Have you heard about some benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for your dog? Like it helps with itchy skin, digestion, repels fleas and ticks… Would you like to try it but you don’t know how and where to start?
I’m going to share how I use ACV for my dogs and what you need to look for in apple cider vinegar when buying ACV.
What to look for when buying apple cider vinegar
Before you buy ACV you need to consider few things:
1/ Buy raw, organic unfiltered ACV.
2/ By buying organic apple cider vinegar, you will avoid pesticides.
3/ Raw apple cider vinegar means no pasteurized. The process of pasteurization kills beneficial live enzymes in apple cider vinegar.
The main difference you’ll see between raw and pasteurized ACV is the “mother.” The mother is the bacteria and yeast used to ferment the apple cider into apple cider vinegar. The mother will make the ACV cloudy.
Shake the bottle well before use.
Benefits of apple cider vinegar for your dog.
1/ Apple cider vinegar helps with itchy skin
ACV can help relieve itchy skin caused by yeasts. Make 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and apply it directly onto itchy spots.
Do NOT put it on open wounds because the vinegar will sting if the wound is raw.
If you are concerned about yeast, you can also add ACV to your dog’s food because yeast doesn’t do well in an acid environment. Adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ACV twice a day may help.
You can also try the herbal rinse with ACV I shared in this video…
2/ Apple cider vinegar helps with itchy ears
If your dog has itchy skin, he will probably have itchy ears.
You can make a solution of half ACV/half purified or distilled water, or boiled and cooled down
- Use individual cotton balls soaked in the solution
- Swab out the ears until the cotton ball comes out clean.
- Only wipe the visible part of the ear
- Do not pour the solution into the ear
3/ Apple cider vinegar as flea and tick repellent
I haven’t tried this one personally, but apparently, it works. If you tried it, please let me know in the comments.
Make 50/ 50 solution of ACV and water and spray your dog before your dog goes out.
When you add ACV to your dog’s water, the acidity will help make your dog less appealing to ticks and fleas.
What does apple cider vinegar do for dogs when used internally?
When used internally, ACV not only helps to fight yeast and repels fleas and tick, but there are many other benefits:
1/ ACV may be able to help with regulating blood sugar levels in your dog.
2/ Acetic acid in ACV helps reduce high blood pressure
3/ ACV has antimicrobial properties and can help restrict the growth of toxic bacteria and yeast
4/ ACV may be able to help your dog keep his mind sharp. Studies show that foods that contain phenolic compounds can help lower Alzheimer’s risk in humans. So they could help protect your dog from Canine Cognitive Disorder (CCD). ACV has a number of these phenolic compounds
4/ ACV can lower the risk of obesity-related diseases.
5/ We know that gut health is essential to our dog’s overall health because nearly 90% of our dog’s immune system is in his gut. The fermentation process used for raw ACV makes it a useful prebiotic. ACV’s prebiotic properties support the good bacteria in the gut, helping with digestion and keeping the gut nice and healthy.
How much apple cider vinegar should I give my dog ?
The first thing you need to know is that you should not give your dog undiluted ACV. Always mix it into his water or food. Give the following daily amount depending on the size of your dog:
- 1 tsp for dogs up to 6kg
- 2 tsp for dogs 6 – 15 kg
- 1 tbsp for dogs 15 – 20kg
Please note when you use apple cider vinegar internally or topically, remember to watch your dog for any adverse reactions. Some dogs can be sensitive to ACV may vomit or get itchy skin. Consult with your vet.
Bonus tip!
ACV is a great pet stains and odours removal! For stains, use a mixture of one part of ACV and three parts of water. To eliminate odour spritz ACV on your dog’s bedding to eliminate the musty doggy smell.
How do you use apple cider vinegar?