Apple cider vinegar (ACV), according to its supporters, is one of the most cost-effective, versatile and effective canine health aids.
It’s also popular to be applied topically.
Flaky, itchy skin and dull hairFlea infestationsMuscle painsEar infectionsDog” skin and coat odors
Apple cider vinegar can be taken internally to:
Enhance digestionPrevent urinary tract infectionsFight yeast infectionsRelieve symptoms of arthritis
What is Vinegar, Anyway?
Vinegar is made from sugary liquids. Cider vinegar starts as a mixture of water and apples, or apple pectin. This soluble fiber is what makes vinegar. The natural sugars found in apples ferment when exposed to air. This allows yeasts to grow. The main component of vinegar is acetic acids, which are made by acetic bacteria. Vinegar’s distinctive flavor, aroma, and properties are due to acetic acid.
Most grocery stores carry vinegars because of their culinary uses.
It is widely available in the United States. Distilled white vinegar, made from grains, can be used as a household cleaner and in condiments such as pickles, catup, salad dressings, and barbecue sauces.
Apple cider vinegar, on the other hand, is sold often as unpasteurized raw apple cider vinegar. This vinegar contains its “mother”, a dark substance that contains unfiltered acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar is considered a healthy supplement if it’s not processed and unfiltered.
PPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND YO DOG
The health benefits of cider vinegar for dogs are speculative as no published clinical trials have been conducted. It does not mean that the claims regarding its use are untrue. They simply don’t have any scientific support. This is due to apple cider vinegar being inexpensive and readily available.
Some claims are exaggerated. Cider vinegar is sometimes called a nutritional powerhouse because it is rich in vitamins and minerals. However, this is incorrect. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states that raw cider vinegar has 11 mg (mg), potassium per tablespoon. However, this is the only important nutrient.
Apple cider vinegar will not cure cancer in dogs. It can also help prevent urinary tract infections but it won’t be a cure.
Dogs are often given apple cider vinegar.
Use a dropper, sponge, cotton ball or a cotton ball to dilute the vinegar.
The following are ways that apple cider vinegar can be used to disinfect and mild clean up:
To remove soap residue, treat itchy skin and fleas, mix 50-50 cider vinegar with water. Apply the mixture with a sprayer, sponge, or brush immediately after bathing. You can prevent dog dander by rubbing diluted cider vinegar on the skin of your dog. Use a sprayer or sponge to apply it immediately after bathing. This will remove soap residue, condition hair, repel fleas, and help with itchy skin. It can be added to your laundry rinse water as a mild disinfectant.
This will help your dog’s overall health, condition, and digestion.
Start by adding a small amount of cider vinegar to the dog’s water bowl. Keep a bowl of water on hand in case your dog isn’t able to tolerate the cider vinegar taste. Dogs that are familiar with cider vinegar will adapt to the taste of other water sources. You can start by adding small amounts of cider vinegar to water or food. If your dog likes the taste, you can gradually increase the amount. Stop using the cider vinegar if your condition doesn’t improve within 30 days.
To help prevent yeast infections or fugal infections such as itchy paws, you can add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s bath water. Photo credit: Serezniy/Dreamstime.comA wash solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water has been proven to kill 98% of bacteria. It outperforms antibacterial soap. The solution can be used with a scrub brush to clean vegetables. After rinsing, rinse with clean water. After shampooing, strain the solution and then apply lightly to wet hair.
USE APPLE CIDER Vinegar IN TINCTURES
Cider vinegar is the preferred solvent for herbal tinctures for dogs. Although most herbal tinctures are alcohol-based. Rosemary Gladstar, a herbalist and dog lover, recommends that you place chopped fresh herbs or dried herbs into a glass container. If using dried herbs, make sure to fill it only halfway. Next, heat some organic cider vinegar to warm the herbs. Leave a 2-to 3-inch margin and cover with warm vinegar. Let the herbs sit for between four and six weeks. The jar should be shaken daily. Strain the tincture and keep it in dark cobalt or amber glass containers. Label and keep out of heat and light.
Gladstar also recommends the use of herbs in her books and canine herbal references. Gladstar also suggests a garlic/dandelion vinegar tincture to aid dogs in repelling parasites. Follow the above instructions to make fresh or dried dandelion roots, leaves, and blossoms.
Tinctures can be added to dog’s food slowly, increasing gradually to 1/4 teaspoon per 20-pound body weight per day.
CAUTIONS FOR APPLE CIDER VIENGAR FOR DOGS
Cider vinegar is acidic and should be dilute for canine use. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, open cuts, or abrasions. Vinegar can sting if it is applied to skin that has been broken.
Vinegar should never be used in areas where it can stain or damage cabinets, wood floors, or granite countertops. Cider vinegar has an orange-brown color. It is not recommended to be applied topically to dogs with light or white coats.
Apply diluted cider vinegar to sensitive skin dogs. Test a small area first, then check the skin 24 hours later for signs of irritation, itching or scratching. Moderate amounts of cider vinegar are recommended for dogs that don’t experience an allergic reaction. Too much cider vinegar can cause vomiting, dental enamel damage, and irritation to the mouth.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs Whole Dog Journal