Out of all of the things that we can give to our dogs, one ingredient many will take a look at is apple cider vinegar. This is a commonly given food product that can be handed out to dogs with relative ease. However, like just about anything else you can apply to your dog, you need to be very smart with how much you use and how you apply the product to your dog in the first place.
So, can dogs have apple cider vinegar? Yes, but you need to be very sensible with creation, dilution, and application.
The Secret to Giving Your Dog Apple Cider Vinegar
The first thing that you need to focus on for your dog would be why you would be using this product. Many find that using this as a topical treatment can help to fend off many illnesses and ailments that your dogs face.
This can include problems such as itchy skin, hot spots, and other topical irritations. If your dog was to consume apple cider vinegar, it can also help to kill off and fight back against troublesome bladder infections. Apple cider vinegar can be often overly sold as a miracle cure, but it is a product that can be pretty free from minerals with only trace amounts of minerals and vitamins.
Still, it can be very good for our skin – and the skin of our dogs – for other reasons. Given the fact it is made using simply water and apples, there is no reason for you to worry about its application. And no, the term cider does not mean your dog is going to be running around drunk and howling at the moon!
Like anything else, the secret to giving your dog ACV comes down to making sure you blend it right.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
To make sure your dog can benefit from this product, you need to make sure that you create a rinse for topical usage. This can be done simply by mixing together some apple cider vinegar – maybe a cup at most for every 3-4 cups of water – and then rinsing your dog’s fur and skin with this. You could find that it works well as a flea repellent, too.
Just put the mixture into a spray bottle, spray your dog down, and then work this into their skin and their body. It will be very good for the dog and can ensure they start to reduce problems like irritation on the skin.
As ever, you need to avoid doing this on too regular a basis. This can work well if you do it on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but avoid making this something you do on a nightly rotation.
Your dog will be able to enjoy the benefit of apple cider vinegar without really having to worry about anything. Moderate their intake, avoid using it every night and make sure your dog is not drinking the stuff to excess.
You could even drop it into their water – even a single teaspoon into their water bowl every now and then can be a good way to add it to your dog’s regular diet. As ever, though, speak with your veterinarian if you are unsure about how your dog will react to ACV, or how much/little you should be using.