Apple cider vinegar is used in many home remedies. Not surprisingly, it does the trick. Whether you want to lose weight, relieve itchiness, or improve digestion, apple cider vinegar can save the day. But does it offer the same benefits to dogs?  

A simple answer would be yes! ACV for dogs extends similar or even more benefits, making it an essential supplement for fur babies.  

 Which ACV Can Be Used for Dogs?  

Before delving into the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs, let’s first understand which kind of ACV can be used.  

You should always look for raw, organic, and unfiltered ACV, as it is free from chemical additions. Additionally, a raw product is unpasteurized, ​containing​​​ active enzymes that can benefit your dog. Without them, the ACV may be useless for your doggos.  

The bacteria and yeast used in ACV are referred to as the “mother.” They are responsible for fermenting the apple cider into vinegar. In doing so, the ACV becomes cloudy. So, before you start using it for your dogs, make sure to shake the bottle well.  

The Topical Application of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs 

Now that we have established that raw and unpasteurized ACV for dogs is the one to use let’s look at some of its topical applications.  

• ACV for Skin Allergies 

Yeast and poison ivy are known for causing skin allergies in dogs, resulting in several itchy spots and rashes. Fortunately, topical application of apple cider vinegar can help relieve itchiness.  

All you have to do is take one part ACV and one part water, mix it, and put it in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture directly onto the itchy spots to provide relief to your doggo. However, you should never apply ACV onto any open wounds, as it will cause stinging, which will be painful for your dog.  

If your main concern is a yeast infection, consider giving the apple cider vinegar orally instead of using it topically. According to experts, yeast has fewer chances of survival in an acidic medium, so adding a small dose of ACV to your dog’s food or water will help cure a yeast infection quickly.  

• ACV for Itchy Ears 

Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly isn’t advised. In most cases, waxy or gunked ears clean up by themselves. But when your dog gets skin allergies, it might be possible they also have itchy ears. In this case, your pup might need your help, as itchy ears can make them extremely uncomfortable.  

So, to clean your dog’s ears, you should mix one part ACV with one part water. Now dip a cotton ball into the mixture and use it to clean your dog’s ears. Repeat till the cotton ball comes out clean. However, you should only clean the visible parts.  

If you start applying the ACV mixture to internal parts of the ear, it might cause damage, so best leave them alone.  

You should never pour or apply the mixture directly onto the ears. Always use a cotton ball for application. But the cotton ball should never be used like Q-tip, or it might leave some serious internal damage to your dog’s ears.  

• ACV for Fleas and Ticks 

Since dogs love to play outdoors, it is not uncommon for them to give a home to ticks and fleas. But getting rid of them can be no less than a challenge.  

But with ACV, you can prevent them from infesting in the first place. Consider spraying a mixture of ACV and water onto your dog before they go ​​for a walk or ​​play. You can also add it to their water or food when the fleas and ticks season is on the rise.  

How to Use ACV Topically 

Alternatively, you can consider giving your dog an overall ACV rinse. Doing so will help prevent fleas and ticks and relives all itchy spots and rashes.  

In this case, you will be using apple cider vinegar for dogs alongside green tea. Here’s everything you will need:  

• 1 cup of distilled water 
• ½ cup of apple cider vinegar 
• ½ cup of brewed green tea (make sure it has cooled down completely before using) 

Mix all the ingredients in a capped bottle or jar. Give it a good shake.  

After bathing your doggo, apply this mixture to their skin and coat. Make sure the mixture is at room temperature.  

Massage the mixture onto the skin well. Now rinse and pat dry.  

You can also store the mixture in the refrigerator for later use. But make sure that it is at room temperature before using. Typically, a mixture of ACV and green tea can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.  

Benefits of ACV for Dogs 

The topical applications of apple cider vinegar for dogs are quite helpful. But there are countless other benefits of ACV that can help your pup’s overall health and well-being. Let’s take a look at all these advantages:  

• Regulates Blood Sugar Levels 

Diabetes is a common condition among dogs. But with regular use of ACV, the risk of diabetes can be reduced considerably. According to studies, ACV ​can regulate​​​ blood sugar levels in dogs.  

If your pup is already diabetic, ACV can still prove to be beneficial, as regular use means your doggo needs less insulin.  

• Improves Heart Health

Improving your dog’s cardiovascular health is essential if you want them to live a long and healthy life. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can effectively lower the high levels of lipids in dogs. Moreover, it is also known for regulating blood pressure.  

As a result, your dog’s cardiovascular health improves considerably, which enables them to stay active, healthy, and happy.  

• Restricts Bacterial Growth 

ACV for dogs is inherently antimicrobial, meaning it can restrict the growth of bacteria. More specifically, ACV is known for preventing the growth of the following bacteria:  

• S. Aureus 

• E. Coli 
• C. Albicans 

Consequently, using apple cider vinegar regularly can prevent different types of infections in dogs.  

• Prevents UTIs 

Though it is still uncertain, some studies have given a positive notion that ACV may be able to prevent urinary tract infections in dogs.  

Research currently suggests that the inflammation that causes UTIs can be reduced with ACV ingestion. But as more studies are conducted, there can be a clearer picture of the benefits of ACV for preventing UTI.  

• Lowers the Risk of CCD 

Almost 15% of dogs are affected by the canine cognitive disorder, which exhibits symptoms similar to dementia. In this case, dogs start becoming less aware of their surroundings, and their interest in playing, getting pets, or eating lowers considerably.  

According to studies, foods that contain phenolic compounds can lower the risk of such disorders in humans. Consequently, they also offer the same benefits to dogs. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar contains several phenolic compounds, including the following:  

• Caffeic acid 

• Gallic acid 
• Chlorogenic acid 
• P-coumaric acid 
• Catechin  
• Epicatechin  

So, if you start giving ACV to your pup regularly, it can lower the risk of CCD.  

• Reduces Oxidative Stress 

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals start damaging body cells. It is pretty common in dogs that suffer from obesity.  

Although oxidation is a natural process, if the free radicals become imbalanced, they can lead to countless health issues, particularly in dogs with obesity.  

According to studies, apple cider vinegar can reduce oxidative stress, eventually lowering the risk of health complications.  

• Improves Gut Health 

Almost 90% of your doggo’s immune system is made up of its gut. Consequently, your dog’s gut health plays an important role in its overall health and well-being.  

To ensure optimal gut health in dogs, pro and prebiotics are used. Probiotics are good bacteria that ultimately improve gut health. But prebiotics act as food for the probiotics. Consequently, both are essential for maintaining optimum health.  

Fortunately, apple cider vinegar is a prebiotic, as it contains bacteria from the fermentation process. As a result, the good bacteria in your dog’s stomach get their food from ACV, thus supporting digestion and improved gut health.  

How Much Should Apple Cider Vinegar Be Given to Dogs?  

Depending on your dog’s weight, the quantity of apple cider vinegar that can be given daily varies. Ideally, for a 6 kg dog, 1 teaspoon of ACV is enough. Similarly, a dog weight 15 kg should be given 2 teaspoons.  

For dogs with weights ranging between 15 to 35 kg, 1 tablespoon of ACV is enough.  

Regardless of how much ACV you give to your dog, ensure it is always diluted, whether applied topically or added to food.  

Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs 

Since apple cider vinegar is highly acidic​​,​;​ it may cause some harmful side effects in dogs with a pH below 6. Additionally, it can also be harmful if your dog’s pH is on the higher side of the scale.  

If a dog with a low pH is given apple cider vinegar orally by adding it to its food and water, it can lead to the following symptoms:  

• Diarrhoea 
• Vomiting 
• Constipation 
• Other gastrointestinal tract issues 

On the flip side, if your dog suffers from kidney disease or other health conditions that may cause the pH levels to become more acidic, then giving ACV orally can worsen their condition.  

To find out the pH levels in your dogs, make sure to visit your vet. A quick urine strip test will let you know about the accurate pH level of your dog.  

As for topical application, apple cider vinegar should never be applied to open wounds, cuts, and sore spots, as it can cause a stinging and burning sensation, ​putting​​​ your dog in immense pain. ​Moreover​​​, it should always be kept away from the eyes.  

Try not to use apple cider vinegar on the skin as frequently, or it can cause dryness and irritation.  

Find High-Quality ACV at Raw Paws Emporium 

Apple cider vinegar for dogs has so many benefits to offer. Most of us have used it in home remedies, but surprisingly, it is an excellent product for canines.  

Besides relieving itchiness and rashes on the skin, it also helps clean their ears and prevents fleas and ticks.  

But best of all, ACV can regulate blood sugar levels, ultimately reducing the risk of diabetes. Since it is inherently antimicrobial, ACV can prevent various types of infections, including UTIs. The presence of prebiotics in raw apple cider vinegar ​make​​​ it an excellent supplement for improving gut health, ​ultimately boosting​​​ your dog’s immune system.  

More importantly, apple cider vinegar can lower the risk of canine cognitive dysfunction, allowing your dog to live an active, healthy, and happy life.  

In short, you can think of ACV as a power solution that can tackle multiple concerns at once. Not sure where to buy high-quality apple cider vinegar from? Raw Paws Emporium is here to the rescue. We have raw, organic, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the benefits of “mother.” We also offer other health supplements for dogs along with raw food. Browse through our collection now to get all doggy essentials today.  

Shop online to get everything delivered to your doorstep, or visit our store at Unit 10, The Point, Swallowfield’s, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1WL. You can also contact our team by calling 01707 952160 or dropping an email at info@rawpaws.net for more details.