Pet Poison Helpline Reports Increase in Apoquel Ingestion Cases

Renee Schmid, DVM, senior veterinary toxicologist at PPH, emphasized the importance of educating pet owners about the dangers of large overdoses, particularly when the medication is ingested by animals it was not prescribed for. In the mentioned case, Grace, the owner, discovered her dog's recently refilled Apoquel bottle was empty and took one cat, Tangerine, to a veterinarian after it displayed signs of distress.

Tangerine exhibited symptoms such as an elevated third eyelid and squinting. Due to the potential risk for all five cats in the household, PPH recommended veterinary evaluation for each. The veterinarian found that Tangerine had ingested a sufficient amount to cause gastrointestinal upset and had indications of liver and kidney damage. Schmid warned that the condition could be fatal if not treated.

After two days of hospitalization, Tangerine received extensive care that included intravenous fluids and medication to support liver function. Fortunately, he made a full recovery, and the other cats showed no signs of distress.

PPH highlighted that while Apoquel is effective for treating skin diseases in dogs, risks arise from overdoses or when it is ingested by cats. Regulators have pointed out that the chewable form of Apoquel, particularly appealing due to its pork-liver flavor, poses additional risks to felines. According to FDA reports, by April 2026, there had been 259 overdose reports in dogs and 64 in cats following the product's approval in June 2023.

Veterinary clinicians have advised that pet owners in homes with multiple animals should store the medication in an inaccessible location and be vigilant in monitoring for any signs of ingestion. Immediate consultation with a veterinarian or poison control center is recommended if ingestion is suspected.