Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and is a popular natural remedy for supporting immune functions, improving digestion, and promoting balanced blood sugar control. 

Not only may it promote your health, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for dogs to repel fleas, relieve itchiness, and fight microbial infections. 

Discover how to use apple cider vinegar for your furry friends and when not to add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s routine. 

What is apple cider vinegar?

Unlike white vinegar, which is produced from grain alcohol, apple cider vinegar is made from crushed apples or apple juice that has been fermented with sugar and yeast. 

During fermentation, yeast converts carbohydrates and sugars into alcohol, which is transformed into vinegar by oxygen and Acetobacter bacteria naturally found in apples. 

Left unpasteurized and unfiltered, apple cider vinegar will retain the “mother,” a thick layer of acetic acid bacteria, giving it a slightly cloudy appearance. 

Apple cider vinegar can be used for various culinary purposes and is a popular natural remedy to aid digestion, support weight loss, improve skin health, and balance blood sugar levels.

In addition to having potential health benefits for humans, apple cider vinegar has various advantages for different types of livestock and pets, including dogs. 

Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs.

Is apple cider vinegar safe for dogs?

For thousands of years, humans have used apple cider vinegar to preserve food, remedy colds, and fight infections, and many pet parents use it to promote the health of their dogs. 

Apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe for dogs internally and externally, and various veterinary practices recommend its use for managing yeast infections and relieving itchy skin.

However, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and must be diluted to prevent skin burns and irritation. Internally, undiluted apple cider vinegar can weaken dogs' tooth enamel, irritate their throat, and cause digestive discomfort. 

Benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs 

While more research is needed to prove the efficacy of apple cider vinegar for canine health, many dog owners use it as a natural remedy for ear infections, itchy skin, and flea prevention. 

Apple cider vinegar, including the “mother,” contains various components that may support your dog’s health, including acetic acid, probiotic bacteria, and polyphenols. 

Acetic acid gives apple cider vinegar its pungent odor and is credited for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which may help protect your pet against infections. 

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can support canine digestive health. They can also help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeasts, a common cause of gas, bloating, and diarrhea in dogs.

Polyphenols are naturally occurring plant compounds with potent antioxidant effects that can protect against free radicals. These highly unstable molecules can cause oxidative stress linked to cellular damage and chronic inflammation. 

Oxidative stress can trigger or worsen various chronic conditions in dogs, such as cardiovascular diseases, circulatory issues, cancer, and arthritis.

How to use 

It’s recommended to always use organic apple cider vinegar that’s raw and unfiltered to maximize its health benefits for dogs. 

It’s also important to consider how much apple cider vinegar to expose your dog to, as the right dosage varies based on size and body weight. 

Giving your dog too much apple cider vinegar can have unwanted side effects, while too little may have no therapeutic effect.

Here are five ways you can use apple cider vinegar to enhance the health of dogs.

1. Relieve itchiness

Dogs with itchy skin and irritated ears often suffer from sensitivities or allergies. This leads to incessant scratching and hot patches, which are inflamed areas characterized by hair loss, red skin, or matted fur. 

Diluted apple cider vinegar applications can reduce inflammation and help eliminate bacteria on the skin, thereby improving itchiness, promoting healing, and reducing the risk of infection.

“If your dog has itchy skin, you can use an apple cider vinegar mixture of 50 percent apple cider vinegar and 50 percent water to relieve discomfort,” explains Dr. Berg. “Gently rub it onto the affected skin once daily, but avoid broken skin as this could lead to irritation and stinging.”

To use diluted apple cider vinegar on your dog’s ears, soak a cotton ball in the solution and gently clean the outside and inside of the ears. Don’t insert the cotton ball into the ear canal, and never pour apple cider vinegar directly into the ear, as this could worsen infections.

If you suspect your pet has a microbial ear infection, use an ear-cleaning solution formulated for dogs and seek veterinary advice. 

2. Repel fleas and ticks 

Natural remedies with potent odors, such as apple cider vinegar, can help repel pests and parasites, including fleas and ticks. 

Using a spray bottle, dilute apple cider vinegar with water and spray the mixture over your dog’s coat, taking care to avoid the eyes and nose. 

Ensure you cover the legs, back, sides, underbelly, and neck, which are prone to pest infestation. You can also use your hands to apply the mixture around the ears and head.

Alternatively, bathe your dog in an apple cider vinegar solution by adding half a gallon (two liters) of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub filled with warm water once a week.

However, apple cider vinegar should only be used as a preventative measure, as it won’t kill fleas and ticks that are already on your pet. For existing infestations, it's important to seek veterinary care for appropriate treatment.

3. Blood sugar support 

According to a report published by Banfield Pet Hospital, the incidence of canine diabetes increased by almost 80 percent from 2006 to 2016. 

Fortunately, apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar levels naturally. 

A study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that “Apple cider vinegar possesses significant antihyperglycemic effects in an experimental rat model of diabetes by preventing diabetic complications in the liver and kidneys.”

To support canine diabetes management, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per 50 pounds of body weight into your dog’s drinking water once or twice a week. 

4. Aid digestion 

Dogs are naturally suited to consume a diet comprising meat, raw bones, and organ meats. Their stomach and digestive system are highly acidic, facilitating the breakdown and digestion of proteins and nutrients effectively.

However, modern dogs often have alkaline stomachs due to a diet high in processed grains, which can lead to digestive issues and may contribute to allergies. 

Adding apple cider vinegar to your dog's drinking water once a week can promote digestive health due to its mildly acidic pH. This can help acidify your dog’s stomach, boosting digestion and lowering the risk of gas and bloating.  

5. Antimicrobial properties

Regularly consuming diluted apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antimicrobial effects on pathogens that may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and yeast infections in dogs.

A study published in Scientific Reports found that diluted apple cider vinegar had cytotoxic effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, linked to common canine microbial infections.

Potential risks

Despite its many uses and health benefits, some risks should be considered before adding apple cider vinegar to your dog’s health routine. 

Though apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, it shouldn’t be used to disinfect wounds on your dog. Pouring diluted or undiluted apple cider vinegar on abrasions, burns, or open wounds can lead to a painful burning sensation and skin irritations. 

Never pour apple cider vinegar into your dog’s ears in an attempt to flush out an ear infection, as this could cause vestibular syndrome. 

Vestibular syndrome is a common issue in dogs. It’s typically linked to middle and inner ear infections, which can lead to head tilting, stumbling, and disorientation. 

Additionally, dogs taking diabetes medication shouldn’t be given apple cider vinegar, as supplementation could lead to adverse reactions, including hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar. 

Apple cider vinegar has an acidic pH and will burn the esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, and skin of your dog if used undiluted. It's important to always dilute apple cider vinegar, whether using it internally or topically.

Key takeaways

Apple cider vinegar is a widely known natural remedy for humans, but can it be used for dogs?

Yes, apple cider vinegar is safe for dogs when used internally and externally and may help promote digestive health, soothe itchy skin, and support healthy blood sugar levels.

When using apple cider vinegar for dogs, always dilute it in water to avoid potential irritation and discomfort on your dog’s skin or digestive system. 

FAQ

1. What does apple cider vinegar do for dogs?

Apple cider vinegar benefits dogs by relieving itchy skin, protecting against fleas and ticks, and helping stabilize blood sugar levels. Apple cider vinegar is also acidic, which may aid digestion by increasing the dog’s stomach acidity.  

Additionally, apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal properties can help protect against common microbial infections affecting dogs. 

2. How much apple cider vinegar do I put in my dog's drinking water?

Mix apple cider vinegar into your dog’s water bowl once or twice weekly to improve digestion and protect against bacterial infections. It’s recommended to add one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar per 50 pounds of weight.

Alternatively, if you have multiple pets sharing a water bowl and want to treat a specific animal, add diluted apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food bowl.

3. How often should I put apple cider vinegar on my dog?

You can use apple cider vinegar topically on your dog’s coat once a week to prevent parasites or daily to relieve itchy skin conditions. Mix a one-to-one solution of apple cider vinegar and water and apply as needed. 

4. Does apple cider vinegar keep ticks off dogs?

Yes, apple cider vinegar can help prevent fleas and ticks. Mix a one-to-one ratio of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply to your dog’s coat, taking care not to spray the eyes or nose. 

Alternatively, you can give your dog an apple cider vinegar bath by diluting half a gallon (about 2 liters) of vinegar in a bathtub filled with warm water. 

Sources

1. https://www.banfield.com/en/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2016 

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31140380/ 

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/