Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: Natural Solutions Every Pet Parent Should Know

If you're a dog parent, you've probably heard whispers about apple cider vinegar (ACV) being a miracle ingredient. But what’s the truth? Both humans and pets are indeed adding apple cider vinegar to their diets. However, is apple cider vinegar for dogs actually helpful? The short answer is yes—but it’s all about knowing how to use it safely and effectively.

This guide will take you through the benefits of ACV, how to use it for specific issues, and even some fun tricks like making an apple cider vinegar mosquito repellent for dogs. 

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs?

Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice. It’s natural, affordable, and full of helpful enzymes, acids, and vitamins. 

For dogs, it offers multiple benefits—from soothing itchy skin to keeping those pesky mosquitoes away.

But before you go pouring ACV all over your pup, it’s important to understand how to use it properly. Too much, or using it the wrong way, can do more harm than good.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Let’s take a look at the benefits of apple cider vinegar so you can decide if it's the best choice for your furry friend.

Relieves Itchy Paws

It’s common for your dog to lick its paws to keep the pads clean.  However, there is a fine line between normal and excessive. Does your dog obsessively lick or chew their paws? It might be due to allergies, injury, or fungal infections.

The natural antifungal properties found in the ACV fight bacteria and yeast that irritate your pup’s toes and pads. In addition to helping relieve itchy paws, ACV can also help your dog’s feet smell fresh - so say goodbye to stinky dog toes!

Create a soak: Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water. Soak your dog’s paws in this solution for 5 minutes. Rinse lightly if needed. Pat dry with a soft towel.

For dogs with damaged skin from excessive licking, chewing, or searching, use a lower ratio of ACV to water. start with a very diluted 5-10% vinegar-to-water solution to prevent irritation to damaged skin.

Cleans Ears Safely

Dirty ears can lead to infections and irritation. Does your dog shake his head or scratch at his ears? If so, your pup might have a fungal or bacterial infection of the ears.

Some dogs regularly suffer from ear irritation after a bath or swim. ACV can quickly bring relief and prevent more serious ear infections.

ACV can clean and balance the pH of your dog’s ears.

Use this recipe: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ears.

Remember, never pour ACV directly into the ear. Always use a diluted solution.

Improves Digestion

Puppy breath can sometimes get bad!  Sure you love giving your pooch snuggles and kisses, but you’ll want to improve your furry buddy’s breath. Adding a little ACV to your dog’s diet can support digestion and even help with bad breath.  

How much apple cider vinegar for dogs? Start with 1 teaspoon mixed into their water or food for every 20 pounds of body weight.

ACV promotes healthy gut bacteria and aids in breaking down food. It can alleviate stomach upset and dramatically improve your pup’s breath. 

Repels Mosquitoes and Fleas

Mosquitoes and fleas hate the smell of ACV, but it’s harmless to your dog when applied externally.  Why not make a spray to use on your dog and even where they frequent like their doggy bed?  

How to make a spray: Mix one part apple cider vinegar and one part water. Spray lightly onto your dog’s coat just before outdoor adventures to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos away without the use of toxic bug sprays.

Boosts Skin Health

Wintertime can bring itchy skin. Luckily, ACV can soothe skin irritations caused by dryness, allergies, or minor infections.

Dilute ACV with water: A 5-10% dilution is ideal for its skin-protecting properties. Apply it to affected areas with a soft cloth.

Apple cider vinegar can also be used to treat minor wounds and skin irritations. Similar to its use for hot spots, ACV acts as a natural disinfectant. For best results, repeat the application a few times daily until the wound starts to heal.

Clear Up Unsightly Doggy Tear Stains

Tear stains are a common issue for small dogs and breeds with flat faces (brachycephalic). These stains occur when tear ducts release bacteria that discolour the fur if not cleaned regularly.  

Not only do tear stains look unattractive, especially if you have a light-coloured dog, but they can also smell bad and become uncomfortable. 

Here's how to use ACV for dog tear stains: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water can help reduce tear staining by lowering their pH levels. While this won’t eliminate tear production—a common trait in certain breeds—it can make a big difference when combined with daily grooming.

Regular cleaning and ACV ensure your dog’s face stays fresh and stain-free.

Best Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements for Dogs

Though apple cider vinegar is a common household ingredient and can be used to make a variety of homemade treatments for common dog health issues, it's also a commonly used ingredient in many store-bought health aids and meal toppers for dogs.

Take a look at a few of the different ways apple cider vinegar is used in pet products to support their health:

Burt's Bees Hot Spot Spray

Hot spots can be very uncomfortable for dogs. Using simple and effective treatments can help kickstart the healing process and prevent hot spot irritation from leading to more serious infections. Burt's Bees Hot Spot Spray uses the pH-balancing effects of ACV and soothing aloe vera to protect and heal irritated skin quickly and painlessly.

Adored Beast Apothecary Yeasty Beast III Topical Spray

Dogs that suffer from yeast issues are often constantly itchy, leading to damaged skin and discomfort from overlicking, chewing, and scratching. Adored Beast Yeasty Beast III Topical Spray uses homeopathic herbal tinctures in a base of witch hazel and apple cider vinegar to quickly reduce yeast population and relieve irritation.

Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews for Dogs

Your dog's immune system is the front line against allergens, bacteria, and free radical cells. Open Farm Immune Supplement Chews are an immunity-boosting snack that provides anti-oxidants, fights bacteria, and supports digestion to give your dog's immune system the ability to protect themself better.

Primal Fresh Toppers and Goat's Milk

Primal uses apple cider vinegar in a number of products for its immune-boosting properties. Both Primal Fresh Toppers and Primal Goat's Milk products use raw organic apple cider vinegar. This nutritious raw format maintains the nutritional properties of the ACV while masking the sharp taste.

Bo & Marrow Ruff Life Broth

Bone broth is a very nutritious meal topper and supplement for dogs. It's rich in collagen and tastes great. Made with only 3 real food ingredients, Bo & Marrow Beef Bone Broth is made from beef bones, sweet potato, and apple cider vinegar. In addition to supposedly helping draw out more nutrients from the bones, your dog can get some of the benefits of feeding apple cider vinegar for dogs.

Mixing Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Why not join forces between two healthy power players: ACV and coconut oil?  Pairing ACV with coconut oil can amplify its benefits. Coconut oil is moisturizing and has antibacterial properties, making it a perfect partner for ACV.

Does your dog suffer from itchy skin? If so, mix equal parts ACV and coconut oil. Apply it to dry, irritated areas and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

Many canines experience hot spots. ACV can help. Dab the mixture on hot spots to soothe itching and inflammation.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Fleas on Dogs

Have you noticed your dog itching and chewing on its skin? If so, it may have fleas. 

Even the cleanest and healthiest dogs can fall victim to fleas. These pesky critters don’t discriminate and can make life miserable for both you and your pet. Fortunately, apple cider vinegar for dogs is a natural and effective way to help repel fleas and ticks.

Pre-Walk Flea Spray

When you leave your home with your doggo, they can fall prey to pests such as fleas. In fact, most dogs pick up a flea infestation when out walking or visiting a dog park.

Before your dog heads outside, prepare a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz your dog’s coat, avoiding their eyes and sensitive areas. This creates an invisible shield that makes your dog’s scent less appealing to fleas and ticks.

Best of all, unlike chemical flea repellants which might prove dangerous for your pet, apple cider vinegar is all-natural.

Can I Add ACV to Dog Food?

In small amounts, AVC can be added to your dog’s diet to prevent painful flea bites on your furry friend. 

Enhance the flea-repelling power by incorporating ACV into your dog’s diet. Add up to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per 50 pounds of body weight to your dog’s food or water a few times per week during flea season.

Start with smaller amounts to ensure your dog adjusts to the taste. The acidity in ACV can help balance your dog’s pH, making them less attractive to fleas and ticks.

Dogs with sensitive digestion and picky pets may not tolerate apple cider vinegar, so if your dog's eating or bathroom habits change after adding ACV to their diet, it's best to stop and consider alternative flea prevention treatments.

With these simple steps, you can naturally reduce the risk of fleas while keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Apple Cider Vinegar Precautions and Best Practices

When using apple cider vinegar to treat your dog’s problems and improve your pet’s life, it’s essential to follow some precautions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

• • For Internal Use: Always dilute ACV when adding it to food. A safe ratio is 1 part ACV to 3 parts water. This prevents excessive acidity in your dog’s stomach.
  • For Topical Use: Use a 1:10 ratio of ACV to water when applying to skin, wounds, or hot spots. This prevents stinging or irritation and maintains the natural pH of your dog’s skin.
  • Avoid Sensitive Areas: Never apply apple cider vinegar near your dog’s eyes or open wounds without proper dilution. Even diluted vinegar can sting sensitive areas.
  • Limit Frequency: Overuse of ACV can lead to an overly acidic environment in your dog’s body, potentially causing digestive upset. Use ACV only in moderation with our pet, and rotate it with other natural supplements to maintain balance.
  • Choose the Right Vinegar: Use only raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.  Processed or distilled kinds of vinegar lack the beneficial enzymes and nutrients that make ACV effective for your dog.

Please remember, that apple cider vinegar is not a replacement for professional veterinary care. If your dog is experiencing health problems then we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian before introducing ACV. 

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use apple cider vinegar to support your dog’s health and well-being.

Apple cider vinegar for dogs is a versatile, natural remedy every pet parent should consider using for their dog. Whether you’re cleaning ears, soothing itchy paws, or keeping mosquitoes at bay, ACV is a safe choice. 

Have questions or need specific product recommendations? Contact Homes Alive Pets for trusted advice and high-quality pet care solutions. Your furry friend deserves the best, and with a little ACV magic, you can help them live their happiest, healthiest life!

Apple Cider Vinegar FAQs for Dogs

Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs?

Yes, but only when used correctly. ACV can improve skin health, repel pests, and support digestion. Always dilute it to avoid irritation.

How much apple cider vinegar for dogs is safe?

For dietary use, start with 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. For topical use, always dilute it with water in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio.

Can I use apple cider vinegar for my dog’s paws?

Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar for your dog’s paws.  Soaking paws in an ACV and water solution can help relieve itching, fight bacteria, and prevent yeast infections.

Is it safe to use apple cider vinegar for my dog’s ears?

Yes, but only if the ears are not red, swollen, or wounded. Use a diluted solution and wipe gently with a cotton ball.

Can ACV be used as a mosquito repellent for dogs?

Yes! Dilute ACV in water into a spray bottle. Apply it lightly before outdoor activities.