You may be surprised to hear it, but apple cider vinegar is good for dogs. In fact, raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is on the top of our list for natural home remedies for ear cleaning, skin and coat issues, teeth cleaning, flea prevention, and more. Every day, we recommend it to our customers.
Apple cider vinegar can assist your dog with detoxification, improving skin and coat appearance, preventing potassium deficiency, as well as helping your dog digest foods to allow for more natural energy, just to name a few benefits. Without a doubt, you'll see the benefits of adding this item to your pet's daily diet from the inside out!
In addition, we include apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for resisting and repelling fleas and preventing burned grass spots on the lawn where your dog urinates.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Dogs
Acid reflux, obesity, and diabetes are on the rise with modern dogs. Medical research is now suggesting that apple cider vinegar can help dogs with these ailments and improve their overall condition. Poor digestion and symptoms of digestive stress can also be addressed with apple cider vinegar. It has amazingly natural powerful compounds including acetic acid, potassium, probiotics and enzymes which serve to heal and protect your dog's body. Especially helpful for dogs with yeast overgrowth or bacterial infections, the acetic acid in ACV has the ability to kill harmful bacteria and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.
We love ACV for its natural antibiotic-like activity, killing unwanted bacteria on contact, but, unlike antibiotics, ACV promotes healthy bacterial growth. The results over time can be related to the skin and coat, immune system, and digestive system without any negative side effects. And guess what else dog's love apple cider vinegar!
Top 11 Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Here's the top 11 reasons you should be giving your dog apple cider vinegar everyday!
1. Detox The Body
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help balance your dog's pH and stimulate the bowels in a healthy way. It encourages detoxification of the liver and lymphatic system as well as removal of harmful bacteria.
2. Natural Coat Booster
ACV is a natural conditioner to make your dog's coat shine! Use 1 tablespoon of ACV to 1 cup of water and pour it onto your pup's clean body twice per month.*
3. Natural Oral Health Cleaner
Did you know that almost every dog over 3 years old will encounter gum disease? The vet visits for dental cleanings are steep and require your dog to be put under sedation. It's not an easy process, or a cheap one. One of our favorite uses for apple cider vinegar is for use on our dog's teeth. Include ACV in the water, or, if your dog will tolerate it, run some on his teeth for 1 minute, then let him rinse with water. The pH will remove stains and bacterial debris from his mouth and leave him with fresher breath and better dental hygiene.*
4. Can Help with Acid Reflux
Due to the modern dog diet and lifestyle, more dogs are showing up with GERD, aka acid reflux. Some of the main reasons acid reflux happens in dogs is due to an imbalance of stomach pH from a lack of probiotics and enzymes. ACV is full of enzymes and probiotics, and using it every day for your dog will keep acid reflux at bay.*
Read: Tip: How To Keep Your Dog's Teeth Clean
5. Squashes Out Yeast and Boosts Probiotics
Millions of dogs suffer from yeast issues. The side effects can cover the entire body from the bad breath, urinary tract infections, ear infections, tear stains, skin issues, hair and fur loss, and lethargy. Especially susceptible in dogs eating grains, plant protein, or carbohydrate diets, apple cider vinegar promotes the growth of probiotics which help kill off yeast.
6. Prevents Burn Spots on the Lawn
The pH balancing activity of apple cider vinegar makes it perfect for controlling the acid and nitrogen content in dog urine. This is the stuff will burn spots on the grass. You can add ACV directly to the urine spot itself, or just 1-2 teaspoons per day in your dog's water or diet.
7. Ear Cleaning and Ear Health
Incorporating apple cider vinegar (ACV) into your dog's ear cleaning routine can be an effective natural approach to maintaining ear health, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. When diluted, it can help maintain clean ears, remove earwax, and reduce the risk of ear infections. This solution can be applied to a cotton ball or soft cloth and gently used to clean the outer area of the ear and the entrance to the ear canal, avoiding any deep insertion to prevent harm. However, it's essential to monitor your dog's reaction to ACV, as some may experience irritation. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new elements into your pet's care regimen
8. May Improve Diabetes in Dogs*
Acetic acid, as found in apple cider vinegar, has been proven through medical research to help balance blood sugar and improve insulin responses. (If your dog has diabetes, be sure to consult with your vet about treatment.)*
9. Can Repel Fleas
Ingesting apple cider vinegar as well as using ACV as a topical will get rid of fleas. Mix half water and half ACV and let it soak into your dog's skin once per day for a few weeks to avoid flea infestation.
10. Fights Seasonal/Inhalant Allergies
Because apple cider vinegar supports lymphatic drainage, supports the immune system, and breaks up mucous in the body, it is a great addition to the diet if your dog happens to suffer from seasonal allergies.
11. Assists in Skin and Coat Health
The acidity of apple cider vinegar can help maintain the natural acidity of a dog's skin, making it less hospitable to fungal and bacterial growth. This can be particularly helpful in managing secondary infections that might occur in areas affected by alopecia. It's also a great addition to your dog's bath. Not only does it boost the coat, it helps clear skin burns, yeast rashes, hot spots, fungus, skin inflammation, itchy skin, and even heal poison ivy.*
How to use apple cider vinegar for dogs
Now that you know the various health benefits, including aiding digestion and improving coat health, you're ready to start giving your dog ACV.
Dilution is key
The best way to incorporate it is by diluting it with water to avoid any potential irritation that concentrated vinegar might cause. A recommended starting point is adding about one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl or mixing it with their food for every 50 pounds of body weight, once daily.
When applying to the body, use a spray bottle or cotton swabs.
Avoid sensitive areas
Never apply ACV even when diluted to eyes, nose or genital areas. Also steer clear of any open wounds. Its acidic nature can cause irritation.
Always start with a smaller amount to assess your dog's tolerance and gradually increase to the recommended dosage. It's crucial to use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the "mother" to ensure your pet receives the most benefit from the enzymes and probiotics present in the vinegar.
Remember, individual dogs may react differently, so observe your pet closely for any adverse reactions and consult with your veterinarian before making it a regular part of their diet.
Visit Nusentia® for natural, trusted pet health supplements with proven formulas to improve your furry friend's overall health. A trusted brand by veterinarians and pet parents since 2008.
Related: Understanding Probiotics for Pets: CFU, Species, and Dosage Explained