The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Chrissie1704 (Wellingborough, England) on 08/13/2009:
After reading your comments about apple cider vinegar, I decided to try it on my English cocker spaniel. She woke up with a gunky eye. I couldnt afford expensive vets fees, so decided after reading about ACV to try it. In my cupboard I had som ACV capsules I had used for dieting a while ago. I opened the capsule and smoothed the paste onto my dogs neck, close to the skin. I then rinsed it with warm water to dilute it a bit. Then in our supermarket I bought some ACV in a bottle and that evening I again put some neat onto the back of her neck and then some warm water. After first dose, within 2 hours or quicker her eye was clear, and I have not had any problems with her eye since! Amazing! really amazing, I have told everyone I know who have pets! Thank you for passing information on!
I read about treating your cat's allergy eyes with Apple Cider Vinegar and I was skeptical, but figure I'd try it since my cat had a "goopy eye. It looked like she was winking, and had a clear discharge. I tried the ACV on a cottton ball, diluted just a bit with water and then I placed it on the back of her neck, as I read on here. She didn't like it much, but I pursued her and dabbed the back of her neck a few more times. Within an hour the goopiness was gone and her eye looked normal. I'm amazed, but glad it worked! I love this site :)
My cat Junior got an eye infection and I cannot afford to take him to the vet, so I found this website and began using raw ACV on the back of his neck. The first few times I used it undiluted, but I think that it was too strong, so I began diluting it: 1ts ACV to 2ts water. I've been putting it on the back of his neck 2-4 times a day for 5 days now and it's almost completely gone. I have also been wiping his eye off 3-5 times a day with a cotton ball soaked with peroxide (I think that this has helped more than the ACV), and once a day I rinse his eye with a mason jar full of luke warm water. Every time that I rinse with water it is an instant improvement. I think that a combination of the three cheap home remedies has cured him, and I recommend doing more than just putting ACV on the back of their necks. I've also started putting 1ts of AVC into his water, and he is drinking it. Thank you so much for this recommendation, and website.
I had self diagnosed an outdoor cat that we feed with conjunctivitis. I knew he had it once before and we left it alone and it got better kind of quickly, however after visiting this site, I thought I'd give the vinegar a try.
Less than 48 hours later, the cat's eye is completely 100% better! I don't have exact measurements, but I filled the vinegar bottle cap WITH vinegar and put it on the back of the cat's neck as best I could. (much like one would apply flea preventative, just smoosh it in there so it all doesn't dribble to the floor)
I also had a combo of vinegar and water--water with just a splash of vinegar, the smell shouldn't be overpowering-- which I put on a paper towel and wiped his eye twice a day.
I honestly never believed this would work, but it ABSOLUTELY did.
I noticed my 2 yo Labrador had some gunk in the corner of one eye 2 days ago. It looked like the normal eye-boogies he gets so I ignored it until later that day when it was clear he had an eye infection, as I could see drak green/grey gunk inside the eye itself. It was a Saturday morning so I called the vet to make an appt for later that day. I really didn't want to fork out $130-odd bucks (by the time you factor in the weekend consult plus anti-biotic prescription and then the follow-up visit), so I started searching for home remedies. I've used this site before for some opinions on extra virgin coconut oil (which I now use solely as my beauty routine and for any cuts/abrasions/infections) as well as Apple Cider Vinegar (which I use for digestive balancing).
I saw all the posts about dabbing ACV on the back of a pet's neck and thought, well if this many people swear by it I'll give it a try. I tried this as well as a weak solution (just enough to colour the water) to flush my dog's eye. After I washed the eye out I applied EVCO on a cotton ball to soothe the skin and hopefully help with the infection. I did this several times over the course of the day and it seemed to improve so I cancelled my vet appt, thinking at worst I could take him on the Monday. I thought the EVCO was doing the job so I continued with this as I figured it was also more comfortable for my dog. His eye got worse again in the afternoon and was quite yucky by evening. By this time it was too late for a vet visit and I felt like a terrible "mum"!
I tried the ACV on the back of the neck again, and this time I used at least a quarter of a cup undiluted, as he has SUPER thick hair and I really had to work it in to reach the skin. Most of it rubbed off or stayed in the outer coat I think. Anyway, enough must have got in this time because he started really quickly improving, so I did one more dose before bed. This morning I very tentatively checked on him thinking it would either be much better or totally disgusting. Luckily, it was much better and today after a couple of the same treatments it's looking really good. Still some eye-boogie but the reddening inside lower eyelid has really improved. I still used some EVCO for soothing the eye area, he seemed to like that.
So he stinks like high heaven and the house smells like "rotten feet" as my boyfriend tells me, but he's just as impressed as I am and I can't believe this actually WORKED. I don't know HOW this could work but the main thing is it does so without risk of harm. As any lab owner would know, they traditionally have pretty sensitive skin, but this doesn't appear to bother him. It saved us a wad of cash and it cleared his infection quicker than anti-biotics would have. I think he knows it's working too because he willingly leans his neck toward me when I put it on now. Cute little fella! :-)
Incredible. I am a multi-cat household. I have spent hundreds of dollars and several different types of ointments, drops, trips to the vets, etc...totally exhausting trying to get on top of this infection. I cannot believe it took a simple home remedy to clear up my cat(s) eyes. I just could not believe this was just such a simple cure. I tried it, no, seriously, my cats eyes that have been just laced in red, ARE CLEAR. If I hadn't seen it myself, I would never have believed it. If you are suffering with this eye problem in your cats or dogs, you really need to try this, for them most of all and also for your peace of mind. I used one tablespoon of Apple Cidar Vinegar to two tablespoons of water. I put it on the back of the neck and rubbed it in, and I also (CAREFULLY NOT TO GET TOO CLOSE TO THE EYES), with a disposable make up pad, wiped each side of their nose below the eye where their eyes drain, BUT NOT TOO CLOSE TO THEIR EYE ITSELF. Cleared it right up.
Thank God for this website! My cat, Beau, was suffering from conjunctivitis in both eyes. His left eye was swolllen and goopy and both were red and inflamed. He had this problem for about a week, and I was doing everything I could to help him. We could not afford an expensive trip to the vet, so I did everything humanly possible to help him at home. He was so sick that he could not eat or drink on his own. I had to feed him soft food with a feeding syringe and give him water with a large dropper. I was careful not to give him too much of either one. I gave him a daily dose of a high-calorie vitamin and mineral gel to boost his energy and help him gain weight and regain his appetite. I kept both of his eyes cleaned out with an eye wash made for cats and dogs. I was so desperate to find any remedy that would help Beau, that I finally went online and found this website. I read rave reviews about apple cider vinegar, as a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to cure this problem. At first, it sounded too good to be true, but I was willing to try anything to help Beau. His eye problem did not clear up until I used this remedy. It took only two days for the problem to clear up completely, whereas, if I had taken him to the vet, I would have had to give him antibiotics and it would've taken longer for the infection to clear up. Now, Beau is eating and drinking on his own, just like before, and he is starting to gain weight. This is the answer to my prayers! It saved Beau's eyesight and saved us an expensive trip to the veterinarian. I cannot say enough good things about this remedy. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
My poor cat, Riley, has suffered from conjunctivitis for several days. I took a cotton ball and soaked it with ACV (did not dilute) and rubbed it on the back of his neck. Within a hour you could no longer tell he had anything wrong. Thanks so much for this site....God's blessings!
English Cocker Spaniel with conjunctivitis. I rubbed a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the back of her neck at lunch and then dinner. This morning she has beautiful, clear eyes again. First time in quite a while that she hasn't rubbed her face on the carpet. Unbelievable result !!!
I tried the ACV for cat's conjunctivitis and it worked great! but it just doesn't get rid of it completely. I used Mercsol homeopathic remedy (30 strength) along with it and it kept it in check. I don't know what to do now - what can I add to this regime to get rid of it completely? It has spread to the other eye now after 3 weeks of treatment.
My 7 lb. yorkie had what appears to be conjuctivitis, and I am glad I found this site. I noticed a gooey green goo seeping from her eyes yesterday, and she also had red around her right eye. I think our slightly bigger minature schnauzer may have scratched her because he constantly jumps up to greet us and steps on her.
Carefully cleaning the eye with a warm rag helps to discover if there are any serious issues with the eye. I then bought some apple cider vinegar after reading this site and applied it to the scruff of her neck.
I just poured some on a wet cloth, and then even pored some directly onto her neck to saturate the skin. She has pretty thick hair so I put the washcloth on her back and held it there to soak in.
I'm happy to report that even 30 min. later, the green goo has stopped appearing. I am going to keep checking her, and maybe apply one more time in the morning. So far, so good though. I'm glad this works because I cannot afford to pay $100 at the vet right now just for a check-up and medicine.
Thank you so much for this site and helpful comments. My siamese had some thick yellow discharge in her eye on a saturday evening. I knew I wouldn't be able to get her into a vet until Monday, so I was going to see if there was something I could try in the meantime. I was fascinated with the ACV comments. I diluted 1 tablespoon of ACV with 2 tablespoons warm water and dropped it onto her neck with a medicene dropper, and massaged it in. She didn't mind at all, and licked some of it off that had dripped down. That very evening her eye looked better, and the next day, it was cleared up completely by late morning! (I gave her another 1 tsp of the mixture that morning). That was it! I am so thankful for this help. It saved me expensive vet bills and a stressful trip to the vet for my cat. thanks again!
Faith (North Richland Hills, TX USA) on 02/12/2009:
ACV has totally cleared up my dog's eyes.
My little dachshund mix has had problems with his left eye ever since he joined us last April. The vet prescribed a tube of medicine, but he fought me like the dickens every time I tried to apply it. I'm not sure any of it ever actually made it to his eye. I read here about massaging ACV into the back of the dog's neck for conjunctivitis and eye problems, and thought it sounded completely nuts. But I'm game for anything.
I keep some organic ACV in a small squeeze bottle, and I just squeezed some out onto a cotton ball, and used the cotton to massage the ACV into the back of his neck. After the first night, his eye looked like he'd never had any problems at all. He doesn't seem to mind the ACV, and it's a cheap, easy, and painless way to keep his eyes shining bright and free of eye boogers and stuff.
Wow! It DID cure the conjunctivitis overnight! With one application, this morning their eyes are clear in both my dogs. Will do one more app. this a.m. I did the 1 tspn behind head & 1 in food (i put in gravy). Will continue it in water or food.
ACV also gets rid of cat spray odor.
We will probably smell like a pickle factory. I plan to use myself, as maybe will get rid of my winter blues (see Remedies tab).
ACV cured my cat's conjunctivitis. One of my cat's, named Fizzy, green eyes was sealed shut with mucus oozing out. I made a solution of 1 tbsp ACV and 2 tbsp water, rubbed some on his shoulders and paws, and poured the rest in his water. I also washed his eyes with warm wet towels too. After 2 hours his eye was a little less oozy. I did this solution twice a day for 2 days, and on the 3rd day he was virtually cured! If not for this awesome website and its helpful reviews, my kitty, Fizzy, would still be sickly, so thank you!
My youngest dog (11 mos) developed a case of conjunctivitus, I first tried the Chamomile tea which worked as long as I kept up with it; applying it several times a day. Then I tried the Vinegar method I was putting one teaspoon in a waterbowl that holds approx three cups of water, and I also massaged approx 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar into the back of her neck (30 lb dog) It worked like a charm the conjuctivitus was gone within two days. I stopped the vinegar on the back of the neck and now just add the 1 tsp to the drinking water. Her eyes are as beautiful as theyre supposed to be. Very happy with this web site and the 'Yea' rating system
ACV for Conjunctivitis in Dogs: ACV cured my Cockapoo's conjunctivitis almost immediately. Had him to vet last Sunday for a nasty case of pink eye. They gave him prescription eye drops. They were not working. I stumbled across your site and tried 1 tsp on the scruff of his neck. Eyes that were beet red and gooey clear almost completely within 10 minutes. Used it again this morninng. Eyes still clear. Fantastic treatment!
Hi, just wanted to post my support for ACV for cats. I have 2 cats, one female approx. 9 years old, and a male approx. 4 years old. Both were strays that "adopted" us :o) My female had that goopy stuff in her eye the other day and I assume it was conjunctivitis. I soaked a cotton ball in ACV and rubbed it in on the back of her neck. I was expecting her to turn tail and run to sulk for a while, but she seems to actually like it. She kept sniffing at the cotton ball and not running away. The next day my daughter commented how her eye was all better and it is now back to normal. Her coat is also looking better and her appetite is raging. I just put my hand down in front of her and she stood up on her back legs and clawed and gently bit at my hands thinking I had food for her. My male cat also got uninary blockage some time ago and I got some expensive vet bills on that one. When he developed another one, I found the ACV remedy but couldn't get him to drink it from water. I did find another natural remedy for some stuff you sprinkle in their food and I also used cranberry supplements. I also switched both of the cats to a more natural semi-raw diet. They eat twice a day now and do NOT get any dry food. Mornings they get tuna fish w/raw chicken livers and in the evenings I give them salmon w/raw gizzards, hearts or livers, just depends on what I have. They just absolutely love this diet. They stand meowing through the door when they know it's time to eat :o) Drives my hubby crazy. I also make sure I add additional water to their meals to make sure they are getting enough liquid. I can't get either one of them to just drink from a plain bowl of water.
Another post singing the praises of ACV! My littl xe 7 year old Yorkie had a bad case of conjunctivitis and he hated having his drops administered so I asked the vet for something else and he gave me a cream but my little Yorkie still hated it...anyway I stumbled across this amazing website, took the advice re; the ACV and lo and behold it worked! After just half an hour I noticed a major difference and my dubious husband is gob smacked! I can't thank you enough all you people who have posted recommendations on the forum. Thank you!
Jess (Port Lincoln, South Australia) on 11/24/2008:
A teaspoon of ACV on the back of the neck rubbed in for about 30 seconds fixed a quite bad case of conjunctivitis in our MalteseX overnight. If we hadn't seen it we would not have believed it. Simply amazing. We are continuing the treatment for a couple of days, but not sure why, as there is absolutely no sign of the symptoms at all. ACV was used neat and is being reapplied about 3 times a day - however, the initial treatment did the trick. Earthclinic...you, and ACV, are great!
Beth (Auckland, Middle-Earth New Zealand) on 09/24/2008:
I tried the advice from your column for dogs with conjunctivitis or pinkeye. I applied a small amount of ACV on the neck on my pet dog and in 1 hour, the conjunctivitis has almost gone! Not only that but his eye has opened (was full of goop and closed), and he is playing with his toys again! I poured a tablespoon of ACV onto the neck and massaged it in. Fantastic and thanks!
My poodle had a bad eye and ear infection. We went through the ususal treatments. My vet is now adding a new wing to her clinic (just joking) but that is how I feel. So I got on the internet when I say this sight. I read about the ACV treatment. Willing to try anything I mixed the mixture and applied as directed. Later that evening I noticed his eyes were no longer red. Four days later it had cleared up.His ears are better so as a prevention I put a little in his ear. His infection is in check now. Thank you all for the sudgestions. It really did work.
I tried this on my 10 year old Calico. Her eye started to get goopy and she was listless. I felt so bad for her, but because of financial problems, could not afford to take her to the vet for a couple of weeks. I tried the ACV treatment on the scruff of her neck for 3 days in a row. The morning after the first treatment, she was doing a little better. By the 3rd day, she was fine. It has been 2 weeks now, and she's still doing great. Thank you so much for telling us about this. IT REALLY WORKS!!! BB Heidi N.
Dreading another vet bill, I looked online for a home remedy to clear up a "goopy" looking eye infection developing in one of my cat's eyes. I read that if you massage a little ACV into the scruff of the neck, it clears up within minutes. Very hard to believe, I know - but I decided to give it a try. I massaged some into his neck and he promptly ran off to hide for awhile. He came back out about an hour later, running around and playing. I looked at his eyes and honestly couldn't even tell which one had the problem. Two days later, still all clear. I don't know why or how it worked, but it did and I'm very thankful someone posted the suggestion and I wanted to pass it on.
ACV for Cats: Three Cheers! My seven-month-old rescue kitty came into my home with an upper respiratory infection and later developed some conjunctivitis in his left eye. Following the advice on this page, I gave him a dropperful of ACV right into the fur on the nape of his neck and massaged it down into his skin. Some of the liquid ran down the sides of his neck, where he licked it off. Within 90 minutes of his first dose, the conjunctivitis started to clear up, and his energy perked up considerably. He is now free of both the upper respiratory issue and the eye infection, with no vet visit needed. I know give him a maintenance dose every few days and yes, he's a little stinky from the vinegar, but happy and healthy nonetheless. I've also started taking the ACV myself. Good stuff.
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