Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Apple cider vinegar, often abbreviated to ACV, is frequently recommended online as a natural treatment for numerous canine health problems.
However, many of the claimed benefits are based on anecdotal reports rather than reliable scientific evidence. Apple cider vinegar should not replace veterinary examination, prescribed treatment or licensed parasite prevention.
Itchy Skin
Diluted apple cider vinegar is sometimes suggested as a topical rinse or spray for itchy skin. Claims that it treats yeast, allergies, rashes or other skin conditions are not supported by strong veterinary evidence.
Itchy skin can have many causes, including fleas, mites, allergies and bacterial or fungal infections. Using a home remedy without identifying the cause may delay effective treatment.
Vinegar is acidic and may sting or further irritate inflamed skin. It must never be applied to open wounds, broken skin, raw areas or close to the eyes, nose or other sensitive areas.
If your dog has persistent itching, redness, hair loss, discharge, an unpleasant smell or broken skin, arrange an examination with your veterinary surgeon.
Do Not Put Apple Cider Vinegar into Your Dog’s Ears
Older advice sometimes recommends cleaning a dog’s ears with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This should not be done unless your veterinary surgeon has examined the ears and specifically advised that the product is suitable.
Red, itchy, painful or dirty ears may be caused by infection, yeast, mites, allergies, a foreign body or damage within the ear. The eardrum may also be damaged without this being visible to the owner.
Putting an unsuitable or acidic solution into an inflamed ear can cause considerable pain and may make the condition worse. Use only an ear-cleaning product recommended for your dog by a veterinary professional.
Flea and Tick Repellent
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes promoted as a natural flea and tick repellent, either by spraying it onto the coat or adding it to the dog’s food or drinking water.
There is no reliable evidence that apple cider vinegar provides effective protection against fleas or ticks. It should not be used instead of an appropriate, licensed parasite-prevention product.
Fleas can cause severe itching, flea-allergy dermatitis and anaemia. Ticks can transmit serious diseases. Ask your veterinary surgeon which preventative treatment is appropriate for your dog, particularly if your dog has a known medication sensitivity or MDR1 mutation.
Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to Food or Water
Some sources recommend adding apple cider vinegar to a dog’s food or drinking water. The original version of this page suggested two tablespoons, regardless of the dog’s size.
This fixed dose has been removed because it is not suitable advice for every dog. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and may cause digestive irritation. Adding it to drinking water may also discourage a dog from drinking enough.
It may be unsuitable for dogs with particular digestive, dental, kidney or other medical conditions and could interact with medicines. Do not give apple cider vinegar internally without first discussing it with your veterinary surgeon.
Apple Cider Vinegar Body Rinses
Recipes combining apple cider vinegar, green tea and water are sometimes recommended as coat rinses to alter skin pH, soothe itching or repel insects.
These claimed benefits have not been established sufficiently to recommend such mixtures as treatments. Homemade mixtures can also become contaminated during preparation or storage.
If a veterinary surgeon agrees that a topical product may be tried, ask for clear instructions about dilution, application and whether it should be rinsed away. Stop using it immediately if the dog shows discomfort or increased redness or itching.
When to Contact Your Veterinary Surgeon
Seek veterinary advice if your dog has:
- Persistent or severe itching
- Red, inflamed, broken or weeping skin
- Hair loss or repeated skin infections
- Ear pain, redness, discharge or an unpleasant smell
- Repeated head shaking or loss of balance
- Evidence of fleas, ticks or other parasites
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or loss of appetite
- Any symptoms that become worse following a home treatment
Further information
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Itching, parasites and skin disease
This information is not intended to replace veterinary care. Always consult your veterinary surgeon before using apple cider vinegar or another home remedy to treat a health problem.