Vet product

Apoquel (Oclacitinib) Dose for Dogs: Strengths & Dose Calculator

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

Apoquel tablets contain 3.6, 5.4 or 16 mg of oclacitinib and are given to dogs aged 12 months or more at 0.4–0.6 mg/kg twice daily for up to 14 days, then once daily ^[1].

Contains: Oclacitinib
Company: Zoetis
Forms: Apoquel 3.6 mg
Apoquel 5.4 mg
Apoquel 16 mg
Label species: Dogs
Data from: USA (FDA label)
Type: Anti-itch (dermatology)

Apoquel dose calculator

Results are calculated in your browser from the doses and strengths on this page. Check the strength printed on your pack and the label in your country before giving any dose.

Apoquel strengths and presentations

Presentation	Contains	Strength check
Apoquel 3.6 mg PO	Oclacitinib 3.6 mg per tablet^[1]	Confirmed
Apoquel 5.4 mg PO	Oclacitinib 5.4 mg per tablet^[1]	Confirmed
Apoquel 16 mg PO	Oclacitinib 16 mg per tablet^[1]	Confirmed

Apoquel 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

Label directions

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

Warnings 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].

About oclacitinib (the active ingredient)

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor.

How it works

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

Key safety points

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

All about oclacitinib — doses by species and every brand →

Frequently asked questions

What is the Apoquel dose for dogs?

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

From what age can Apoquel be used?

From 12 months of age ^[1].

More from Zoetis

All veterinary products →

Apoquel is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with Zoetis. Strengths, species and withdrawal periods can differ between countries — always follow the pack insert in your country.

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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
APOQUEL tablets contain 3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, or 16 mg of oclacitinib as oclacitinib maleate per tablet.
0.18 to 0.27 mg oclacitinib/lb (0.4 to 0.6 mg oclacitinib/kg) body weight
APOQUEL is not for use in dogs less than 12 months of age
APOQUEL is not for use in dogs with serious infections.

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