Can Dogs Have Apple Cider Vinegar? Vet-Reviewed Uses, Benefits & Risks

VET APPROVED

Reviewed & fact-checked by

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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So, you’ve heard about all of the amazing health benefits of apple cider vinegar for people. But would it also work wonders for your dog?

While the good news is that a very small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar is unlikely to cause harm to a healthy dog, there is very little evidence to suggest it will offer them any benefits. In fact, there are some possible side effects associated with its use in dogs, particularly those suffering with certain health issues. So before you add a dash of this natural remedy to your dog’s bowl, it is essential that you speak to your vet.

Apple Cider Vinegar as a Cure-All

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made by crushing apples and giving the apple juice time to ferment, usually a few weeks in a warm place. This process creates ethanol alcohol, which is converted into acetic acid by specific acetic acid producing bacteria. Over time, the vinegar matures, enhancing its flavor.

Apple cider vinegar has been in use for hundreds of years as a folk remedy for several health conditions. The ancient Greeks even used it for treating wounds. ACV has gained popularity in recent years, particularly as a method for losing weight, but experts are not convinced of some of the anecdotal advantages of this vinegar.

Some of the claims for the benefits of apple cider vinegar in people include:

While there are many claims to ACV’s health benefits, there have not been enough tests and studies run to use it safely as a treatment for health issues. You should always speak to your doctor if you’re considering using it to treat any health problem.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Your Dog

Apple cider vinegar is a natural product that is easy to find and won’t cost very much. Below are some of the ways in which ACV has been used in dogs, but it’s important to be aware that there is very little scientific data to support its effectiveness, and its safety is not guaranteed. However, acetic acid is a commonly used component in some skin and ear cleaning solutions.

Before considering apple cider vinegar for your dog in any form, it’s crucial to consult with your vet as inappropriate use of undiluted product may lead to adverse effects.

Skin Conditions

Some owners have used diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse if your dog has irritated, dry, or inflamed skin or after the bath. Others suggest, if your dog seems to suffer from yeast infections on their paws, soaking them in ACV could help clear it up.

However, at this time there is no evidence to back ACV’s beneficial effect on skin health or yeast infections, and it can in some cases provoke a skin irritation, especially if used in inappropriate concentrations. Please speak to your vet if your dog is suffering from a skin condition or you are considering using ACV.

Ear Care

Apple cider vinegar has been believed by some to be able to help with bacterial and yeast overgrowth in your dog’s ears as a means to prevent ear infections. Whilst acetic acid is used in some ear cleaning solutions, it is usually combined with stabilizing ingredients and preservatives to make it more ‘ear friendly’. Applying ACV in the wrong concentration into a dog’s ear can cause further irritation, pain and worsening of ear infection, which is why it’s strongly discouraged. This is particularly important if there is a chance that the tympanic membrane (ear drum) has been damaged.

Skunk Stink Removal

Although some have suggested using diluted ACV to help remove some of the skunk stench on dogs, this is also not entirely risk free. Even dilute ACV can irritate the skin in some dogs, especially if they have any skin wounds or cuts. It’s also crucial to ensure none gets anywhere near their eyes, nose or ears. It shouldn’t be left for longer than a couple minutes and must be thoroughly rinsed with water. Rather than using ACVwhich may cause skin irritation and may not rid your dog of skunk smell, consider other more friendly alternatives and dog shampoos.

General Health

Many claim that apple cider vinegar is great for dog’s general health, a bit like an old fashioned ‘tonic’, but there isn’t much scientific data to support those claims. That isn’t to say that there may be some benefit to adding small amounts of ACV to your dog’s diet, but at the moment, there simply isn’t enough evidence either way. If you’re keen to give it a try, be sure to first discuss it with your vet to make sure it is safe for your dog.

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The Downside for Dogs

A very small amount of dilute ACV is unlikely to cause significant harm to a healthy dog, but there are cases where it may prove harmful, if given inappropriately or to dogs with underlying health issues. Always consult your vet if you’re considering using apple cider vinegar to treat a health condition.

If you do decide to use ACV, it should always be diluted. It is highly acidic and could burn your dog’s skin, mouth or digestive tract and cause various signs of discomfort, as well as drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea.

When giving your dog apple cider vinegar, do it under veterinary guidance and supervise your dog closely for the next few days. If they don’t like it or develop any unpleasant side effects, report back to your vet and stop giving it.

Conclusion

While there are many claims about the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar, the jury is still out regarding the safety and efficacy of this product for dogs, so it’s always best to play it safe and consult your vet first. Any claims that ACV can cure cancer or cause massive weight loss are incorrect…you know the saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

In most cases, giving your dog apple cider vinegar might cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort, or have absolutely no effect at all, and there is not enough evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits of this natural remedy for us to recommend using it without veterinary guidance. This is particular important if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions, allergies, or intolerances. If you’re concerned about your dog’s health, always follow your vet’s advice to keep your dog healthy and happy.

• See also: Can Dogs Have Vinegar? Our Vet Explains Health Risks & Benefits

Featured Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock