Although it has been used as part of natural healing for centuries — even as early as 5,000 BC when the ancient Greeks prescribed it to treat colds! — in recent years, apple cider vinegar has been touted as a bit of a cure-all. A quick Google search will show claims that taking it is an effective treatment for everything from acne to weight loss; from controlling diabetes to curing hiccups! Apple cider vinegar is popular as a natural treatment for humans — so what about apple cider vinegar for dogs? Is it safe? And if you can use apple cider vinegar on dogs, what should you use it for?
First, what is apple cider vinegar?
As the name implies, apple cider vinegar is mostly made from fermented apples with the addition of yeast and sugar. Apple cider vinegar is part of traditional, naturopathic and holistic medical practices. Many people believe they have been successful using it to bring relief to a variety of issues. The key to apple cider vinegar is fermentation. This increases the probiotic qualities and enzymes, which, when consumed, have health benefits. But what about apple cider vinegar for dogs?
Why apple cider vinegar for dogs?
Apple cider vinegar has a lot of supplemental uses and it’s easy to find — you’ll find it at every grocery store and it’s inexpensive. For dog parents attracted to reducing pesticides and keeping things natural, apple cider vinegar is a commonly used supplement. Let’s look at the primary uses.
Apple cider vinegar as a skin treatment
Apple cider vinegar is a natural way to treat a canine’s itchy skin. Apply apple cider vinegar to dogs in a 50/50 water/apple cider vinegar solution to soothe itchy skin. You can also put the solution into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your dog regularly as part of your grooming routine, which may improve skin and coat quality.
Apple cider vinegar as a pest repellant
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural way to repel fleas, ticks and biting flies. Dog parents can include small amounts of apple cider vinegar diluted with water into a dog’s food or water. You can also bathe your dog with an apple cider vinegar solution or spritz apple cider vinegar on your dog before going on an outdoor adventure.
Note: As with any flea/tick repellant, it’s important to regularly inspect your dog for signs of fleas or ticks, especially if they are prevalent in your area.
Apple cider vinegar as an ear cleaner
You can also use apple cider vinegar as a natural ear cleaner. As with other topical applications of apple cider vinegar, mix up 50/50 water/apple cider vinegar. Apply the apple cider vinegar-water mixture to a cotton ball and gently wipe your dog’s ears. If your dog has signs of an ear infection such as redness or discharge, consult your vet.
Apple cider vinegar to aid digestion
Some studies seem to indicate that giving apple cider vinegar to people can improve digestion because adding acidic acid to drinking water increases good bacteria in the stomach and acidic acid is a primary component of apple cider vinegar. Some dog parents believe that putting small amounts of apple cider vinegar (again equal parts water and apple cider vinegar) into a dog’s food/water in the morning improves his digestion for the day, supports stabilizing weight, and encourages a dog’s ability to absorb nutrients from his food.
A vet’s opinion on apple cider vinegar
Don’t get too excited about apple cider vinegar for dogs, though. There isn’t much science behind the claims that apple cider vinegar for dogs is a useful homemade remedy. After seeing all kinds of claims on, I decided to seek out some medical advice before trying anything with my own pups.
“Apple cider vinegar isn’t a cure-all for much of anything in dogs,” Dr. Heather Loenser, Senior Veterinary Officer at the American Animal Hospital Association, cautions. “While it tends not to be toxic, there are safe and effective medications prescribed by a veterinarian, that can treat a dog for ear infections, allergies, GI upset, fleas and other common conditions where apple cider vinegar is erroneously used.”
The bottom line on apple cider vinegar for dogs
So, the good news is including apple cider vinegar as part of your dog’s diet isn’t likely to hurt him … but it’s also unclear just how much apple cider for dogs will help. As with any natural, alternative or holistic veterinary remedies, it all comes back to personal choice — and checking with your vet to make sure your choices are safe for your dog. And if you choose to use apple cider vinegar for dogs, never give it undiluted. Always dilute it with water.
Tell us: What do you think of apple cider vinegar for dogs? Have you ever used it for anything with your dogs?
Thumbnail: Photography © ThamKC | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
Originally published in 2018.
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90 thoughts on “Let’s Talk Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs — Can You and Should You Use It on Your Pooch?”
my pet is a vegetarian …
I’m trying to see if I can use vinegar (before the vets bottle it and see it as gold) for my dog’s gum & teeth issues. I’m not too excited about those pills, “Veterinarians”, and there costs either! Most Veterinarians today only care about their own profit and what they can make, at least the ones I’ve met. They are not following their code of ethics. I tried to use the backing soda brand dog toothpaste for the gums, but it says there are chemicals in it toxic to people as well. Confusing, It cost $500 to clean the dog’s teeth? what a shame, I wouldn’t pay that much for myself, and if they don’t want to do it to help the dogs, and cats (too much work) for $100 why are they even a Veterinarian?
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The first time I used Raw Organic ACV, it was for my dog’s gunky eye (read on as you don’t put the ACV in the eye!). I thought it was hocus pocus because I’d read that putting a teaspoon of raw organic ACV on the back of the dog’s neck (yes really) would cure the eye infection. I decided there was nothing to lose and gave it a go. I couldn’t believe it the next day when the eye had totally cleared up.
My dog doesn’t do well on pain meds for her arthritis; I started giving her a bone broth I cook myself which has apple cider vinegar in it – it is supposed to be a good source of Glucosamine for her joints; she seems to like it ( just a small amount of the jelly like fluid on her food every morning) and her arthritis is doing better; hard to tell if it is from that or not, but at least she is eating, not throwing up, and not having diarrhea like she was on those expensive pain meds from the vet. She seems to be getting around better as well. I like my vet but sometimes they are just making their best guess at solving a problem, and it sure isn’t cheap. I feel bad when I spent a lot of money and the only thing that happened was my dog got sick from the treatment!
My Daughter is visiting, along with her Pooch. He has some itchy Skin, so we are currently trying the 50/50 ACV & Water sprits .Seems to be working so far, Thank You !!
Our dog contracted mange and spraying the affected areas with ACV worked brilliantly. The hair grew back and he has never had that problem again. We now add ACV to their dry chow on a regular. Their coats are thick and full and looks super healthy. So yes ACV works!
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I have recently rescued a 13 yr old lab mix. Poor fellow never been in a house and I’m determined to make sure this dog has a better life in his old age!
He was flea and tick infested, has yeast throughout his body, and lots of sores, besides itching, from both! The vet and humane society already treated his severely infected ears. Also he has hip dysplasia & arthritis!
So I hope I’m not “overkill mood” while giving him fish oil, coconut oil, apple cider tablets, hip & joint powder, plain yogurt and recently gave him a squirt of CBD. Including baths of Selsun Blue (recommenced) and rinses of vinegar, peroxide & peppermint. (When I got him 2 weeks ago, his smell was atrocious! )
He is doing soooooo much better!
Any thoughts while keeping us in your prayers?! ?
Can you use it for UTI in puppies
I have used organic apple cider vinegar for arthritis since 2003 for myself and it has never progressed. I just have a few swollen bony growths but no pain. I then started using it on my rescued ex-racing greyhounds putting it into their food (one dessertspoonful/day). It definitely helped them as well. I also noticed they did not pick up fleas as much as they used to do before I used it.
Anne when you stated that you use ACV for arthritis how do you take it – do you dilute it with water?
Yes I use it for my little dog and it reduces itchiness and fleas –
How often do you spray your dog
i take a cab pill myself. What would be the ratio of size to give my golden retriever daily
I use 1/3 acv 1/3 water and 1/3 olive oil in a dropper and give a very small amount to both my cat and dog each day. It has been 100% effective against fleas.
At first I only had the cat and she had bad fleas. It took about a month for them to be completely gone and then never again. It bitters the blood so the fleas don’t like it.
OMG! If that really works I will bless you everyday forever more. How much do you give in the dropper? We have tried so many things that have failed and I am scared to death of the medications that the Vets offer. You hear so many bad things about dogs dying and becoming sick and having neurological damage. Please advise how much to give in the dropper.
I have been using and giving ACV for over 4 1/2 yrs for my golden and aussie. ACV with the mother (not cooking vinegar). I add 1 tsp to their food in the am. I have not had to clean my golden’s ears once. When my aussie gets seasonal allergies I make up acv/water/green tea mixture and spray lightly on him and it clears it up. I also use it as a natural bug repellent in the warmer months, half acv/half water. I am not surprised a traditional vet would debunk something natural that works because they can not make $ on it.
Can you’ll me what the ratio of ACV/water/green tea you use is??
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My coonhound has wicked bad red areas, spray the cider on him and the horrible, furless chest and legs look 100 percent better. I believe it was food allergies. Also started him on vegetarian pet food which seems to help alot. Good luck. Gump and Jaime
Morning,
The bulldog I’m sitting with has awful itchies, I’ve given him coconut oil (1 tsp once a day in he’s food & applied topically) still scratching. Would it be wise to try ACV diluted topically now, driving me nuts with he’s scratching.
Pls help!
Thanking you. Lyn.
Hi there,
Sorry to hear your dog is itching! We suggest asking your vet how to best handle. These pieces might shed some light on the situation as well:
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/6-ways-to-help-your-itchy-dog
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-to-help-your-dog-avoid-dry-itchy-skin-in-the-winter
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/get-the-skinny-on-dog-skin-issues
My Maltese Toby just made 12 years old. We found out going on 2 months his liver enzymes was close to 2K.. Can Apple cider vinegar bring his enzymes down. He is taking 2 types of liver meds steroids and milk thistle. I’m desperate to find out what is out their for my baby. I’ve taken care of him like he is a child for in my eyes and heart he’s my Lil boy. I can’t bare the thought that he may not be around much longer. My vet told me Friday that this will be Toby last Christmas. Please help me out. Thank you.
My Maltese Toby just made 12 years old. We found out going on 2 months his liver enzymes was close to 2K.. Can Apple cider vinegar bring his enzymes down. He is taking 2 types of liver meds steroids and milk thistle. I’m desperate to find out what is out their for my baby. I’ve taken care of him like he is a child for in my eyes and heart he’s my Lil boy. I can’t bare the thought that he may not be around much longer. My vet told me Friday that this will be Toby last Christmas. Please help me out. Thank you.
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out. We suggest asking your vet about alternative treatments. So sorry to hear about Toby — we hope he gets well!
Do not give up on Toby. My Weimaraner had an adverse reaction to Trifexis & her liver enzymes jumped to 2k. She almost died. That was 4 years ago. She is now almost 15 years old. I have been able to get her liver down as low as 800, but it erratically jumps back up to 2k regularly, she has averaged 1500 for 4 years. My vet says high values are her new normal after the Trifexis adverse reaction. She is happy, healthy, and still enjoying life walking 1.5mi/day & playing with her toys & Rhodesian ridgeback brother. If you vet is giving up on Toby having another Christmas, get a new vet!
Catherine do you mean you used half ACV and half water to clean your dogs ears?
My girl has very itchy ears and I was wondering if this would help.
Thank you in advance.
I 100% respectfully disagree with Dr. Heather Loenser’s claim “There isn’t much science behind the claims that apple cider vinegar is a useful treatment for your dog.” I have been a veterinary professional for over 22 years in a 24 hour er and day practice. I have seen it all when it comes to animal ailments. My personal dog had year-round allergies causing skin and ear infections almost constantly, and we tried just about everything to help keep at least his ear infections at bay. The only treatment that killed the yeast infections in his ears was 50/50 ACV in water. I only had to treat 2x per day for only a few days and the yeast infection was gone. No oily ointments, no antibiotics! Just plain “ol kill the yeast and the ear heals. Similarly, if your pet has itchy skin 50/50 ACV and water rinse after a bath works wonders to restore the skin’s ph and to kill any yeast present. Please try this treatment and see for yourself! It can’t hurt (unless you put it on an open wound- ouch!)
Oh I really hope so!I’m counting on it working for my elderly,itchy dog!
Totally agree! My coonhound rescue has wicked allergies. I’ve tried it all, coconut oil, enzymes, seawead, apoquel, the shot, food rotation etc. I started spraying his chest with acv and it’s a miracle. Also tried vegetarian dog food (go figure, I laughed myself sick snickering at it) it worked great.
Thank you so much! The post just above yours made a recommendation for 1/3 ABC’s 1/3 olive oil and 1/3 water to give a small amount each day to your pet and an eyedropper to kill fleas. We have such a horrible problem with fleas on my pet and he has an advanced case of heartworms and I’m very afraid of the pills that are out to kill fleas at the Vets are giving because of that. Would you recommend what the post above yours recommends for fleas? She said it bitters the blood and I was just wondering if there was any way to know if that’s true or not.
YOU CAN CURE HIS HEARTWORMS WITH A DIET CONTAINING GRATED CARROTS, COCONUT FLAKES, AND MANGO SLICES. ONCE A DAY I WILL MIX UP A BATCH OF SOFT DOG FOOD, MANGO SLICES, AND COCONUT FLAKES. THE PREVENTION DIET WHICH I USE IS THE SAME AS THE CURE DIET. BUT I WOULD ADVISE EVERYONE TO DO THEIR RESERACH. I KNOW AT FIRST I WAS GUARDED SINCE I HAVE OVER $12,000 INVESTED IN MY DOGS. SO FAR NO HEARWORM TEST POSITATIVE AND I HAVE USED IT FOR OVER 2 YEARS.
Did you use the acv/water mixture in the ears as a wash or did you apply it with cotton wool and just wipe the inside. My St Bernard suffers from waxy itchy ears and it costs a fortune to take him to the vets.
Thank you for sharing this. Gives me more confidence to have a veterinary professional back this hollistic treatment.
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I have heard and read about the importance of apple cider vinegar for human, never knew it could be this useful for Pet…
Thank you for educating us…
Ive put flea pippet on my dog but still cant get rid of fleas this acv seems to be spoken about alot and apparently it works please tell me this is true because its driving me and my dog crazy or any other ideas will be appreciated thank you
Have you tried Dawn dish detergent (the original blue kind)? It literally suffocates fleas. You apply it generously to a wet dog, rub it in their fur well, and then let it sit for about a minute. Wash away and repeat if necessary. Follow up with a good conditioner. I used this method on one of my neighbor’s dogs every month…they never cared for their pup or home so it was infested. I would come over and bathe their dog and his fleas would all die and wash down the drain with the bath water. I’ve also used this method on every flea infested stray I’ve ever taken in…cats and dogs. Works like a charm every time 😉 Good luck to you!
Love the idea of Dawn for fleas. I used it for awhile on a horse that tha thrush in his feet. Mixed it with water and squirted it on bottom of his feet and around the frogs every day and it worked great…
I use 1/3 acv 1/3 water and 1/3 olive oil in a dropper and give a very small amount to both my cat and dog each day. It has been 100% effective against fleas.
At first I only had the cat and she had bad fleas. It took about a month for them to be completely gone and then never again. It bitters the blood so the fleas don’t like it.
how did you mix the water and Dawn for the thrush?
I have found that batheing my dogs reguraly with dawn with apple cider vinegar or regular white vinegar is good… Also you can spray house with a 50 50 solution to help keep bugs out.. the bugs don’t like smelling vinegar.
I BREED SHIH TZU’S AND WHILE THEY ARE PREGANT THERE IS NOTHING I CAN USE TO CONTROL THE FLEA PROBLEM. I ASKED THE VET AND SHE SUGGESTED BABY SHAMPOO. I HAVE BEEN USING THAT FOR 32 YEARS ON MOTHER DOGS AND PUPPIES LESS THAN 6 WEEKS. I LEAVE IT ON FOR 5 MINUTES.
I was advised by a vet to use a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water ( I used distilled) for cleaning pets ears. It seems to work well.
When I saw the headline for this article I was so excited. We’ve use ACV with great success for our fog with IBD. He had frequent lip smacking in the night and I’d give him a meatball with ACV and he would settle. Our holistic vet recommended this course and it was much more effective than Pepcid which he developed a dependency on. We used ACV to ween him off the Pepcid. You really should’ve consulted a holistic vet. Very disappointed in your article.
My adopted now aging dog was having problems with her teeth. I had her teeth cleaned and a few extracted twice. I read that ACV was good for dogs teeth so I started adding a small amount to her water. I didn’t think it was working as I noticed her teeth black at the gums again. The next time I had her groomed I told the groomer her teeth were bad. When I picked her up from the groomer she said she had a lot of gunk at the gum line but she removed it and her teeth were in great shape! I examined her mouth and sure enough her gums looked pink and healthy. I’m not saying the ACV did it but something make her gums and teeth more healthy.
Besides they always say see your vet. Seems that it is in their best livelihood to say that and not wholeheartedly approve of more natural measures.
I’m thinking of doing this with my puppy. He’s had a patch of exema type problems and my vet seems to want steroids for him he’s only six months and I worry that is not a good idea. I don’t like the use of steroids so I’m trying the apple cider vinegar first. You add it to the water? do you spray it on as well.
What part ACV to water do you use.
I can never share your articles on facebook. There is the same error notice each time about the url. thanks
Hi Lilly,
Could you please contact us with screenshots + details about this issue? https://www.dogster.com/team-dogster/
Thanks
I’ve given oraganic ACV for years and your article neglected to make the distinction between organic, containing the mother and processed which removes it and the good bacteria. I also use it as a rinse after bathing especially in the summer or after swimming in a fresh water pond. It can help quite a bit with dogs that tend towards yeast.
I do not use it for ears, the acid can burn and the last thing I want in their ears is water. I would caution using it on areas that are open sores for the same reason, it can burn. No need to hurt your dog.
Finally, I would recommend speaking with a holistic veterinarian as you will get an answer that relates. I trust my traditional vet but they haven’t studied nor are educated in holistic remedies or diets.
Exactly!!! Organic AVC (Bragg) is the best one to use.
I haven’t tried it on my dog but used it years ago on chickens, a hog, sheep and a goat. I was a huge fan. I got 80% female babies (acid based reproduction tract favors females, good for people too). My hog was radically bigger than his litter mates raised by neighbors and my chickens gave 80% eggs even in freezing weather.
I agree with Felicity. There are so many medications that vets claim are “safe and effective” when they really aren’t at all. Topical flea medication can cause serious skin issues – DES for hormone control can cause bone marrow deficiency – the list goes on and on. I won’t even start on medications for humans as adverse drug reactions are a leading cause of death in the USA.
When posting an article on apple cider vinegar, a holistic vet should be the one to comment as they would be most likely to use it in their practice and know more about its effectiveness.
I would prefer to hear from a holistic vet about the benefits or not. Of course a traditional western vet would not tout any benefits. Disappointed.
Agree wholeheartedly!
I agree with this to!
Cat food works amazing in getting dogs to take meds
I’m curious to try this for my dog’s itchy skin. We live in a very dry climate, and I notice she sometimes gets eczema (so do I!) … then licks the itchy areas and before we know it, she has a crazy huge rash thanks to the bacteria from her mouth getting into the irritated skin. I am definitely going to try this to see if it lessens her itchy skin and stops her from licking so much. Can’t hurt to try!
Our 9 y/o borador has had chronic skin issues and ear problems with yeast , I started adding ACV to her water a month ago , and it’s like night and day… I brush her every few days and the irritated skin is normal . She’s been on antibiotics , steroids and a medicated shampoo and mousse to use in between baths , with the ACV and additional probiotic supplement : she is back to being happy and her joints don’t ache ?
how much are you adding to water? I’d love to try it for my 12 yr old chow mix. TY
Awesome! How much do you add to the water?
I have a little Yorkie that is 12 years old she’s always had allergies and has drove me crazy itching and I’m sure it’s driving her crazy too oI started adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to her bowl of water and lo and behold she almost never itches now I am a firm believer in it
I’m thinking of doing this with my puppy. He’s had a patch of exemptions type problems and my vet seems to want steroids for him he’s only six months and I worry that is not a good idea. I don’t like the use of steroids so I’m trying the apple cider vinegar first. You add it to the water? do you spray it on as well.
What part ACV to water do you use.
My Westie has a tendency to develop itchy patches on her feet from time to time. In a small plastic spray bottle mix 50% Apple Cider and 50% water.
Spray onto the affected area each time you see her chewing at it. Saturate the area. It has worked for us for the past 5 years.
I was wondering is your Yorkie picky on what she eats? I can’t find any thing she well eat. It’s frustrating. I worry she not getting proper nutrition.
Oh yes I’m all for acc as well
My husband gave it to our dog when she would get an upset stomach riding in the car. Only gave it to her one time and she didn’t get sick riding again.
My vet told me to put my dogs pills in a little mayonnaise it works even if the pill has a sore taste
My dog would spit out the pills, started putting the pills in liver hurst, the taste and smell overwhelms the pill taste. It worked.
I have a 19 year old Australian Shepherd mix who just will not take pills. Her arthritis was very bad and I read that vitamin C helps and that apple cider vinegar is a natural way to introduce it in her diet. So, I put a couple of tablespoons in her drinking water. It seems to help.
That’s a great age for her. Glad it helps her
squish the pill into a small piece of mature cheddar cheese, just enough to cover it, they just swallow them whole.