Is It Safe to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

If you’ve been researching if it is safe to use apple cider vinegar for dogs, you’ll come across lots of literature released by expert veterinarians explaining the benefits of the golden liquid for internal and external use. To begin with, understand that apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a concoction containing just apples and water and that makes it completely safe for dogs.

ACV Has Various Health Benefits for Canines

ACV has a slightly acidic nature with a pH of 3.1 to 5 so it can do wonders for your dog’s digestive tract if it is alkalized too much. In addition, ACV is a harmless cleaning agent, provides nutrients, and is excellent for your dog’s overall health. It is also beneficial for strengthening your dog’s immunity and regulating kidney functioning.

However, experts also warn that all dogs may not react the same way to the liquid. For this reason, it is advisable that you do an allergy test on a small patch of skin and check for adverse reactions. Of course, if you intend to wash off the ACV in a few minutes, it is safe to use. You may also want to choose raw, organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar on your dog.

Soothe Itchy Skin with ACV

Not only is it safe to use apple cider vinegar for dogs, it may be the perfect solution for soothing itchy, irritated skin. Typically, dogs get itchy skin because of poison ivy and yeast infections. You can use ACV in different ways to help your pet.

• Make a solution with equal parts of vinegar and water and fill a spray bottle. Before you spray the itchy area, check for any breaks in the skin that may sting and hurt. You can expect that the skin will heal within 24 hours.
• After bathing your dog, rinse the coat with a solution of one part vinegar and four parts ACV. If your pet has a yeast infection in the paws, soak them in ACV to help.
• If you cannot apply ACV on your dog’s coat, consider adding a teaspoon or two to your dog’s food to help with the yeast problem.

Treat Ear Infections with ACV

If your pet has itchy ears and possibly an ear infection, know that it is safe to use apple cider vinegar for dogs. Here’s how you should proceed:

1. Make a solution combining equal parts of ACV and water.
2. Examine your dog’s ears carefully to signs of wax and other dirt.
3. Soak cotton balls in the solution of ACV and clean the ears thoroughly. You’ll know you’re done when the cotton swabs come out clean.

Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks with ACV

If your dog has ticks and fleas, you can help by using a solution of ACV that acts as a strong disinfectant. The liquid does not really kill the bugs, but they dislike the solution too much to stick around. You’ll also find that it is safe to use apple cider vinegar for dogs to keep mosquitos away. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Dilute ACV with equal parts of water and fill a spray bottle.
2. Apply on the torso, neck, underbelly, tail, and all over. Just take care that the solution does not get into the mouth, nose or eyes.
3. Allow the dog’s coat to dry for a while.
4. You can also use a sponge to work the solution liberally into the dog’s coat.
5. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
6. During the season when dogs are most prone to attracting ticks and fleas, add 2 tablespoons of ACV to his meals or water.

Treat All Skin Conditions with ACV

Dogs can develop various other skin conditions such as dander, sunburn, windburn, and bruises along with bites from insects and abrasions. All of these conditions can be helped with ACV. Use full strength ACV by massaging it into the coat and washing off later with a mild shampoo.

So, in response to your question if it is safe to use apple cider vinegar for dogs, know that it is one of the most beneficial products you can use.