8 Proven Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

8 Ways Apple Cider Vinegar Can Benefit Your Dog

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.

What Makes 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 continues to ferment until it becomes acetic acid. Wine and beer are often used to make wine vinegar and malt vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar — fermented apple juice — is less acidic than other vinegars, with a pH value typically between 4.25 and 5. For reference, water is neutral at 7 and white vinegar sits around 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 vitamins and minerals from food rather than passing them through urination and defecation.

2. Antiseptic

Applying ACV to a wound will fight against harmful bacteria and viruses. Notably, the vinegar will not interfere with beneficial bacteria in the body or with the natural immune system.

3. Cleaner

ACV can fight bacteria and viruses outside the body too. Mix it with hydrogen peroxide and/or dish detergent to create a powerful cleaner, then put the solution in a spray bottle for use on pet bedding and crates.

4. Shampoo

Combine apple cider vinegar, pet shampoo, and water and apply liberally to your dog's coat. The ACV will help condition the coat, remove bacteria from the skin, and support healing of any cuts or abrasions.

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. You can also clean pet toys by wiping them down with a small amount of ACV.

6. Insect Repellent

Spray your dog with a 50/50 mixture of ACV and water to repel fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. A few tips:

• Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth — use 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
• This mixture works on humans too, if you don't mind the smell

7. Pet Stain Remover

Mix apple cider vinegar and water at a 1:3 ratio and dab onto stained areas of carpet or furniture. Blot dry with paper towels — do not rub. Repeat if necessary. The vinegar should remove most stains and odors.

8. Other Medicinal Uses

Studies show that apple cider vinegar may reduce blood sugar levels that rise after a meal. It may also help with:

• Sore muscles
• Bruises
• Raw paw pads
• Joint inflammation and flexibility — vinegar is often used with herbs in natural healing recipes to warm and relax joints and muscles
• Circulation — vinegar compresses can increase circulation and speed healing

Apple cider vinegar is becoming a popular way to treat common canine ailments naturally.