Take a New Look at Itch Relief
Finally—get rapid relief for your dog’s allergic itch with Numelvi® (atinvicitinib tablets). Numelvi starts working in as little as 2 to 4 hours1 to relieve itch and deliver the comfort your dog deserves.
Take a New Look at Itch Relief
Finally—get rapid relief for your dog’s allergic itch with Numelvi™ (atinvicitinib tablets). Numelvi starts working in as little as 2 to 4 hours1* to relieve itch and deliver the comfort your dog deserves.
Numelvi is available by prescription only. Instructions for use appear in the package insert provided at the time of prescription. This website should not be considered a substitute for the package insert or for guidance from your veterinarian. For any questions about this product, please consult your veterinarian.
* In a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model.
What You Need to Know About Numelvi
Numelvi is a prescription medication for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Acts fast
Absorbed quickly to start relieving allergic itch within 2-4 hours.1*
Suitable for young dogs
Labeled for use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older.
Easy, once-daily dosing
Given once daily with food at or around mealtime.
No interference with routine treatments
Can be used with other routine treatments and vaccines.â€
* In a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model.
†No clinically relevant drug interactions observed during 28-day field trial in dogs with allergic dermatitis after use with antimicrobials (including topicals), ecto- and endoparasiticides (isoxazolines, milbemycins, avermectins, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids), analgesics, anesthetics, nutritional supplements, topical skin and ear cleansers that did not contain glucocorticoids, as well as medicated shampoos.
About Numelvi
What is Numelvi?
Numelvi is a prescription medication for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Numelvi is the first and only second-generation Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for dogs. A JAK inhibitor is a type of medicine that helps relieve itch. Unlike earlier JAK inhibitors that block multiple enzymes, Numelvi targets one specific enzyme that is the primary driver of itch and inflammation.2 This selective approach helps relieve itch.
Why would my veterinarian prescribe Numelvi for my dog?
Itchy skin can interfere with your dog’s quality of life, including sleep, play, appetite, and behavior. Numelvi provides rapid relief that starts within 2-4 hours of administration,1* so your dog can get back to feeling their best.
* In a canine interleukin-31 (cIL-31)-induced pruritus model.
Is Numelvi approved for all dogs with allergic dermatitis?
Numelvi is indicated for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs and puppies aged 6 months and older and weighing at least 2 kg.
How often will I need to give Numelvi to my dog?
Numelvi is given by mouth, once daily with food (at or around mealtime). Numelvi can also be given alongside other important treatments or vaccines.â€
†No clinically relevant drug interactions observed during 28-day field trial in dogs with allergic dermatitis after use with antimicrobials (including topicals), ecto- and endoparasiticides (isoxazolines, milbemycins, avermectins, pyrethrins, and pyrethroids), analgesics, anesthetics, nutritional supplements, topical skin and ear cleansers that did not contain glucocorticoids, as well as medicated shampoos.
How often will my dog need to come back for follow-up visits?
This depends on factors like how long your dog has had clinical signs of allergic dermatitis, such as itch and inflammation (redness), how severe the clinical signs are, and how well your dog responds to the recommended treatment.
What should I do if I miss giving a dose of Numelvi?
If you have missed giving a dose of Numelvi or are not certain whether you gave the dose successfully, then give the next dose as scheduled, 24 hours later. There should be no need to administer an extra dose. If you have questions about missed doses or your dog’s treatment schedule, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
How long is a treatment course of Numelvi?
There are many factors that affect the duration of Numelvi treatment. The treatment plan, including the duration of Numelvi administration, should be discussed with your veterinarian.
Can dogs taking Numelvi be vaccinated?
There is no need to adjust your dog’s vaccination routine while taking Numelvi. It is important that a dog remain up to date with vaccinations against serious diseases such as canine distemper, canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and rabies.
What Is Allergic Dermatitis?
Allergic dermatitis is an itchy skin condition caused by your dog’s immune system reacting to allergens. Prompt treatment of itch and inflammation is important for your dog’s quality of life. Some dogs require lifelong treatment to manage itch and avoid complications.
Allergic Dermatitis Can Be a Chronic Condition
Some types of allergic dermatitis are chronic, while others can be seasonal. Either way, managing the itch and inflammation with your veterinarian is important.
Finding relief will improve not only your dog’s well-being—but also your own peace of mind.
What Are the 4 Main Types of Allergic Dermatitis?
Environment
Triggered by allergens like house dust mites, molds, and pollens.
Food
Triggered by certain foods like beef, chicken, dairy products, and other proteins.
Fleas
Triggered by saliva from flea bites.
Other
Triggered by other insect bites, contact allergens, and other irritants.
What Are the Signs of Allergic Dermatitis?
Dogs with allergic dermatitis can show different signs. These signs can include:

Itch
A dog may scratch, rub, lick, chew, or scoot

Hair loss
Due to frequent scratching, chewing, or infection

Redness
Pink to red patches on the skin caused by inflammation

Crust
Can be a sign of bacterial or yeast overgrowth

Scale
Dandruff and flaky skin


Leathery or thickened skin
Inflammation caused by chronic chewing, rubbing, or licking
Dogs with allergic dermatitis can experience flare-ups from time to time. If you are worried that a flare-up is happening, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Most Common Areas Affected
Dogs with allergic dermatitis may have one or many areas affected. The affected areas may help your veterinarian diagnose the cause of your dog’s allergic dermatitis.
How Is Allergic Dermatitis Diagnosed?
Allergic dermatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion. Your veterinarian will rule out and treat other causes of itch before confirming a diagnosis of allergic dermatitis.
To start, your veterinarian may do some or all of the following:

Take a detailed history of your dog

Conduct a thorough physical examination

Perform diagnostic tests such as skin scrapings, skin swabs, or hair tests to check for parasites and other infections

Recommend a diet trial to see if your dog’s signs improve after switching to a specially formulated diet
Every dog is different, so your veterinarian will use their expertise and judgment to decide the treatment plan that is best for your pet.
Follow up with your veterinarian to help keep your dog itch-free and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergic Dermatitis
Get answers to common questions about your dog’s itchy skin and how to manage it.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic form of allergic dermatitis in dogs. The development of atopic dermatitis is complex. It typically develops in response to skin exposure to common environmental allergens like house dust mites, molds, and pollens.3 A combination of factors like genetics, abnormalities in the skin barrier and skin microbiome, environmental exposure, and lifestyle can influence the development of atopic dermatitis. These complex interactions contribute to the differences in pattern and severity of clinical signs and prognosis in affected dogs.3
Are there specific breeds or age groups that are more prone to developing allergic dermatitis?
Allergic dermatitis can affect any dog breed and age group, but certain breeds may be more predisposed. Breeds such as boxers, French and English bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, pugs, and West Highland white terriers are predisposed to atopic dermatitis.3 Dogs may develop allergic dermatitis at any age, but signs often start between the ages of 1 year and 3 years.4
How common is otitis externa in dogs with allergic dermatitis?
Otitis externa is inflammation of the external ear with overgrowth of bacteria and/or yeast. It is common and occurs in up to 10-20% of dogs in general practice.5-7 Allergic dermatitis is the primary cause of otitis externa in more than two-thirds of affected dogs.7,8 It is the most common cause of otitis externa in dogs and may be the only sign of allergic dermatitis.7,9
How do you treat a dog’s itchy skin?
Veterinarians usually prescribe an itch-relief treatment as the first line of defense and may also recommend supportive care such as a medicated shampoo, fatty acid supplements, year-round flea control, or a specific diet to help keep your dog feeling their best.
Early intervention and treatment of allergic dermatitis can help relieve clinical signs and symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Can I use more than one itch-relief treatment on my dog?
Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment for your dog’s itchy skin, which may include a combination of an oral prescription treatment for itch, like Numelvi, and other products, such as antibiotic and antifungal creams, medicated shampoos, topical skin and ear cleansers, or nutritional supplements. Numelvi can be used with these common products as well as other routine treatments, like flea, tick, and internal parasite medicines.
What should I expect during treatment of my dog’s itch?
When managing your dog’s itch, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Partner With Your Veterinarian. Allergic dermatitis can be a lifelong condition, but there are ways to help manage it.
- Stick With the Plan. Each dog is unique, so pay attention to what may or may not be working for your pet.
- Stay in Touch. Together with your veterinarian, you can use these insights to build a treatment plan that keeps your dog feeling their best.
- Celebrate small wins. Fewer scratches or a wagging tail means your dog is on the path to feeling their best!
What information should I share with my veterinarian during appointments?
Every observation helps your veterinarian get closer to answers. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if you’ve noticed changes in:
- Your dog’s routine

Flea and tick control products, new foods, or treats - Your dog’s behavior
More scratching, licking, or chewing; changes in mood, appetite, or energy level - Your dog’s condition
Skin changes, hair loss, ear problems, or odor
What other treatments help to optimize skin and coat health?
Additional treatment using a combination of baths, supplements, and diet may help to optimize a dog’s skin and coat health and minimize flare-ups.10 Regular monitoring and follow-up with the veterinary team, particularly if a dog has a recurrence of itch (flare-up), are important. The sooner itch treatment starts, the faster the itch will resolve, and the less long-term damage there will be to a dog’s skin. Any change in your pet’s activity or behavior can help to assess treatment response, provide an early warning of flare-ups or itch recurrence, and improve treatment compliance.
Do dogs with allergic dermatitis need allergy tests?
Allergy tests may help to identify triggers in dogs with environmental allergies but do not diagnose allergy or differentiate dogs with atopic dermatitis from otherwise healthy dogs.11 They can be helpful in guiding treatment like allergen avoidance and allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT, allergy shots) in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Allergy tests for dogs include blood tests for specific antibodies and intradermal allergy testing (IDAT).
How are dogs with food allergy dermatitis identified?
A food elimination trial is the only way to identify whether a dog has food allergy dermatitis. During this trial, a strict diet containing a novel or hydrolyzed protein source is fed. During the trial, it is crucial that the dog does not consume table scraps, flavored treatment, treats, or dietary supplements, as these can make the results of the trial difficult to interpret. The trial typically lasts for 8 to 12 weeks.9 At the end of the trial, the previous diet is re-introduced. If the itch returns on re-introduction of the previous diet, this helps to confirm that the dog has food allergy dermatitis. Continuing to feed the prescription diet will help to reduce or even eliminate the need for itch treatment.
Resources
Access these materials to learn more about allergic dermatitis and how best to care for your itchy dog.
Pet Owner Handout
This one-page handout explains what to expect from treatment with Numelvi and offers tips on how to manage allergic dermatitis.
Numelvi Itch Tracker
Utilize this itch tracker to track your dog’s progress and be sure to bring it with you to your veterinarian appointments.
Important Safety Information
NUMELVI is not for use in dogs less than 6 months of age or those with serious infections. NUMELVI may increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections, including demodicosis and interdigital furunculosis. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating NUMELVI in dogs with a history of recurrent demodicosis. NUMELVI is a JAK inhibitor. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) have been reported in dogs treated with other JAK inhibitors. The effectiveness and safety of NUMELVI have not been evaluated in a field study beyond 28 days. The safe use of NUMELVI has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, nor in combination with glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, or other systemic immunosuppressive agents. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.
References
- Kowalski T, Prohaczik A, Locke K, et al. The second-generation Janus kinase inhibitor atinvicitinib significantly reduces pruritus 2-4 hours after dosing dogs in a canine interleukin-31 model. Vet Dermatol. 2026;0:17-18. https://doi.org/10.1111/vde.70046
- Huang IH, Chung WH, Wu PC, Chen CB. JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis: an updated review. Front Immunol. 2022;13:1068260. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.1068260
- Hensel P, Saridomichelakis M, Eisenschenk M, et al. Update on the role of genetic factors, environmental factors and allergens in canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol. 2024;35(1):15-24. doi:10.1111/vde.13210
- Santoro D. Therapies in canine atopic dermatitis: an update. Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2019;49(1):9-26. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.08.002
- O’Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, Thomson PC, Brodbelt DC. Prevalence of disorders recorded in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. PLoS One. 2014;9(3):e90501. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090501
- Hill PB, Lo A, Eden CA, et al. Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice. Vet Rec. 2006;158(16):533-539. Correction published in Vet Rec. 2006;158(22):763. doi:10.1136/ vr.158.16.533
- Zur G, Lifshitz B, Bdolah-Abram T. The association between the signalment, common causes of canine otitis externa and pathogens. J Small Anim Pract. 2011;52(5):254-258. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01058.x
- Hnilica KA. Diseases of the eyes, claws, anal sac and ear canals. In: Hnilica KA, ed. Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2011:395-409.
- Miller J, Simpson A, Bloom P, et al. 2023 AAHA management of allergic skin diseases in dogs and cats guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2023;59(6):255-284. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7396
- Nuttall TJ, Marsella R, Rosenbaum MR, Gonzales AJ, Fadok VA. Update on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2019;254(11):1291-1300. doi:10.2460/javma.254.11.1291
- Mueller RS. A systematic review of allergen immunotherapy, a successful therapy for canine atopic dermatitis and feline atopic skin syndrome. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2023;261(S1):S30-S35. doi:10.2460/javma.22.12.0576
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