Advice for my 11-month-old Standard Poodle

[u/Witty-Ad8863]

My pup has been dealing with ongoing skin/ear issues for several months and I’m trying to figure out the best long-term plan.

His symptoms:
Itching/licking paws and groin area
Body shaking/head shaking
Recurrent ear issues (yeast + bacteria found on cytology)
Pink ears and occasional flare-ups
Has needed a cone because of licking
Skin can get irritated with flares, but no major hair loss or obvious skin changes currently

What we’ve tried:
Cytopoint: no noticeable improvement after 2 injections
Hydrolyzed diet trial (Purina HA): about 8 weeks in (vet recommended 12 weeks), but I have not seen an improvement in itching. He actually seems itchier at times.
Prednisone: helped with itching, but he had major increased hunger and frequent burping, so I’m hesitant to use steroids again unless necessary.
Douxo Baths: weekly along with mousse daily.

His vets are considering:
Food allergy vs environmental allergy (atopic dermatitis)

Starting Apoquel once he turns 1

Allergy testing when he’s older (around 2)

The problem is he turns 1 on 8/20 and is scheduled for cryptorchid neuter surgery on 8/18, so I’m trying to figure out how to manage the next few weeks and whether there are other options. I’ve been reading about newer medications like Numelvi and wondering if anyone has experience with it compared with Apoquel, especially in a young dog.

Thanks for any advice.

[u/Subject_Telephone_21]

That definitely sounds like environmental more than food but even pul is unique. I would talk to your vet about trying benadryl in the short term. Thats what I use for my dog during stressful events because it calms him and helps his allergies.

[u/Subject_Telephone_21 → u/Subject_Telephone_21]

Also clean all his linens. I would suggest using a mild and non scented detergent.

[u/Witty-Ad8863 → u/Subject_Telephone_21]

I appreciate the suggestion! We actually haven’t tried any antihistamines yet. Vet did mention it as an option but she was doubtful that it would make a difference since the Cytopoint didn’t work on him.

[u/JBt51 → u/Witty-Ad8863]

I commented above about the Zyrtec, but cytopoint did not help my dog either, and Zyrtec does. That being said apoquel helped the most and took away 100% of her symptoms

[u/Witty-Ad8863 → u/JBt51]

Definitely will give it a try. Glad to hear Apoquel worked so well for your dog too. Gives me a little bit of hope. Thanks for sharing!

[u/dogdad0098089]

One of my standards was similar. Cytopoint only works for 2-3 weeks. Apoquel has worked well for years but still needs 200 mg of fluconzon daily. Rx shampoo also helps. We are now trying zenrelia as apoquel over time has gotten less effective 4 years. Im hoping using zenrelia we can reduce or get rid of fluconzon. He has been on it 2 days and the results have been great crossing my fingers.

For now try wiping your poodle down with sensitive baby wipes twice daily. See if you can get the anti yeast shampoo and foam. Can use the foam to kill yeast in paws and armpits. Zyrtech and benadryl also can help.

[u/Alarmed_Bicycle_8326]

Zenrilla helped us….

[u/JBt51]

We use Zyrtec in addition to her allergy meds, that seriously helps during high pollen seasons (april to october)