Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs: Safest and Smartest Uses!

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You’ll be happy to hear that apple cider vinegar has beneficial uses for dogs too!

It’s a natural bug repellant, excellent ear cleaner and a super all-purpose skin solution.

Yup! There are practical applications for apple cider vinegar when it comes to your dog.

Can I Give My Dog Apple Cider Vinegar?That said, we don’t recommend that your buddy drink it. Play it safe by limiting this sour, fermented concoction to a topical treatment.

Keep reading to learn more about the best (and safest) uses for this natural remedy.

Dogs Can Benefit From Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV has merits for pets!

Some owners mix Bragg (or other brands) in with their dog’s regular water.

We’re a bit more conservative and stick to topical applications for our own pets.

Even if you have a raw, organic and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar…

Letting your dog consume such a concoction is a bit questionable in our view.

Topical Versus Consumption

Apple cider vinegar’s enzymes and its ‘mother’ substance makes it attractive to folks who swear by it.

But, contrary to popular belief, it is not very nutritious.

At best, using ACV for gut health is hit or miss especially when it comes to your dog. There’s no definitive reason to give a pet apple cider vinegar.

A much more proven way to improve digestive health is with a quality canine probiotic.

Apple cider vinegar may not solve your dog’s stomach problems, but there are still reasons to incorporate it.

Check out this video!

For Your Dog’s Skin And Ears

Apple cider vinegar reduces many common annoyances that dogs experience. It alleviates itchy skin, keeps away fleas, ticks, flies and other pests (repellent).

You can also expect to see less doggie dander due to reduced allergies. So, in fact, there are super preventative applications for pets!

It does work!

Due to its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties your dog will get less rashes, hot spots and even infections including yeast outbreaks.

Apple cider vinegar is also a natural cleaning agent. We sometimes use it for cleaning our dogs’ ears without any issues.

Diluting Apple Cider Vinegar

Keep in mind that apple cider vinegar is quite concentrated.

Dilute it for whatever you’re planning.

Cut it by half (50/50) with water to reduce side effects. This way you won’t have to worry so much when you use it on your dog.

Still planning to add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water bowl?

Careful! Strictly limit the amount and perhaps only pour 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. You can always gradually increase the amount on subsequent days.


Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to have Pedialyte handy in case vomiting occurs.


An Alkaline/Acidic Balance

If your dog’s system is in an acidic state, which is common, then apple cider vinegar may be helpful as it tends to be alkaline-forming.

A balanced pH level is a good thing and a reading between 6.2 and 6.5 is considered optimal.

The Bottom Line

You can topically apply apple cider vinegar to your dog’s skin.

ACV can help with various skin problems and repel all sorts of infestations and infections. It also works as a cleaning agent for the ears!

We do not, however, think that your dog drink up. While unlikely dangerous, it is harsh and not very nutritious.

As a reminder, be sure to dilute apple cider vinegar with ample water before any type of use.

What Do You Think? Have Your Say Below…

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2 thoughts on “Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs: Safest and Smartest Uses!”

  1. I am glad apple cider vinegar is good for dogs.

  2. My little rescue dog had black skin spots that the vet said was a fungus. I made a 50/50 solution of Bragg’s Pure Apple Cider Vinegar and purified water. It worked like magic.

    Now I always use a rinse of the same ratio mixture after his baths. I noticed it was also a good flea deterrent. I made the process easy by using a 16.9 ounce bottle of water. I drank half the water, then filled it back up with the vinegar.

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