GETTING STARTED GUIDE
Apocaps® Directions & FAQ
A special message from all of us dog lovers to all of you dog lovers. See more videos on this page with more details about Apocaps.
What are Apocaps?
Apocaps are small capsules that contain a special blend of apoptogens and other healthy ingredients. The apoptogens in Apocaps are very concentrated botanical extracts that have been shown to support the normal turnover of deranged cells (also known as apoptosis) to help your dog’s body make way for new, healthy cells.
Apocaps also features beta glucans, potent mushrooms that can support the immune system, gingerols, which can aid in normal digestive function as well as apoptosis, and l-glutamine, which can help maintain a normal body condition and weight.
Apocaps is especially potent because it is formulated using a special “Trojan Horse” technology called Biovadex™, which helps deliver the healthful benefits to the target organs and cells. In addition to apoptosis support, Apocaps can benefit the immune system, heart, liver, kidneys, and digestive system.
Learn about why veterinarians recommend Apocaps, our formula that has remained the same since 2010.
Apocaps is 100% human-grade, and made to the highest human nutraceutical standards. Our labs are licensed by and inspected by the FDA and state authorities, and every ingredient in Apocaps and every batch of Apocaps undergoes rigorous safety and purity testing, so you can be sure that what’s on the label is what’s in the bottle.
Veterinarians recommend Apocaps to help support and maintain your dog’s life quality.
Learn about how human-grade nutraceuticals are tested and safe, and why we make all our dog supplements to human-grade standards.
Apocaps Includes
- Luteolin
- | Apigenin
- | Curcumin
- | Silymarin
- | Gingerols
- | Beta Glucans
- | Zinc
- | Magnesium
- | Glutamine
- | Taurine
Apocaps Supports
- Apoptosis
- | Immunity
- | Heart
- | Liver
- | Kidneys
- | Intestines
What to expect
Dogs on Apocaps often show more vitality, activity, and vigor. For some dogs, these effects are seen within one week of starting Apocaps. In other dogs, the effects are slower, taking up to 3-4 weeks.
This longer timeframe is common with using nutraceuticals, because they are more concentrated than a supplement, and less potent than a drug. They can take some time to build up in the tissues. For this reason, your veterinarian recommends using Apocaps for at least four weeks, and continuing use if you like it.
The benefits of Apocaps build over time with daily use
Learn about what you might see when using Apocaps over time as you support normal cell turnover.
How to Give Apocaps
Please see the Apocaps label for the number of capsules your dog should take, because they vary depending upon weight. Give Apocaps between meals with a very small amount of food, preferably less than 1 or 2 tablespoonsful to buffer the tummy. If you like, you can start at a lower dose of Apocaps and work up to a full dose over a few days.
Learn about how to give Apocaps to your dog. Then if you would like to see how much, use our Dose Calculator.
Why between meals?
Giving between meals helps with absorption, but you can give with meals if that doesn’t work for your schedule. See below for more information!
What is the best time to give Apocaps?
It seems Apocaps is best absorbed and most effective when given in the late morning (10 - 11am) and late evening (10 - 11pm). If you can give it at these times of day, that is optimal. If that schedule doesn’t work for you, try giving it one hour before, or two hours after, a meal.
Learn about the recommended timing for Apocaps doses.
What if that time doesn’t work for me?
If it’s difficult to follow the recommended schedule, or if your dog experiences stomach upset, give Apocaps with a small amount of food, perhaps a 1/4 cup, or with full meals. That’s better than not giving it at all!
Learn about how to handle timing issues if the ideal dose schedule doesn't work for you. If you would like specific dose recommendations, including timing, use this Dose Calculator.
Why a small amount of food?
Some dogs get an upset tummy when they take any supplement on an empty stomach, and some dogs don’t like taking capsules on their own. That’s why we recommend a very small amount of food.
Learn how much is a "small amount of food" for your dog.
Can I open the capsules to give Apocaps?
Yes, you can open the capsules. The capsules are used to dose the powder, and they do not affect bioavailability. If your dog hates pills, or if it is just easier for you, feel free to open the capsules and mix the powder into your dog’s food to administer Apocaps.
If your dog hates pills, or it's just easier, you can open the capsules. This video explains why.
What kind of food should I give with Apocaps?
Use any food your dog will eat willingly, and hopefully something healthy. If your dog doesn’t want to eat a small amount of their dog food (less than one or two tablespoons), you can try a pill pocket, a piece of cheese, a piece of bread, or peanut butter, for example.
Learn about what foods might be given as a snack with Apocaps.
Are there side effects?
Apocaps are extremely safe, and side effects from using Apocaps are extremely rare – fewer than 5% of dogs may experience some tummy upset (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) after using Apocaps. (This is typical of any sudden change in diet, supplements, or medications.)
Apocaps is extremely safe, with fewer than 5% getting GI upset, usually loose stools. Learn more about how to confidently administer Apocaps.
Apocaps is very well-tolerated by 94% of dogs, with no GI upset at all. But if your pup is sensitive, or if you have recently made a lot of changes, you might want to start "low and slow."
What to do if your dog gets an upset tummy
If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea after using Apocaps, you should stop using Apocaps and call your veterinarian to get their advice.
Most often, your vet will recommend that once your dog feels better (no nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea for five days), you can try Apocaps again, now giving it with meals (instead of between meals) and starting at a quarter or half dose for each serving of Apocaps. For example, if your dog takes three Apocaps three times a day, you might give one capsule, three times a day, or two capsules early, then one in the middle, and then two later on, and so on. Ask your veterinarian for the dose they recommend for your dog’s case.
If that lower dose is well-tolerated for one week, gradually increase the dose up to a full dose with meals, preferably over the course of a week or even two weeks.
No matter what the cause of tummy upset, giving anything by mouth, including Apocaps, can further irritate the tummy. That's why we recommend stopping Apocaps until your dog feels better. Watch this for more information about what to do if your pup is under the weather.
Reminder: As always, if you ever see severe changes in your dog like lethargy, frequent severe vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dark “tarry” stools (black stools that look like they are coated in tar), changes in urination (color, amount, or frequency), changes in drinking (increase or decrease), skin changes (redness, hives, itching or scratching), unexpected weight loss, or any other problem that concerns you, call your veterinarian.
Are there dietary restrictions?
There are no dietary restrictions with Apocaps.
Using Apocaps with Other Treatments, Medications & Supplements
Using Apocaps with other medications and treatments depends upon many factors, which is why your veterinarian is always the best person to consult about any change in your dog’s medical care. If you are giving other supplements, please make sure your veterinarian knows about them.
Below are some tips about using Apocaps:
During and after surgery
Ask your veterinarian about using Apocaps during and after surgery. Some veterinarians don’t like using Apocaps during surgery for the same reasons they may not like using other supplements like fish oil. The most cautious veterinarians may suggest stopping Apocaps three days prior to surgery, and then starting it again once healing is complete, usually ten to fourteen days later.
With anti-inflammatories, prednisone or NSAIDs
If you are giving prednisone, prednisolone, or any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), your veterinarian will likely reduce the dose of either the other medication OR Apocaps to a half or quarter dose. Your veterinarian may also recommend giving Apocaps with a full meal, rather than between meals. If you have any questions about this, please check with your veterinarian for your own dog’s case.
We will send you specific dosing recommendations for your dog based on their weight and NSAID use -- just use the dosing calculator.
With seizure control medications
If your dog is on seizure control medication, your veterinarian may be cautious about the small amount of l-glutamine in Apocaps, so check with your veterinarian about the dose and use of Apocaps for your dog specifically.
With artemisinin
Artemisinin can interact with Apocaps, and vice versa, so we do not recommend using them at the same time. However, you can cycle them. For example, you could give Apocaps for five days, then stop Apocaps and start Artemisinin for the next five days, and then stop Artemisinin and start Apocaps again for five days, and then stop Apocaps and start Artemisinin for five days, and so on.
With immune supplements like mushrooms, omega-3 fatty acids, and/or antioxidants and vitamins
Yes, you can use Apocaps with these and other types of antioxidant supplements. However, do not give them at the same time, because they can interfere with Apocaps, which is a pro-oxidant. Give them a minimum of three hours apart. Since these supplements are usually given with meals, and Apocaps is given between meals, this usually works out perfectly.
With luteolin, curcumin, apigenin, silymarin, or other stand-alone versions of the ingredients in Apocaps
Apocaps has been carefully formulated, and the combination of the different apoptogens and other ingredients in Apocaps are more potent than most standalone supplements. You can discontinue stand-alone supplements and use Apocaps, instead, so as not to overlap ingredients.
Some folks want to offer duplicating supplements, in addition to Apocaps. This video explores why we suggest following the labeled doses for Apocaps.
With conventional veterinary treatments
Because Apocaps is a pro-oxidant, not an antioxidant, it can often be used at the same time as conventional therapies. Please check with your veterinarian about its use in your dog’s case.
Important Information
Do not use Apocaps if
- Your dog is allergic to Apocaps or any of the ingredients in Apocaps.
- Your dog is currently experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.
- Your dog is less than 5 pounds. (If your dog is less than 5 pounds, please ask your veterinarian for instructions.)
- Your dog is pregnant, nursing, or breeding.
Have an adult dog who weighs less than 5 pounds? This video shows you how to use Apocaps with your dog. To get specific dosing recommendations, use the Dosing Calculator.
Apocaps in other animals
Apocaps is made from 100% human-grade ingredients, and to human nutraceutical standards in laboratories licensed by and inspected by the FDA. Even so, it is intended for use in dogs, and should not be given to cats or other animals. Cats may be unusually sensitive to some dietary apoptogens, which is why we are cautious about its use in cats. As always, ask your vet about using this or any other supplement!
How long to give Apocaps
Dogs can take Apocaps for as long as your veterinarian recommends. Please talk with your veterinarian before stopping or starting Apocaps.
You can give Apocaps for as long as your veterinarian recommends. If you are looking for a daily dog supplement, consider EverPup. For printable versions: Download EverPup FAQ | Download Apocaps FAQ
Can I give Apocaps to my other dogs?
Apocaps is a potent nutraceutical, and it’s not appropriate for use in every dog. To give your dog a daily dose of many of the apoptogens found in Apocaps, along with other great ingredients for joints, liver, heart, metabolism, skin and coat, immunity, digestion and more, try our daily dog supplement, EverPup®. It’s great for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and is constructed to support every organ and system in the body.
Also, EverPup is a delicious (to dogs) green powder you can sprinkle on and mix into food. No pills! Some dogs like the taste so much they lick it right off a plate. It’s the perfect supplement to help your dog be healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Learn about EverPup, the daily dog supplement that you can offer all the dogs in your life, whether thay are on Apocaps or not. To learn more, you can go to EverPup.com.
