Apple cider vinegar has a long history of use for humans, but did you know that your precious pooch can benefit from these simple home remedies as well? Practically any human use for apple cider vinegar benefits dogs too. Below are some vinegar dog treatments we think you will find helpful!
Apple Cider Vinegar Dog Treatments for Health Problems
Your dog benefits from ingesting apple cider vinegar at a ratio of 1 teaspoon per 50 lbs of body weight. Simply add the solution to your dog’s food or daily water. Use whichever method works best for your pet! (Always make sure to use apple cider vinegar rather than distilled vinegar when given as a food supplement.) Apple cider vinegar contains over 30 important nutrients, 6 vitamins, 12 minerals, enzymes, and a large dose of pectin. Furthermore, vinegar is a good source of potassium and has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties to boost the immune system. Apple cider vinegar helps maintain your dogs acid/alkaline balance. You can test your dog’s urine with pH strips from the drug store. The dog’s balance should be between 6.2 and 6.5. If your dog’s numbers are lower the urine is too acidic. Adding apple cider vinegar to the diet will help re-establish the correct balance. Apple cider vinegar also improves digestion and acts as a urinary system tonic. Vinegar has been shown to clear urinary tract infections and prevent the formation of bladder and kidney stones.
According to Organic Pet Digest, “Apple cider vinegar has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of the following: allergies, osteoporosis, cancer, candida, high cholesterol, constipation, muscle cramps, diarrhea, depression, ear discharge, eczema, fatigue, bladder problems, metabolism and stiff joints.”
As a general supplement and as a digestive aid, a good rule of thumb is to start at 1 teaspoon per 50 lbs of body weight mixed in your pet’s food twice daily.
- Pets 5- 12.5 lbs – 1/4 tsp twice daily
- Pets 12.5-25 lbs – 1/2 tsp twice daily
- Pets 25 – 37.5 lbs – 3/4 tsp twice daily
- Pets 37.50-50 lbs 1 tsp twice daily
- Pets 50-62.5 lbs 1 1/4 tsp twice daily
- Pets 62.5-75 lbs 1 1/2 tsp twice daily
- Pets 75-87.5 lbs 1 3/4 tsp twice daily
- Pets 87.5 – 100 lbs 2 tsp twice daily
- and so forth…
If your pet ingests the above dosage with no problem, you can up the dose to as high as 1 tsp per 15 lbs twice daily.
Note: When using vinegar externally it is better to use distilled white vinegar on light colored dogs. Apple cider vinegar may stain the coats of light colored dogs.
Here are a few simple uses of vinegar.
Vinegar Dog Treatments for Urinary Tract Infections
Apple cider vinegar is a urinary system tonic. It helps clear urinary tract infections, prevents the formation of kidney and bladder stones, and maintains adequate ph. (Always make sure to use apple cider vinegar rather than distilled vinegar when given as a food supplement.) A good dosage is 1 teaspoon per 15 lbs of body weight per day
Vinegar Dog Treatments for Coat & Skin Health
To eliminate dandruff, pour full-strength vinegar directly on your dogs fur after bathing and rinsing. (This will also rejuvenate the coat and help balance your dog’s skin pH levels.) For a shiny, healthy coat mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2-4 cups of water and use as a final rinse. Spray vinegar full-strength on your dog’s coat to normalize skin pH balance. (This is one of my personal favorites! It also helps hot spots, makes the coat shiny, deodorizes the fur, and helps repel fleas and ticks.)
Vinegar Dog Treatments for Itching
Itchy skin and hot spots will heal quickly when sprayed with apple cider vinegar and may eliminate the need to shave your dog. Fill a clean spray bottle using full strength vinegar unless your pet’s skin is broken, in which case you should dilute half and half with water. For itchy feet, soak your dogs paws in full strength apple cider vinegar. (Dogs with skin allergy problems often have itchy feet. If you notice your dog aggressively chewing his feet , this treatment should help.)
Vinegar Dog Treatments for Ear Problems
Clean your dog’s ears with full strength apple cider vinegar. Place several drops in each ear and gently massage. You can also apply full strength by using a cotton swab to clean the ears. For yeast ear infections, place 5-10 drops of full strength vinegar in the affected ear(s).
Vinegar Dog Treatments for Pet Accidents and Other Things
To treat pet stains on carpets mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. (For light or white carpets it is best to use white distilled vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.) Pour this mixture directly onto stained areas and blot (do not rub) dry. For a smelly coat, spray on full-strength vinegar and allow it to air dry. Spray pet bedding with vinegar to freshen and deodorize. You can also add vinegar while laundering to freshen bedding. Good luck!
Does Your Pet Suffer From Allergies?
There are many quick and easy changes you can make at home to help your pet feel better.
- Learn more about cat allergies.
- Learn more about dog allergies.
- Switch to a Limited Ingredient Diet. PET | TAO Limited Ingredient Diet is naturally low in foods that stimulate an allergic response.
- Supplement with medicinal mushrooms. PET | TAO Complement Immune Mushroom Blend eases inflammatory response and ease allergy symptoms.
- Try digestive enzymes and probiotics. PET | TAO Harmonize Gi boosts gut health and combats food allergens.
- Feed Freeze Dried Lung Treats. According to TCVM, Lung is on the same meridian as the skin. Therefore, lung treats help both breathing and skin allergies. Lung treats support lung and skin similar to a glandular supplement in a “like treats like” fashion.
- Learn more about TCVM Herbal Remedies. Chinese medicine offers many amazing natural solutions for dog allergies Some good examples are:
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