The latest miracle pet product may be sitting in your refrigerator. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many practical uses that benefit pets and their people. This delicious salad dressing ingredient is a potent cleaner, cosmetic, and healer, and it can be used on dogs!
How is ACV different from other vinegar?
Vinegar is made from sugary liquids, including fruit juice and simple sugar water. When exposed to air, the sugar ferments and turns to alcohol. If left alone, it will continue to ferment until it becomes acetic acid. As you may have noticed, wine and beer are often used to make wine vinegar and malt vinegars. Apple cider vinegar, fermented apple juice, is less acidic than other vinegar with a pH value typically between 4.25 and 5 (water is neutral at 7; white vinegar is about 2.4).
1. Digestive Aid
Dogs that suffer from digestive ailments may find relief from ACV. Adding the vinegar to
high-quality pet food may help the body absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food rather than passing all those good things through urination and defecation.
2. Antiseptic
Did you know that vinegar can be used as an antiseptic? Applying ACV to a wound will fight against harmful bacteria and viruses. Like magic, however, the vinegar will not interfere with beneficial bacteria at work in the body or with the natural immune system.
3. Cleaner
Apple cider vinegar can also fight bacteria and viruses outside the body. You can mix ACV with hydrogen peroxide and/or dish detergent to create a powerful cleaner. Put the solution in a spray bottle for use on pet bedding and crates.
4. Shampoo
This magic product can even be used as a dog’s shampoo. Combine apple cider vinegar, pet shampoo, and water and apply liberally on the dog’s coat. The ACV will help condition and remove bacteria that can live on a dog’s skin. This will help the healing process of any cuts or abrasions your dog may have suffered.
5. Laundry
When washing your dog’s bedding, sweaters, clothing, cloth leashes, and bath towels, add a little apple cider vinegar to the detergent to sanitize and freshen your dog’s laundry. You can also clean pet toys by wiping them with a little apple cider vinegar.
6. Insect Repellent
Spray your dog with a 50/50 mixture of ACV and water to repel insects. Fleas, mosquitoes, and other pets will avoid the unpleasant odor of the combination. You can use this on yourself as well if you don’t mind the vinegar smell. Avoid the dog’s eyes, nose, and mouth, using a spray bottle or sponge to apply. You can use full strength vinegar on areas that typically attract fleas, such as behind the ears, at the base of the tail, and in the armpits.
7. Pet Stain Remover
Mix apple cider vinegar and water at a 1:3 ratio and dab onto stained areas of carpet or furniture. Do not rub, but blot the area dry with paper towels. Repeat if necessary. The vinegar should remove most stains and odors.
8. Other Medicinal Values
Studies show that apple cider vinegar may reduce blood sugar levels that rise after consuming a meal. The vinegar may also help with sore muscles, bruises, raw paw pads, and other conditions. Vinegar is often used with herbs in natural healing recipes to warm and relax the joints and muscles, relieve inflammation, and improve flexibility. Vinegar compresses can increase circulation and speed healing.
Apple cider vinegar is becoming a popular way to treat common canine ailments naturally.
