Active ingredient

Oclacitinib for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20261 source

Oclacitinib is a synthetic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for itch in dogs, given at 0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for up to 14 days and then once daily ^[1].

Drug class: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor
Sourced doses for: Dogs
Brands on this site: Apoquel

Oclacitinib dose calculator

Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.

Oclacitinib dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Itch — first 14 days	0.4–0.6 mg/kg^[1]	PO	Twice daily · Up to 14 days	Label
Dogs	Itch — maintenance	0.4–0.6 mg/kg^[1]	PO	Once daily	Label

What oclacitinib is used for

Dogs at least 12 months old: pruritus of allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis ^[1].

How oclacitinib works (mechanism of action)

Oclacitinib inhibits the function of pruritogenic and pro-inflammatory cytokines that depend on JAK1 or JAK3 enzyme activity ^[1].

Safety, contraindications and precautions

Not for dogs under 12 months or with serious infections ^[1].
May increase susceptibility to infection, including demodicosis, and worsen neoplastic conditions ^[1].

Brands that contain oclacitinib

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Apoquel	Zoetis	Oclacitinib	USA (FDA label)

Frequently asked questions

What is the oclacitinib dose for dogs?

0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for up to 14 days, then once daily ^[1].

All veterinary products →

Have a case in front of you?Ask WeVet — the AI assistant built for veterinarians. Differentials, treatment plans with calculated doses, drug info from trusted sources and SOAP notes.

Ask WeVet about this

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

APOQUEL (oclacitinib) tablet — labelDailyMed (US NLM) — FDA-approved label, Zoetis · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
0.18 to 0.27 mg oclacitinib/lb (0.4 to 0.6 mg oclacitinib/kg) body weight
twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy.
APOQUEL is not for use in dogs less than 12 months of age
APOQUEL may increase susceptibility to infection, including demodicosis, and exacerbation of neoplastic conditions

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.