Apple cider vinegar is one of the top natural health remedies today due to its amazing benefits. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples and contains acetic, lactic, citric, and malic acid. Many people use it not only as a chemical-free cleaner because it has disinfectant properties, but it can also be used as a digestive aid.
With so many great uses, you have to wonder: what are the benefits of using apple cider vinegar on dogs? Can dogs have apple cider vinegar?
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe for Dogs?
At its core, apple cider vinegar is just a type of vinegar, which is generally non-poisonous for dogs. You can administer it both topically and internally without anticipating many adverse effects.
However, while there are a lot of benefits to using apple cider vinegar on dogs, make sure you use it in moderation. For any external uses, such as for cleaning or flea treatment, make sure to dilute the vinegar in a 50/50 water to vinegar solution. Avoid applying the vinegar to any open wounds, sores, or the eyes as its acidity will be painful for your dogs.
Whenever applying apple cider vinegar topically, make sure you do a twenty-four-hour spot test on your dog before applying it all over him.
Additionally, apple cider vinegar will only have a positive impact on some dogs when orally ingested. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic with a pH rating of 3.1 to 5, you can use it to balance your dog’s digestive system. But most dogs naturally have a balanced stomach in the optimal pH range.
You will need blood tests or a pH test of your dog’s urine to tell if the pH balance of their digestive system is too alkaline (a pH rating of 7 or higher). Your vet will be able to give both of these tests. Diseases that can result from unbalanced pH levels include urinary crystals, bladder stones, digestive disorders (like vomiting and loose stool), and even some allergies.
Taking apple cider vinegar with food can also help digestion by helping to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. As with topical use, make sure you dilute any ingested apple cider vinegar with water in a 50/50 ratio.
If any adverse reaction occurs after giving your dog apple cider vinegar orally or externally, such as vomiting, reddish skin, scratching, itching, or other gastrointestinal issues, stop use immediately.
How Do I Use Apple Cider Vinegar For My Dog?
Apple cider vinegar is a great multi-purpose, natural remedy. It can be used as anything from a dog foot soak to homemade itch relief for dogs.
Make sure you get the kind that is unfiltered and still contains pieces of its mother. Filtered apple cider vinegar is missing many of the health benefits of its unfiltered counterpart. You can find apple cider vinegar that contains parts of the mother in most grocery stores.
Here are some apple cider vinegar benefits for dogs:
- Treating itchy, flaking skin, also known as dandruff
- Preventing fleas
- Adding shine to a dull coat
- Giving relief to hot spots, a skin condition for dogs
- Cleaning ears and treating ear infections
- Improving digestion
- Relieving muscle soreness and aches, especially for older or athletic dogs
- Preventing urinary tract infections
- Treating and fighting yeast infections on dog paws
- Treating itchy paws and skin by disinfecting root cause bacteria
- Cleaning your dog’s coat
- Fighting strong odors on your dog, especially skunk spray
- Relieving bladder stones
- Treating and removing pet-related stains and odors throughout the home
Remember to consult your vet first before using apple cider vinegar as a treatment for any medical condition. They will be able to give you the proper ACV dosage for your dog depending on his size and needs.
