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?”
I have used and continue to use apple cider vinegar mixed with water, probably 70/30 or less – mostly water; it works to stop his itching and his coat is beautiful ~!~
I have been giving a chicken jerky treat to my dog, but every time I do, He ends up vomiting. I have determined that it must be from the vinegar as there is on other ingredient that would cause it,………chicken, sugar, vinegar, rosemary extract. He loves the treat but I had to stop giving it to him. It may be because the vinegar is not apple cider vinegar. Just sharing.
Rosemary extract as well because it could be an allergic reaction. I’m not sure I would think it is the vinegar.
It's more likely the Rosemary extract is the culprit here if your dog is vomiting.
Are you spraying ACV directly or diluting with water 50/50 ?
I used ACV on my 5 month lab, he has been itching for ages. 1st application at 30 vinegar,70 water and he hasn't itchef all day.
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Whether you’re considering hair loss, damaged hair, avoiding hair disorders, fast hair growth, hair health more often than not, the same thoughts come to mind.
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What is beneficial for your hair is good for your skin all the same.
It goes without saying the content here is so accurate for many reasons. It stays away from the accustomed traps and pitfalls too many fall into- utilizing ineffective alternatives. Thank you!
So are we suppose to use the organic ACV with the mother or not?
That's what I use; mostly water maybe 70/30 or 80/20. My dog doesn't mind it at all and I guess he likes it because he lets me spritz him at will ~!~
Over the years I have used a mixture of Red Apple Cider and Safflower Oil (One to two tablespoons of it mixed in with their meals once a day). The result was an improved, shinier coat. Recommended to me by a Vet
Apple cider vinegar has been a great help for my dogs incontinence,she wees herself a lot less now and it has helped keep the odour of urine at bay too along with all the other benefits and properties it has it’s a winner?
Have you tried diatomaceous earth for killing fleas? It is something that a breeder friend of mine recommended. It kills fleas and ticks but is harmless to the pet. You can put it in thier bedding and the yard and you can dust your dog being careful not to get it into thier eyes or mouth. Google it and you will be surprised.
An old neighbor of mine was a retired vet. He told me to give my 20-pound dog 1/2 capful of ACV for his chronic ear infections. I put it in his food. He never had another ear infection. My dogs since have also enjoyed a small daily quantity of ACV. They, too, have escaped ear infections. My current dog has acid reflux. I think ACV has helped to minimize his symptoms.
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