5 mg (4 × 3.6mg) 21.8 mg (6 × 3.6mg) 21.8 mg (6 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 16.3 mg 24.5 mg (7 × 3.6mg) 24.5 mg (7 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 18.2 mg (5 × 3.6mg) 27.2 mg 27.2 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 21.8 mg (6 × 3.6mg) 32.6 mg (9 × 3.6mg) 32.6 mg (9 × 3.6mg) twice daily for 14 days, then once daily
150 lbs (68 kg) 27.2 mg 40.8 mg 40.8 mg twice daily for 14 days, then once daily

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Apoquel reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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How to Give Oclacitinib to Your Dog

Apoquel can be given with or without food. For the first 14 days, give twice daily to achieve faster itch control, then reduce to once daily for maintenance. Do not break or split tablets. Apoquel is prescription-only — your vet will determine the appropriate tablet size based on your dog’s weight.

It may interact with other immunosuppressants, vaccines (may reduce response), corticosteroids (avoid concurrent use long-term), and cyclosporine.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy. More serious side effects can occur, such as increased susceptibility to infections, skin lumps or masses, bone marrow suppression, and increased risk of neoplasia with long-term use.

Cautions · 12

When Apoquel should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Apoquel, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Apoquel.

  • dogs under 12 months of age
  • dogs with serious infections
  • breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs
  • known hypersensitivity

Interactions · 13

Apoquel drug interactions

Apoquel can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

other immunosuppressants
vaccines (may reduce response)
corticosteroids (avoid concurrent use long-term)
cyclosporine

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

  • In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
  • For pregnant or nursing pets
  • For very young or very old dogs
  • For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
  • For pets taking several medications at once
  • When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
  • For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Apoquel, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

  • Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
  • Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

How fast does Apoquel work?
Apoquel starts reducing itching within 4 hours and provides significant relief within 24 hours. It is one of the fastest-acting treatments for allergic itch in dogs. Full effectiveness is typically seen after the initial 14-day twice-daily loading period.
Can my dog take Apoquel long-term?
Yes, Apoquel is approved for long-term daily use in dogs. However, long-term use requires regular veterinary monitoring because it suppresses parts of the immune system, which may increase susceptibility to infections and potentially certain types of cancer. Your vet will recommend periodic blood work.
Is Apoquel a steroid?
No, Apoquel is not a steroid. It is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which works differently from corticosteroids. It specifically targets the itch and inflammation pathways without the common steroid side effects like increased thirst, urination, and appetite.
Can I give my dog Apoquel and Benadryl together?
Yes, Apoquel and Benadryl can generally be used together safely, as they work through different mechanisms. Some veterinarians recommend this combination for severe allergy flare-ups. However, always consult your vet before combining medications.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Apoquel. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses
atopic dermatitis, allergic itching, skin allergies
Recorded forms
tablet
Reference timing
twice daily for 14 days, then once daily; onset 4 hours; duration 12-24 hours

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

  • Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
  • Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
  • Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
  • Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

dogs under 12 months of age; dogs with serious infections; breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs; known hypersensitivity.

Recorded interactions

other immunosuppressants; vaccines (may reduce response); corticosteroids (avoid concurrent use long-term); cyclosporine.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.6 mg per kg (0.27 mg per lb) of body weight, given twice daily for 14 days, then once daily. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner
Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status
Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Safety · 10

More resources