SEARCH
Powered by Google    Web Earth Clinic

Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Updated: 11/18/2009

DISCLAIMER
* Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.

FLEAS

12 YEA
1 NAY

[YEA]  Deirdre from Los Angeles, CA writes: "she doesn't need to use flea dips in the winter when she adds a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to her dogs' meals (2x a day) every day. This doesn't work so well in summer months, she reports."

[YEA]  Vickie from Tampa Florida writes: "I have found great success with ACV ...My Boxer has no fleas or ticks & a shiny coat."

[YEA]  Katie from Emporia, KS writes: "If ACV doesn't seem to work on fleas, try Brewer's Yeast vitamin tablets and cedar chips for bedding. Most dog beds have cedar chips inside them, but you can also buy them straight for dog houses and such."

[YEA]  Lyn from Jeannette, PA writes: "I just wanted to comment on the fleas section. It is true that any shampoo will kill fleas, but it needs to be left on for 30 min. Also, if you have a flea infestation in your house, just spraying your animal wont help. You must treat where the fleas live. See, they only feed on your animal. I have tremendous luck using table salt and food-grade diatomaceous earth all over the house to kill fleas and prevent. The salt (I prefer organic unprocessed sea salt) cuts into the body of the flea and then allows the DE to dehydrate the animal. Salt by itself does seem to work also, I just like a faster approach. Keep in mind though that this means of defense does take up to 2 months to work as some fleas are still hatching. In really bad infestation, it could take longer. I think flea eggs can survive up to 280 days. I would also like to recommend quadruped pet products. I work at a holistic pet care center and this is what we use to bathe the animals. They do not contain(unlike most pet shampoos) any harsh chemicals. Also, all their products are concentrates so it is much cheaper than buying the harmful stuff from pet shops or grocery stores."

[YEA]  Sheerec from San Antonio, TX writes: "ACV for Fleas, itching and scratching works.My dog was itching and scratching everywheree very badly to the point,he had a small raw spot on his neck. I can say that it works. I put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, sprayed him down and let him air dry. The severe scrathing stop and the raw place under his neck has healed."

[YEA]  Lana from Caro, Michigan writes: "I just tried the ACV on my Maltese, she's been miserable every Aug-Oct for years. Now she's resting quietly, within minutes. Thank-you so much! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you! We've tried allergy shots, bathing, haircuts (she's practically bald now) benedryl, baby oil, seems like more things too, nonstop itching 24-7. Now she's happy again. Thanks so much!"

[YEA]  Jennifer from Doonan, QLD, Australia writes: "My 3 poodles have 2 tbsp in jug of water each day to prevent fleas. I also use it in their rinse water after a bath each week."

[YEA]  Jennifer from Doonan, QLD, Australia writes: "It truly works for eliminating fleas from dogs. Just a few drops in the drinking water each day BUT it does take about six weeks.I have also sprayed the dog's beds and cleaned rugs and floors every day so it is an ongoing chore to for the six weeks but I am now on top of the situation.I run a Poodle resort so I have quite a few dogs and to have solved the flea problem is an enormous relief."

[YEA]  MJ Fox from Ireland writes: "I use ACV in my rescue dogs' food twice a week and give them diluted ACV rub downs with a wet sponge or rag about every 10 days. There are no fleas on these dogs at all, which I think is a result of the ACV. I also use it full strength for ring worm and seem to be having some good luck with mange."

09/15/2009: Mary from Fredericksburg, Va, USA replies: "can you tell me how much you delete the acv for the rub down.

thank you,

mary in va."

GENERAL FEEDBACK

2 YEA
1 QUESTION

[QUESTION]  10/23/2009: Heidi from Teeswater, Ontario Canada writes: "Please can someone tell me if it is organic Apple Cider Viniger or the plain ACV for my black lab of 7 years?"

EC: Many people on this site report getting the best results with organic ACV!

[YEA]  10/29/2009: Megan from Warner Robins, Ga replies: "For my 2 large dogs (over 50 & 100lb) the regular over the counter ACV worked for us. I had a bad flea infestation in the house and on both dogs. I was about ready to break down and fork over the boko bucks for frontline flea treatment--or get rid of the dogs. Fogging the house and generic flea treatments/baths was not working or I wasn't doing it enough. I found ACV for myself (the generic grocery store brand works for me as well) and was excited to read it could help with my flea problem as well. I gradually worked them up to a tablespoon a day the first week. I also sprayed them with a diluted mix of something like 1/4 cup in a large spray bottle full of water. I even think that is a bit much. I did bomb the house maybe 2 weeks before I started ACV for the dogs. It took about another 2 weeks for the fleas to clear up in the house, so a total of a month since the bombing. I have not been able to find a single flea on the dogs. I am excited to be flea free and for next to nothing. The last few days I maybe give the dogs the ACV every other day and spray about every other day. They are scratching at themselves less and seem overall to be much happier though they don't care much for the spray and love to roll around after to try and get it off--oh well....no fleas."

[YEA]  02/25/2009: Amanda from Austin, TX writes: "Thanks to all of you for the Apple Cider Vinegar treatment ideas. My 9 year old Lab has been in such pain and now he is so much better. Thank yall for taking the time to share."

HOT SPOTS

1 YEA

[YEA]  Ellen from Charles Town, WV writes: "About a 2 months ago, I began using apple cider vinegar in Lady's water; 3T. to a gallon of water and also spraying it diluted on the areas that she had licked and chewed until they bled. I added brewers yeast and olive oil to her daily meal and used a cone on her head when I wasn't with her to stop the licking. I used a plain aloe and olive oil balm on the skin after the vinegar dried. She doesn't need the cone any more as her skin is great and her hair is growing back in."

ITCHING, SCRATCHING, HOT SPOTS

1 YEA

[YEA]  06/23/2009: Yoyoly18 from Buringame, CA writes: "I have a mixed papillon/Pomeranian dog who has been suffering from flea bites, constant itching and bald hot spots. No matter what kind of flea shampoo treatments, or house treatments, getting rid of her beds, toys, etc was helping at all. My neighbor has a cat that roams around freely and believe is the culprit to this problem. I researched high and low on the internet for remedies for two years now and finally landed on this website. I read all the testimonials from dog lovers with similar problem and the positive results they were having. I quickly went to my local grocery store and bought a bottle of AVC; mixed it according to the instructions and I could not believe how quickly within minutes of spraying her she relaxed and stopped itching. I am amazed at this and will share this great remedy to all dog and cat lovers. Thank you all so much."

MANGE

1 YEA

[YEA]  02/12/2006: Trudy writes: "I have had absolute success using Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water and Borax power. My dog was suffering with mange or terrible flea allergies last October. Well I used this combination regularly for several months and now he has all his fur back, and no itching. I sent in my testimonial back in mid January 2006, it is under the Cure for Demodetic Mange / Remedy #2 Reader Modification by Trudy Barton, in Cynthiana, Ky. I do believe this treatment I gave my Max would not have had nearly the great results if I had not used the organic Apple Cider Vinegar. Please post this cure under the Apple Cider Vinegar cures for dogs. P.s. If my cat were to have a similar problem, I sure would use it on the cat too! You can post my e-mail address."

MEASUREMENTS

1 QUESTION

[QUESTION]  04/15/2009: Sandy from Laconia, NH writes: "What are the exact measurements? I know this will sound ridiculous to most of you, but I keep seeing the mixture to be 1 part ACV, 2 parts Water. My question is, what are the exact measurements of each solution?"

EC: Not sure what you are trying to cure, so we're posting this on the ACV for dogs page! Please clarify...

04/27/2009: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Sandy, I think the one part ACV could be one tablespoon (for example) and the two parts water would be two tablespoons; or 1/4 cup ACV and 1/2 cup of water. However much ACV you use, add twice the amount of water.....1/2 cup ACV to one cup water, etc. Or, think of it this way: if you have a total of one cup of liquid and divide it into thirds, you'd have 1/3 ACV and 2/3 water. Hope that makes sense - ACV is a wonderful thing!"

07/29/2009: Stacey from Calabasas, CA replies: "I want to have a supply of AVC and water solution on hand and ready when if I should need it for my two dogs. Can I buy the regular AVC, or should it be the organic AVC with the mother? Also, can I create a solution of this and store it in a cabinet, or does it need to be freshly mixed everytime I want to use it? I think my terrier mix stepped on something that stung his paw. I gave him a little Benadryl incase he had any allergies to the sting, but I also used AVC on it hoping that it would help, he didn't seem to like it as if it made it sting more? Does this sting the dog? He keeps licking his paw now and I am wondering what else I can do to help him heal. Any suggestion out there? - Thanks, Stacey"

MULTIPLE CURES

2 YEA

[YEA]  10/05/2008: C.R. from Springfield, MO writes: "Im amazed! I found your website due to my border collie has... hotspots, yeast in ears and runny eyes.. I thought it was just me... Im glad to know im not the only one. I gave a bath, sprayed on the ACV and boom she is lying next to me finally no licking and biting. I'd say if your not a beliver try it!"

[YEA]  06/25/2007: Christy from Waxahachie, Tx writes: "I have a 12 year old dog named Shelby.She has suffered with hot spots and has lost quite a bit of her hair.I also have a 4 yr old named Madyson.The fleas at my house were taking over. Since trying the Apple Cider Vinegar, our lives have become better. No more fleas on my dogs or in my house. Shelby's hair has started to grow back. It has been fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I have passed it on with hopes that many pets will live happy lives"

NURSING DOGS

1 WARNING!

[WARNING!]  04/16/2009: Irene from Live Oak, Texas writes: "Possible bad reaction to ACV

I gave my bichon who had pups about a week and half ago ACV in her water. I noticed she started having accidents in the house which she has never done. She also started vomiting. One of her pups the smallest his tongue swelled and before we could get him to a vet he passed away. I truly believe he and she had a bad reaction to the ACV. I only put a few drops in her water. I am so devasted by the loss of this puppy. I wish I could of done something for him. I live with regret because I wonder if he suffered or was in pain. Anyway I would not recommmend giving the mommy any ACV while she is nursing.

I gave the mommy ACV because I read it would help.

BIG MISTAKE."

POISONING

2 YEA

[YEA]  Ted from Bangkok , Thailand writes: "My dog was dying, perhaps from old age, he's about 12 years old. It refused to eat for 3 days and was dying. What I did was instead of using apple cider vinegar, I used ordinary vinegar about 2 tablespoon on the water and bathed the dog with pure vinegar. Within 2 hours, the dog defecated ... and was back to normal within 2-3 hours. I recommended my friend's dog who was dying from some kind of insecticide poisoning and recommended the same, the dog licked some vinegar and vomited, and was cured. So ordinary vinegar works just as well."

[YEA]  Connie from Eugene, Oregon writes: "My friend's dog drank some bad water and she believed she needed to take both of her dogs to the vet which she could not afford, so I recomended she give them some ACV to drink and it helped them almost immediately."

SKIN AILMENTS

8 YEA
1 WARNING!

[YEA]  10/09/2008: Steve from Murray, KY writes: "After reading the articles about dogs scratching and chewing their feet, I read over and over about using apple cider vinegar as a spray. I was at the point i had to try something, I tried a 50 50 acv and water and also within the first hour i saw results, i use it now at least one time a day and sometimes two, my dobhie/lab mix has been chewing and scratching for 3 years and this is the best i have seen her, i have made numerous visits to the vet, shots and have been giving all sorts of pills i do believe this has given her more relief than anything. i started also about 3 weeks ago giving her a fish oil capsule 2 times a day. pleae if anyone has a problem try the ACV/water solution for your dogs sake. thanks for all the folks who recomended this. from the bluegrass state"

[YEA]  09/11/2008: Sharon from Richmond, Virginia writes: "I recently viewed your sit and the Apple Cider Vinegar cured my cocker, Casey, skin enormously. I used this on Casey and after about 3 days I noticed that his skin was healed and his coat was healthy and shiny. This has done wonders for us. I sprayed ACV diluted with equal amounts of water on Caseys coat every morning for 3 consecutive days. Casey is now a healthier dog."

[YEA]  09/05/2008: Michele from Roseville , CA writes: "I have a Pitbull 18 mos and he has been very itchy since i got him. He always was licking his feet, and always getting yeast infections in his ear. Someone at the dog park suggested the vinegar thing and I came home and tried it that day and he has not licked his feet in probably a week now! I couldn't be happier with the results :)"

[YEA]  01/01/2008: Colleen from Pinetown, South AFrica writes: "ACV CURED MY DOGS OF SCRATCHING THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for a wonderful site. I'm a Yorkie mom, who dreamed of having a Yorkie with a show coat. My two babies scratch so much that they have severly damaged their coats, and I'd all but given up on ever having long-haired Yorkies. That's till I doscovered this site. Last night, I bathed both my babies and used ACV in the final rinse water, and within 15 minutes I noticed a marked reduction in the scratching. Within the hour, the scratching had diminised by about 80%. Tonight I bathed they again, using ACV in the final rinse water, and the scratching has completely stopped. I was not sure what quantity to use, so I used 2 tot measures in about 2 litres of water. What a miracle find. By the way, the scratching was NOT as a result of fleas, as I spend a small fortune at the vet each month to keep the fleas under control, but if ACV helps with that too, then I'll be saving so much money. I've also read on your site that ACV promotes hair growth, so who knows, I may have a show-coat Yorkie after all. Furthermore, their coats are shining like mirrors!!! This truly is an amazing find, and I'm so grateful for your site and the information contained therrein. Thanks again for a wonderful site, and keep up the good work."

[WARNING!]  02/15/2009: Joyce from Brookings, OR replies: "My yorkie has been suffering with a skin condition since getting fleas about a year ago. She wakes us up almost every night moaning as she rubs her back against whatever she can rub it on until areas are sore or inflamed. I found this site last night while researching her condition and just a bit ago tried the ACV. I used a dilution of 1 part ACV to 3 parts water in a spray bottle and sprayed it on her after her bath ( I bathed her with Relief shampoo and let it sit about 5 minutes) as she has always had sensitive skin and reacts adversely to most shampoos. She had one area on her back in particular that she had rubbed until it was inflamed and had a few small sores, which is also why I used a 1:3 dilution. Anyway, I blotted off the excess water after her bath, but she was still quite wet, and started spraying her. Almost immediately she started trembling and I started to notice that a few of the worst spots in the inflamed area were exuding a white foam - similar to what an open sore looks like when you put hydrogen peroxide on it. I grew immediately concerned with the foaming and her (by this time) almost violent trembling, and quickly rinsed off the ACV mixture, blotted her wet coat with a towel and blew her dry. She did not stop trembling until I she was dry and I applied a Tea Tree and E Antispetic cream that i have been using with some success to treat open sores. itching. She seems fine now, and the reaction doesn't seem to have been allergenic, but the area is still somewhat inflamed. My concern is that the ACV, even with a 1:3 dilution, burned her skin. Before applying the cream, the skin in the inflamed area was clearly worse - course and puffy - so now I'm a little hestitant to use it again. In reading some of the other comments, it sounded like some people just spray it on their dogs when they are dry - and used it when their dogs had sores and inflamations...I really wanted - NEEDED - this to work but...does anyone have any insight to offer? Should I dilute it further next time? Should I have not allowed the shampoo to sit for 5 minutes (your supposed to leave it on for 10)? HELP!"

07/30/2009: genla from Baton Rouge, La replies: "Pls try for topical use on itchy paws or hot spots Burrows solution wish i could give the brand name.You can buy in the astringent section of your drug store. It is powder u mix with water. You can place paws in solution in bowl long enough to get wet or pour on hot spot or apply solution with saturated cotton ball. It doesn't sting!!! MIRACLE my vet gave me this cure about 14yrs ago (before anibiotics and steroids took over) for my Great Pyrenees that had a huge hot spot - dried it up in a day or so. Also great for people for poison ivy!"

EC: More info about Burrow's solution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burow's_solution

10/29/2009: Megan from Warner Robins, Ga replies: "This message is for Joyce. If ACV will burn your stomach if you have an ulcer, I am sure it would burn an open sore on the skin, though I would not want to find out. Try healing the sores from the inside first by starting out with a very tiny amount either in their water or food, by tiny like 1/4 teaspoon for one or two days. Increase from there to what the recommended dose is. I am not sure but my dogs are 50 & 100lbs so I use 1 tablespoon/day with them. Smaller dogs I am sure do not need so much. Once the sores are healed on the skin then you can do the spray treatment if needed."

[YEA]  07/17/2007: Marsha from Chicago, USA writes: "The Apple Cider Vinegar remedy for a severe skin rash on my 10yr old cocker spaniel worked wonders. For weeks, I had tried everything, from Benadryl cream, to the tablets, to Tea Tree Oil and all methods did nothing, short of making it worse. My dog (who sleeps with me sometimes or at the foot of the bed) would awaken in the middle of the night scratching like a maniac, of course breaking my rest, because I would arise to put more Benadryl or Tea Tree Oil on the sores and she would still find no peace. Today, I said enough and went online to find a cure. A health nut that I am, I noticed there was something about ACV and so I tried it on her, in her bath. I had heard that Dawn dish liquid works wonderfully to ward off fleas and ticks (as I had used it in the past and continued to do so), so I bathed her in the Dawn with ACV in her water; within five minutes after her bath, she was sleeping and snoring, peacefully, and did so for four hours without one scratching episode. Now our home is peaceful again. Because she has scabs from enduring this mess for weeks,which were opened when the scrathing worsened and some wounds are open, I keep the ACv mixed with water in a spray bottle and when necessary, give her a little spray, which is not often. I also add it, now, to her dry food, to keep the acidity out of her urine, too. Thank you to everyone who shared their testimony and for the Earth Clinic for helping us help our children. Will air it on my radio program for other pet owners. Hugs to everyone and thanks a million."

Prev    1 2 3    Next

 

 

Did one of these remedies work for you?
Have another suggestion for us?
PLEASE SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!