Full Thread

Wendy (Naugatuck, CT) on 07/13/2009
1 out of 5 stars

My dog had some signs of allergies (runny eyes, flaky skin) that were not helped by the vet's suggestions, so I did a web search and found the "ACV for dogs" site. It sounded like a harmless and potentially helpful remedy, so I tried it. It didn't do a thing for the allergic symptoms, and 3 months later, my (spayed) dog developed a bloody discharge from her urinary tract. Lab tests diagnosed struvite crystals in her bladder, which, the vet said, form when the urine is too alkaline. Some research informed me that apple cider vinegar has an alkalinizing effect in the body! After immediate cessation of the apple cider vinegar and a month of a prescription urinary acidifier, my dog's urine is now testing normal. Naturally, after this experience, I do not recommend apple cider vinegar for dogs.

Replied By Cmassi (New York, New York) on 08/12/2009

When you add an alkali to something that is acidic, the acidity decreases and the alkalinity increases. I would never, ever give my dog anything on a daily basis (for three months) that changed her body chemistry.

Since most vets are urged to recommend certain brands of food, they are not always the most reliable advisors on the subject. If you haven't already tried eliminating foods with soy, corn and wheat (one at a time) you might find the solution. Soy can cause allergies in animals and people - processed the way it is in the US, it is not a form we should be ingesting.

Have just used a 50/50 mixture of ACV and water applied very small amounts onto two hot spots and it gave my dog immediate relief. Tested a small area on one first to be sure it didn't burn or cause more discomfort than she already had. It has worked wonderfully to give immediate relief. I will see if she shows signs of discomfort before using any more. Thank you!!!

Replied By Wes (Kansas City, Mo) on 09/21/2009

Regarding Wendy from Naugatuck's comment - vinegar, or acetic acid, is in fact an (weak) acid. If your dog had a struvite crystal blockage, it was due to one of two things - improper diet or not enough water, more likely the former than the latter. Most big-brand foods are absolute garbage and contribute greatly to health problems due to them being nutritionally deficient. The ACV would have had nothing at all to do with the urine being too alkaline and thus developing crystals in the urethra, and in fact would have HELPED the situation by lowering the overall pH of the urine, making it more acidic.

Replied By Pets Inn (Pawleys Island, Sc) on 06/05/2011

Wendy,

The ACV works and one should remember everything in moderation. You may have given too much as it is oly 1 tsp for 50 lb dog and one should use it on and off not steady for 3 straight months. Foods have also caused UTI's.

Replied By Toqueenelisabeth (Columbia, Sc) on 06/13/2011

Crazy fact!

I had heard of and began to utilize the benefits of old school uses with hydrogen peroxide. However, we always use Frontline for our critters. Never had I considered something as simple as ACV for treatment.

Flees and insects thrive in our hot/humid climate as well as allergies. In SC you can treat your pets but they always pick up insects from the outdoors and Frontline is/has been the only effective solution. Unfortunately and to my understanding the insect must get on your pet in order to kill it, thus ending life cycles. Plus if the neighbor does not effectively treat, the problem still surrounds your pet.

After making a comment to a friend about how bad flees seemed this year she said "ACV. " ……Seriously?!

Within a week of occasional use by 50/50 spray on the pets I have seen no indication of flees or itchiness. Makes perfect sense to deter flees from the animal altogether. Right?Our critters may not like the smell or taste but it is a small price "literally" to pay. Once again, thank you Old School!

Replied By Sal (Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa) on 06/22/2011

Hi there

Please can someone assist in explaining how I should use ACV for calluses on elbows and hock joints??? please! Is it good to pour a little ACV into the dogs drinking water? I have two large boerbulls that drink water by the gallon!! Thanks

Replied By Jyps (Landing, Nj) on 08/18/2011

Depending on the breed my friends dog had crystalized urine also because of all the medication. She did change her dogs diet to raw even though it was hard for her. Her dog ended up doing well with alternative methods. I mention this because apple cider vinegar also works for people.

2 teaspoons in a glass of water. It also kills any kind of worms that a person or pet can have. It should actually be 2 tsps either in their water or food. Once a day. Or every other day. You would need to change your dogs diet.

I think maybe you should read up on what your dog is really eating. There was a veterinary school who actually followed Purina and several other big dog companies and found that they were taking dead dogs and cats out of dumpsters (some that died of cancer or other illnesses) and they grind this into your dogs food.

Your dog is eating sickness and not good food. It even made news here in NJ. Be careful what you feed your dog. Apple cider will help with change of diet. If you can't do raw do an organic or kibble like evo or Abdy which are the better foods out there.

Replied By Anne (Marldon, Devon, England) on 08/19/2011

Apple Cider Vinegar is the best preventative there is.

I simply cannot believe that there is an ad for Frontline on this page! The main ingredient has been listed as one of the most highly carcinogenic substances ever tested - for humans as well as dogs and cats.

And the newer ones like Advocate and Advantage are full of the chemical that has been most seriously implicated in the disappearance of the bees.

As the old saying goes, "Don't use a cannon to kill a mosquito."

Replied By Aimee (Manila, Philippines) on 08/23/2011

I plan to try the ACV treatment discussed in this website as a spray option for my 1-year old Golden Retriever's hot spots. Unfortunately, ACV is expensive here in the Philippines.

Has anybody tried using regular white vinegar (in our case, it will be cane vinegar) as a post-bath rinse or preventative spray against ticks or application on hot spots?

Thanks! Any feedback or information would help.

Replied By Eve (Toronto, Ontario) on 09/03/2011

I use white vinegar on both my dogs and in my home, it is a natural Febreeze, my dogs do not smell like dogs. No odour at all. I bathe my little one in Water and vinegar for any bugs or cuts that might be on her and within 24 hours all problems are solved. ACV works well too but the odour is a little overwhelming.

Replied By Rey (Manila, Philippines) on 12/23/2011

Aimee, ACV is not that expensive, try choosing other cheaper brands.

Replied By Leonard (Global City, Philippines) on 01/19/2012

I just bought a bottle today after reading ACV and Yogurt as an alternative treatment for red scaly itchy paw and vulva. It cost 150 pesos/bottle. Equivalent to $3.48 and it is a big bottle. You go to Market Market in Global City.

I will keep you posted on the development. I just did my first spray this evening.

Replied By Lucy (Makati, Philippines) on 01/20/2012

Aimee, buy vinegar from coconut stands on roadsides they sell by the gallon for PHP 60 same acidity level as ACV. I used it on my dogs for 1 week- now all the hair he lost is back and he doesn't scratch his body anymore.

Replied By Waves4me (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/29/2012

Very important fact people!!! Yes ACV is alkalizing to humans and benefits our health. Remember that our body maintains a blood Ph of 7.4

The human digestion system is very different than that of a dog. Their system is much shorter and more acidic. Seriously this is animal nutrition 101. Remember they are mainly carnivores. Check their teeth and then look at yours. DONT give them ACV for extended periods of time.

Replied By Waves4me (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/29/2012

Externally fine. Not in their drinking water. Very important fact people!!! Yes ACV, an acid, is very alkalizing to humans after digestion (Think potassium) and benefits our health. Remember that our body maintains a blood Ph of 7.4

The human digestion system is very different than that of a dog. Their system is much shorter. Seriously this is animal nutrition 101. Remember they are mainly carnivores. Check their teeth and then look at yours. DONT give them ACV in drinking water for extended periods of time.

Replied By Tammy (Mckinney, Tx) on 05/30/2012

In regards to choosing a better quality dog food, what about fresh pet select that is sold in the refrigerated section???

Replied By Atvchick95 (Muncie, In) on 07/23/2012

AVC KILLS THE BAD AND GOOD BACTERIA IN THE GUT rather its human, dog, cat, bird etc. YOU have to use something to replace the GOOD bacteria like a probiotic. Otherwise you'rE tearing the animals gut all to shreds. You do not give this to a animal every day for a long period of time and I think the amounts on this blog is way too much to give to any animal I use it on my parrots about 3xs a year(it cured a tumor on a parakeet I owned in the past) and I only use 1-3 drops max in the water never any more than that.

What I'd recomend using instead is PURE ALOE VERA JUICE can be bought in the pharmacy aisle of most walmarts. It is 100% Natural, safe if ingested - do call a vet to ask how much to give, Like with AVC I only use a few drops in my birds drinking water and their bath water. I've also given it to my dog - it has No odor so they don't know its there

you can also use it on your dog after a bath or even when he/she is dry Just spray some one (you can get small spray bottles at a dollar tree for a buck or even the larger ones) and comb it through .

But I would not use very much AVC at all and not very often either!

Replied By Jcrply (Fl) on 08/20/2013

Atvchick95 from Muncie recommended giving Aloe Vera to dogs. The ASPCA toxic plants list says that Aloe Vera is toxic to dogs and cats.

Replied By Ks (San Jose, California) on 10/03/2013

Atvchick95, the intestinal flora (supported by probiotics) is located in the gut. ACV is a prebiotic which supports the intestinal flora to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Remember, you have to get the ACV that is unpasteurized containing the "mother" culture.

While ACV is acidic, it has an alkalizing effect when taken internally. Moderation is key and a balance should be obtained.

If you still believe that ACV kills beneficial bacteria, think about it this way, how did the fermentation process work if ACV killed the live cultures?

Replied By Diamond (Ma., US) on 11/05/2014

RIGHT ON.... I AGREE.

Entire Thread

You must be logged in to love this post! Please sign in:

You must be logged in to follow this post! Please sign in: