The Many Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Pet Dogs & Cats

As you may have guessed by the name, Apple Cider Vinegar is indeed made from Apples. Apples are crushed to squeeze out their juice. Bacteria and yeast are then added to the juice to help it ferment. The juice first converts into alcohol and then into Apple Cider Vinegar with the help of Acetic Acid-forming bacteria.

With lots of known benefits for humans like weight loss, reduced cholesterol, lower blood sugar and many more, it’s not odd to think if it could help our pets too. While there are no studies with conclusive evidence on the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Dogs and Cats, a significant number of pets have experienced its amazing benefits.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar is harmless to pets; only the organic, raw, unfiltered type though. Applied topically or included in your pet’s diet, it can help your pet’s body perform at its best. Here are some of the noted benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for pet dogs and cats.
 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin

ACV is a great topical application to improve your pet’s skin and coat. Fill up a spray bottle with 50% Apple Cider Vinegar and 50% water. Spray this solution as a part of your pet’s grooming routine. Regular use will help you see improvement in the quality of your pet’s skin and coat. It is also an all-natural product and definitely better than commercial chemical alternatives.
 
This solution can also be used before daily walks or outdoor adventures as a natural tick, flea, and pest repellent. Spritz it over your pet instead of pesticide-heavy chemical repellents.

NOTE: It is very important to inspect your pet for ticks and fleas once they return home from the outdoors, irrespective of the repellent you use.

Using an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse (1 cup ACV per 3 cups of water) after bathing your pet, can help relieve and better Itchy or Rough Skin. As a result, this can also lessen or eliminate dandruff in dogs and cats. It can even alleviate symptoms of Eczema and other Skin Allergies.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar can also be used to remove tear stains naturally. Adding 1 teaspoon of ACV to your pet’s daily drinking water will increase their body pH. This will help prevent bacteria and yeast infections.
 
Its anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties make Apple Cider Vinegar a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It calms hot spots, irritated paws, or any other irritation on the skin.
 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestion

If your pet has frequent diarrhea, constipation or other digestive issues, including 1 – 2 teaspoons a day (per 20-25 kgs of body weight) of Apple Cider Vinegar in their drinking water can relieve digestion issues. Doing this will also reduce bloating and gas in your pet. Adding it to your pet’s food instead can also have a similar effect. It’ll also help in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
 
Adding ACV to your ill pet’s diet will help them fight the disease or infection better. Its antiseptic properties help keep harmful bacteria and viruses out of the body. Adding it to your pet’s daily intake will boost their immunity in the long run. Whether your pet is currently sick or not, including some Apple Cider Vinegar can help prevent any illnesses in the air from affecting your pet.
 
Including Apple Cider Vinegar in your pet’s diet increases their metabolism. It purifies and detoxifies the system, and also helps with diabetes.

NOTE: Apple Cider Vinegar does not cure any diseases, it only aids in the healing process and a quicker recovery. Consult your veterinarian for the right medication if your pet is suffering from a lifestyle disorder like diabetes.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bone & Muscle Health

Soaking a cloth in Apple Cider Vinegar and placing it on areas with muscle sprains or arthritis can help alleviate the pain. Including some ACV in your pet’s diet breaks down calcium deposits around joints, especially in senior pets. Apple Cider Vinegar along with medication can better a case of Osteoporosis too.
 

Apple Cider Vinegar for Hygiene

Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar and regular brushing can keep your pet’s dental health in check. It prevents tooth decay and the acidity helps break down plaque and tartar.Using cotton balls dipped in 1 part ACV and 1 part purified water to clean your pet’s ears will keep them safe of any infections. Apple Cider Vinegar’s anti-bacterial properties prevent yeast and bacterial infections and maintain hygiene.
 
Apple Cider Vinegar also works as a great all-natural shampoo and tick & flea-repellent. Commercial shampoos are often laden with chemicals and tick, flea-repellents with pesticides. Bathing your pet with a diluted ACV and water solution works both, as a great shampoo and keeps ticks and fleas away. It will also reduce bad fecal odor over time.

SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Guide to Ticks, Tick Fever & its Prevention

For these and countless more reasons, Apple Cider Vinegar should definitely find a permanent place in your kitchen shelf. It is definitely a magic potion with astounding benefits for both you and your pet. Start adding some to your pet’s diet or water and watch them thrive! It isn’t too expensive and can definitely save you a lot of costs that you’d instead spend on vet visits and treatment, let alone the pain and suffering. Apple Cider Vinegar is also very easily available these days. You could check your nearest grocery store or simply buy it online. Remember you need the raw, unfiltered variety of Apple Cider Vinegar.

NOTE: Excess of anything good will cause harm too. Do not give your pet more than 1 tablespoon per 20 kgs of his body weight of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Know what else can help you curb unnecessary vet visits and suffering for your pet? The right food! Check out our affordable, healthy meals today.