Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits For Dogs And Cats |Homesteading

It seems that the benefits and uses for apple cider vinegar are virtually limitless. Not only is it beneficial for around the home, it used in many of our home remedies. Here’s a plus… It’s also beneficial to our canine and feline companions as well!

Apple Cider Vinegar | Letting Your Pets Benefit From It

Let’s take a quick look at the ACV benefits for our furry companions.

ACV Benefits For Dogs:

• Reduces Itchy Skin
• Deters Ticks
• Treats Flea Bites
• Helps To Relieve Arthritis Pain
• Helps To Fight UTI’s
• Helps To Control Mange

ACV Benefits For Cats:

• Helps To Treat Various Skin Conditions
• Use ACV To Clean Their Ears
• Helps To Fight UTI’s

 

Let’s get started!

ACV Benefits For Dogs

Reduces Itchy Skin

A common issue with dogs is itchy skin, which can stem from a number of reasons. The acidic properties of ACV help restore their skin’s pH levels which, in turn, can reduce the itchiness of their skin.

How to use ACV to treat itchy skin on dogs:

• Combine 1 quart of water and 2-3 tablespoons of ACV.
• Give your dog a bath (bathing them as usual).
• Add the ACV mixture all over their body avoiding their face.
• Gently pat dry them with a towel, making sure to leave their fur damp.
• Allow their fur to dry naturally.

This process can be repeated up to 3 times a week.

 

Deters Ticks

ACV is great for deterring ticks! Here’s how to make a spray to help keep ticks at bay.

• Combine equal parts of ACV and water and add to a spray bottle.
• Shake well and spray on their fur.
• As you spray, run thru their fur with a comb to pick up any loose ticks.

This process can be done up to 5 days a week.

If your dog has been bitten by a tick, you can apply ACV directly to the bite to relieve itchiness, swelling, and possible pain caused by the bite. If your dog experiences swelling in the joints, loss of appetite, or fever please consult your veterinarian immediately!

 

Treats Flea Bites

Another common experience for your canine companion is dealing with fleas. The bite of a single flea bite can cause itchiness, swelling, and pain. The acidic nature of ACV can help soothe the discomforts that fleas cause.

Using ACV to treat flea bites:

• Combine equal parts water and raw, unfiltered ACV and add to spray bottle.
• Spray this mixture directly on the flea bite.

This can be done up to 3-5 times a day.

 

Helps To Relieve Arthritis Pain

Just like us, dogs can become arthritic in their old age. ACV can be used to give them some relief. The acidic nature of ACV helps to break down the calcium deposits, which is one the causes of arthritis.

Instructions:

• Combine equal parts of water and ACV.
• Soak a soft cloth in the mixture.
• Place saturated cloth directly onto their arthritic areas and leave for 10 minutes.

This can be done 2-3 times a day.

 

Helps To Fight UTI’s

If your dog is suffering from a UTI (urinary tract infection), ACV can help. The detoxifying and purifying properties of ACV helps the bladder to become healthy again and helps to inhibit the microbes that cause the infection.

To use ACV for their UTI, simply add ACV to their food or water. Here are the recommended measurements based on their weight:

• Up to 14 pounds: 1 teaspoon
• 15 to 34 pounds: 1 tablespoon
• 35 to 85 pounds: 2 tablespoons

If your dog is suffering from severe pain and you see blood in their urine, consult your veterinarian immediately!

 

Helps To Control Mange

The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of ACV makes ACV an effective remedy to help control mange on dogs. Here’s how!

• Combine 1 cup of ACV and 1 cup of water and add to spray bottle.
• Spray on your dogs and comb thru their fur as you go.
• Do not rinse and allow to air dry.

Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for best results.

 

ACV Benefits For Cats

Helps To Treat Various Skin Conditions

ACV can be used to help treat various skin conditions on cats such as skin allergies, irritations due to flea bites, and ringworm. Most cats have sensitive skin so make sure to always dilute the ACV. Here’s how:

• Combine 1 part water and 1 part ACV.
• Wet a paper towel with this mixture.
• Rub the damp paper towel across their fur and let dry naturally. (If the cat tries to lick it off, no worries. It’s safe!)

 

Use ACV To Clean Their Ears

ACV can clean your cat’s ears! Here’s how:

• Combine equal parts warm water and ACV.
• Immerse a paper towel into the mixture.
• Squeeze a small amount off the paper towel into your cat’s ear.

After about 2 minutes, clean excess with a slightly damp paper towel. (dampened by water)

Repeat these steps until their ears are clean.

 

Helps To Fight UTI’s

As with dogs, ACV can help with the discomforts of an UTI in your feline companion. Here’s how:

• Combine 1 teaspoon of chicken broth and ¼ teaspoon of ACV.
• Add this mixture to their wet food.

Repeat this process for every feeding until their UTI symptoms subside which usually takes a few days. If your cat is in severe pain, refusing to eat, and you do not notice any “pee spots” in their litter box, please consult their veterinarian immediately!

 

Nathalie Smith shows the benefits of using apple cider vinegar on dogs:

Do you use apple cider vinegar with your canine or feline companion? Tell us in the comment section below.

Up Next: 17 Healthy Homemade Pet Food Recipes and Treats

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