Dosage Guide • FL · NY · VA • Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM
Apoquel Dosage for a 70 lb Dog
oclacitinib · Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor · Large breed (70 lb / 31.8 kg)
What pet owners in Florida, New York, and Virginia need to know about Apoquel dosing for a 70 lb (Labrador Retrievers-sized) dog — written by a licensed vet, no specific dose given without an exam.
The dosing principle for Apoquel
Apoquel is dosed at approximately 0.4-0.6 mg/kg twice daily for the first 14 days, then once daily for maintenance. Apoquel tablets are available in fixed strengths (3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, 16 mg) — a vet selects the closest fit for your dog's weight.
Apoquel is highly weight-dependent because it comes in discrete tablet strengths. Using a tablet sized for a heavier dog risks immune suppression and side effects; using one too small leaves the dog itchy and uncomfortable. Vets calculate the closest fit and may combine tablet strengths to dial in the right dose.
Why 70 lb matters
A 70 lb (31.8 kg) dog falls into the large category — typical examples include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and many sporting breeds.
Large breeds carry higher rates of orthopedic disease (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis) — making pain management drugs more frequently prescribed. They also have higher rates of cancer, which can affect both drug choice and dosing for many medications.
What Apoquel is approved for
- Pruritus (itching) caused by allergic dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months old
What to watch for in your 70 lb dog
- GI upset — vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite (uncommon)
- Lethargy in the first few days
- Worsening or new skin infections (rare — Apoquel mildly suppresses immune function)
- Increased tendency to develop demodex mange in young dogs
- Any new tumors or growths — bring up at every check-in
Ask about a Apoquel prescription or refill in your state
RexVet’s veterinarians are licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia. They can examine your 70 lb dog by video and calculate the right Apoquel dose for their specific situation. If the veterinarian decides medication is appropriate, they can prescribe where state rules allow; some medications need an in-person exam first.
Florida
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New York
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Virginia
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How much Apoquel can I give my 70 lb dog?
Apoquel is dosed at approximately 0.4-0.6 mg/kg twice daily for the first 14 days, then once daily for maintenance. Apoquel tablets are available in fixed strengths (3.6 mg, 5.4 mg, 16 mg) — a vet selects the closest fit for your dog's weight. For a 70 lb (31.8 kg) dog, this gives a range that a licensed vet will narrow down based on the indication, your dog's age, kidney/liver function, and any other medications. RexVet vets serve Florida, New York, and Virginia and can calculate the right dose for your specific dog in a $64.99 video visit.
Is Apoquel safe for a large dog like mine?
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is widely used in dogs in the 70 lb range, but "safe" depends on the specific dog, not just the weight. Large breeds carry higher rates of orthopedic disease (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis) — making pain management drugs more frequently prescribed. They also have higher rates of cancer, which can affect both drug choice and dosing for many medications. A licensed vet will check your dog's history, current medications, and any underlying conditions before prescribing.
What should I watch for after giving my 70 lb dog Apoquel?
The most common things to watch for are: GI upset — vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite (uncommon); Lethargy in the first few days; Worsening or new skin infections (rare — Apoquel mildly suppresses immune function). If you see anything concerning, contact a vet. For large dogs specifically: Large breeds carry higher rates of orthopedic disease (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, arthritis) — making pain management drugs more frequently prescribed.
Can a RexVet online vet prescribe Apoquel for my 70 lb dog?
If the veterinarian decides it is appropriate after a video visit, they can prescribe it where state rules allow.
Can I get a Apoquel refill in Florida, New York, or Virginia online?
RexVet’s veterinarians are licensed in all three states and take Apoquel refill requests where state rules allow for dogs already established on the medication. Refill visits are also $64.99. Prescriptions are filled through RexVet's in-house pharmacy (RexVetRx) or can be sent to your local pharmacy. When the veterinarian prescribes, same-day delivery is available in most ZIP codes in FL, NY, and VA.
Apoquel dosing for other dog weights
Other medications dosed for a 70 lb dog
Sources
Last fact-checked: 2026-06-01. Reviewed by Dr. Tiffany Delacruz, DVM. RexVet (Rex Vets Inc.) is licensed in Florida, New York, and Virginia.
Get the right Apoquel dose for your 70 lb dog
Licensed RexVet veterinarians serving Florida, New York, and Virginia. $64.99 video visits, no membership required.