Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
At a time when we are all looking for natural remedies for our dogs, I wanted to share some helpful advice about the therapeutic properties of Apple Cider Vinegar.
There is a lot of information available about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and how it can help people. However, it is also a great item to keep in your store cupboard for your dog’s health too.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
It is made by adding yeast and bacteria to fermented apple juice which starts the process of turning the sugar into alcohol. During the second part of fermentation, the alcohol turns to acetic acid.
Why We Need To Use ORGANIC Apple Cider Vinegar.
There are different types of Apple Cider Vinegar, the distilled version is a clear liquid but there is also a cloudy version that has not been filtered.
This raw, organic version contains a substance called ‘the Mother’ or ‘the Mother Veil’ which are like cobwebs floating in the liquid. The natural protein, healthy bacteria, and acetic acid in ‘The Mother’ combine to produce a substance known for its healing qualities. Manufacturers state that the presence of the ‘cobwebs’ means that the best part of the apple has been preserved. Organic apple cider vinegar is light golden brown or orange in colour with a cloudy appearance.
If you buy Apple Cider Vinegar to use as a natural remedy for dogs or people always choose the organic (cloudy) version.
People have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for centuries as an aid to digestion, to calm skin irritations, and to make delicious salad dressings.
So, how can it help our dogs?
Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs
1. To Relieve Skin Irritations
Does your dog constantly scratch, does he suffer from allergies or yeast infections?
If he or she does, the following method may be beneficial:-
Make a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half distilled water and use a spray bottle to administer to itchy spots. (Only do this if there are no open wounds.)
Calm downy itchiness by using diluted ACV as a last rinse after bathing your dog. Allow your dog to drip dry for the best results.
Additionally, you will notice that your dog has a beautifully conditioned, healthy, shiny coat.
This can also help with yeast infections on the dog’s paws.
2. As A Flea and Tick Repellant
Use the same 50/50 solution to spray your dog just before going on an outdoor walk.
The solution will not kill fleas but will deter them because they are repelled by the acidity of the dog’s skin.
As extra protection add a tablespoonful to drinking water once per day.
3. To Clean Ears
Regular ear cleaning can prevent ear infections and build-up of dirt and bacteria. This is especially important for dogs with long ears like Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Beagles.
Dilute the apple cider vinegar (again 50/50) and gently swab the inside of the ear with a cotton wool pad. Squeeze the cotton wool pad to remove as much water as possible to avoid liquid going into the ear.
Don’t go too close to the inside of the ear and never use cotton buds which can push the wax back inside.
Take care not to cross-contaminate by using fresh swabs for each ear.
If you suspect an ear infection you must consult your vet.
Here is more information about ear infections in dogs.
4. To Aid Digestion
As mentioned before, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in the dogs drinking water can act as a flea and tick repellant. It is believed that this also acts as an aid to the dog’s digestion. The acidic acid in the vinegar produces good bacteria and improves the ability to absorb nutrients from the dog’s food.
5. To Ease Sore Joints
Apple cider vinegar, taken internally helps to break down calcium deposits around joints and helps to ease discomfort from arthritis.
Here are more natural ways to help with joint pain in senior dogs.
6. Removes Plaque
The acid in apple cider vinegar breaks down plaque on teeth and gums, making it beneficial to dog’s oral health.
7. Use Apple Cider Vinegar As A Pet Odour Sanitiser
Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are dangerous for pets. Using ACV is a non-toxic, pet-friendly way to clean and deodorise your home.
Add a few drops to the laundry detergent when you wash pet beds, toys, etc to remove pet odours.
Use a spray bottle containing half water and half apple cider vinegar to freshen dog blankets etc between washes.
The solution can also be used to clean carpets after puppy accidents.
Deodorise dog bowls by washing in warm water and apple cider vinegar.
(The strong vinegar smell soon disappears.)
8. Helps Tear Stains
Add a few drops to filtered water to help balance PH in the dog’s body.
More natural pet cleaning solutions.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs Actually Work?
There is a low amount of clinical evidence to prove that ACV cures medical conditions in humans or dogs.
However, holistic veterinarians have been seeing results and recommending apple cider vinegar for decades.
It has been around for centuries, in fact, Cleopatra used apple cider vinegar to clean her flawless complexion.
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties in ACV can be hugely beneficial to our dog’s health. Therefore, I see it as a natural symptom reliever rather than a cure. It can prevent the use of harsh chemicals or steroids but only when it is used alongside conventional medicine and not as an alternative. It has been promoted as a ‘miracle cure’ for many pet health problems but I continue to view it as a helpful backup. I always have a bottle in my store cupboard and have used it to ease itching and to keep my dogs coat in good condition.
For minor ailments and preventative medicine, the results can be startlingly good and if used properly ACV cannot harm your dog because it is a 100% natural product.
Apple cider vinegar is widely available, inexpensive, and has a long shelf life.
However:-
-
- Always buy organic apple cider vinegar.
- Use diluted with water.
- Don’t use on open wounds.
- Avoid eyes and nose.
- Always consult a vet if your dog is unwell or appears to be in pain.
Has anyone used Apple Cider Vinegar for dogs who have minor medical problems?
Do you feel that it has helped?
Additional Reading
Thank you for reading.