Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Modified on Jan 23, 2023 | Earth Clinic Team

Apple cider vinegar is a healthful food that is easily used as a medicine for dogs. This inexpensive natural remedy is useful for a variety of dog issues, including infections, fleas, allergies, hot spots, and ear issues.

Apple cider vinegar is effective against a number of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It helps to properly balance internal pH, and used topically can balance the pH of the skin. Balanced pH can help with a multitude of health problems!

This inexpensive home treatment can be used internally and topically depending on what you are treating and how your dog responds to treatment.

Perhaps the easiest way to use apple cider vinegar for bladder infections, eye infections and to prevent fleas is a topical application.

Learn the Gentle and Effective Way to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Dog

Watch Earth Clinic's video demonstrating two effective methods to apply apple cider vinegar topically. Your pet will love you for it! We will also show you how to make an apple cider vinegar solution.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Internally for Dogs

Apple cider vinegar can be given to your dog internally to treat numerous conditions including the following:

  • Arthritis
  • Digestive Problems
  • Diarrhea
  • Respiratory Infections
  • Allergies
  • Dull Coat
  • Dandruff

You can add apple cider vinegar to your dog’s food or water, depending on what suits him. You can give him apple cider vinegar in a syringe, but always dilute the apple cider vinegar in water before giving it in a syringe. Use at least as much water as vinegar and make sure he has access to plenty of water after you dose him.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Give My Dog?

The dose of apple cider vinegar you give to your dog will depend upon what you are treating, the severity of the condition and the weight of your dog.

  • Very Small Dogs:  5 – 10 drops
  • Small Dogs:          1/4 – 1 teaspoon
  • Medium Dogs:       ½  – 2 teaspoons
  • Large Dogs:          1 – 2 Tablespoons

How Often Should I Give My Dog Apple Cider Vinegar?

When you are using apple cider vinegar for an acute infection or diarrhea, a dose would be given 2 -4 times each day. As the infection clears, you may find that you can decrease the frequency of the dose.

If you find that you are not seeing the results you wish to see, increase the frequency of the dosing, or increase the amount you give for each dose.

 When you are using apple cider vinegar as a tonic on a regular basis, often the lowest dose given once daily is sufficient. This would be common for allergies, coat issues, flea prevention, or digestive support.

For arthritis, twice a day may be ideal. Again you will need to keep an eye on your dog and see how he is doing. You will be the best judge of when to increase or decrease the dose.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Ear Issues for Dogs

Diluted apple cider vinegar is a wonderful solution for many ear issues in dogs.

This is commonly used for ear infections, ear mites, and swimmer’s ear. Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water or 70% rubbing alcohol to make a solution to clean out the ears and fight infection. Use equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water (or 70% rubbing alcohol.)

Use the solution to rinse out the dog’s ears twice a day. More information about this method can be found on this page.

If your dog’s ears have broken skin, wounds or sores, apple cider vinegar is likely to sting. Instead, consider using Arcane Solution.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Eye Infections in Dogs

The easiest way to use apple cider vinegar for eye infections is shown in the video above. This way they eye does not need to be touched at all, yet the vinegar solution will fight infection when applied topically.

If you wish to treat the eyes directly, consult this page for proper dilution information.

Apple Cider Vinegar Spray for Dogs

Last but not least is an apple cider vinegar spray for topical application for dogs.

Mix together ½ cup apple cider vinegar and ½ cup water. Use a cotton ball or spray bottle to apply the solution to hot spots on your dog twice daily. This solution is commonly used for hot spots in dogs.

This spray can also be used as a flea prevention but you must be careful not to get it into the eyes!

What Kind of Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Use for my Dog?

Raw and organic apple cider vinegar is ideal for your dog, just as it is for you. It contains nutrients to promote healing that are lacking in typical grocery store vinegar. 

Have you used apple cider vinegar for your dog? We would love to hear about it! What condition were you treating? How did you use it?

Continue reading for many reader stories about this wonderful natural remedy for dogs.

 

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List of Remedies for Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs