Over the past several years, apple cider vinegar has exploded into popularity as a multi-use tonic that works on everything from internal to external health issues. It has many benefits, including healing (assisting the healing process) skin problems, hot spots…

10 Benefits of Vinegar For Your Pets

Itching and scratching

Almost anything that causes skin irritation or itchiness can result in a hot spot. Mix one part water to one part ACV in a bowl. Simply take a Flat cotton pad or cotton ball and dab some mixture on to the irritated skin. Your dog may not be a fan of the smell, but no worries, it will quickly fade.

Breath Freshener

Smelly puppy breath can make it hard to spend quality time with your dog. After all, a stinky mouth is not exactly conducive to cuddling. By adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food bowl each day, you can help fight the bacteria that causes bad breath. You should notice fresher breath in as little as a couple days. If not, you can opt for other pet dental care options through a pet dentist.

Fleas

Before treating your pet with ACV, do your best to remove as many of the buggers as you can. You can pick them out or use a flea comb, which will also help remove some of the eggs. As a spray, you can use an ACV mixture for flea prevention and control. You can make a simple mixture with one part ACV to two parts vinegar. Also pray the mixture on other locations to eliminate flies, such as barns, patios, picnic areas and yards.

As a rinse, shampoo your dog as you normally would, and rinse thoroughly. Then rinse your pet’s coat thoroughly with ACV and massage. Fleas do not like the odor or taste of the vinegar, so they should bail out or rinse off when you next rinse off the ACV.

Ear Infections

Mix a solution of half purified water with half apple cider vinegar; then, soak a cotton ball with the mixture and use it to gently clean your dog’s ears and ear flaps. Use a cotton ball not a q-tip to avoid potentially damaging your pup’s inner ear. If your pet’s ears are red, swollen or have open wounds, the apple cider vinegar could sting these areas. It’s best to wait until such issues have been resolved before trying this solution.

Dog tear stains

Many white furred dogs will eventually develop reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes and around their muzzles. These can be a sign of health problems, so you should consult your vet before attempting any natural remedies. Scheduling an appointment is easy as there is a software for vets to schedule appointments. You can raise your dog’s pH levels slightly by mixing apple cider vinegar into their water. This heightened pH level can help combat the microorganisms that contribute to the severity of your dog’s tear stains, and you can also give them a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse when they’re done with their baths.

Improve Digestion

Many dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and this can easily lead to diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite and excessive gas. This can be due to allergies or simple sensitivity. Apple cider vinegar can help to reinforce your dog’s digestive system because it’ll introduce probiotics into your dog’s digestive tract. Add the recommended those of 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per 50 pounds of body weight to your dog’s food or drinking water daily. Mix the ACV directly into the food or water, or pour on top of wet food or kibble. Provide plain drinking water as an option. Drinking less can possibly result in dehydration.

Mange

Caused by mites, mange is an extremely itchy skin condition that often results in loss of hair and skin damage. Simply dilute apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle or bucket (roughly 70% ACV to 30% purified water) and thoroughly wet the affected area with the mixture. Do not rinse off the solution, let it air dry instead (excess moisture can be removed with a towel). Repeat daily or as needed. Having your pet stand in the bath will make the process much less messy.

Dandruff

Nothing distracts from a shiny, healthy coat like doggy dandruff. Dandruff can be caused by allergies, parasites, dust, fungus, or bacteria, and it can quickly develop into hot spots because it can cause your dog to itch. Mix equal parts water and equal parts apple cider vinegar and rinse your dog after their bath or spot treat them with a diluted mix and cotton balls.  Do not spray on or near your dog’s face. Use your hands to apply the solution to these sensitive areas.

Arthritis Pain

As your dog ages, they can naturally begin to develop stiff and painful joints, and arthritis can be debilitating if you don’t take action. Calcium deposits in and around your dog’s joints can lead to loss of flexibility, and this can lower your dog’s overall quality of life. By feeding your dog apple cider vinegar in their water, it’ll help to break down these calcium deposits quickly and naturally.

CBD dog treats a great way to help your pet maintain their health. When you give them CBD, it will decrease inflammation and pain in many different parts of the body as well as treating epilepsy-like symptoms that plague several breeds including retrievers, golden Retrievers or labradors who often suffer from seizures due to anti-epileptic drugs being ineffective against this disease.

Healthy Teeth and Nails

The potassium in vinegar fights tooth decay, strengthens nails and assists with the repair of soft tissues. Mix a portion of vinegar into your dog’s food or water, using 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of ACV per 50 pounds of body weight. Stir ACV into water, kibble or pour directly over food once each day. This can help fight tooth decay and splitting nails.

If your pooch simply refuses to eat or drink when ACV is added, you can get creative by combining equal parts ACV with peanut butter and honey for a nutty treat or mixing equal parts ACV with plain yogurt as a creamy treat.

If you’re not sure about the exact dosage amounts, you can always double check with your veterinarian. However, this chart is generally a guide to give you an idea about the correct dosage amount:

• Teacup or Tiny Dogs – 5 to 10 Drops
• Small Dogs – 1/4 to 1 Teaspoon
• Medium Dogs – 1/2 to 2 Teaspoons
• Large Dogs – 1 to 2 Tablespoons.