Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is not new; it has been around for centuries. However this age-old folk medicine is starting to become main stream with many now claiming that ACV has some amazing natural health benefits for both human and dogs.
When advocates of cider vinegar are speaking of the amazing health benefits of ACV they are recommending raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized vinegar that comes complete with traces of sediment that contains the bacteria necessary for conversion from hard cider to vinegar. Raw Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar contains enzymes and other fragile nutrients that have not been destroyed by the heat of pasteurization or distillation.
Some of the claims made by vinegar proponents are supported by research while others are not. Some veterinarians still scoff at the idea of the health benefits of ACV, while Holistic Vets applaud them with fists pounding the air declaring that ACV can help with many ailments such as:
- Easing the pain of Arthritis
- Improves digestion
- Clears up urinary tract infections and prevents the formation of stones
- Improves coat quality
- Kills bacterial and fungal infections on the skin
- Clears up dandruff
- Natural flea, tick & mosquito repellent
- Natural antibiotic by killing off infectious bacterial and viral diseases
- Relieves muscle fatigue
- Helps to clear tear stains
- Alleviates itching
Topically
Vinegar should be diluted 50/50 with water and applied to skin lesions that are scabbed over with a cotton pad. Do not put this on any open wound – it will sting and could irritate the skin. Diluted as above, it can be used as a rinse aid through the dog’s coat, which is great for clearing up those yeasty areas with the added benefit of a nice shiny coat.
Internally
As mentioned above, ACV has a very strong smell that you could think your dog would surely turn his nose up at? Well, you will be surprised that once mixed in your pooch’s dinner (1 teaspoon for pint sized pooches and 1 tablespoon for the big boys) they will not even know it is hidden in there!
ACV can also be mixed into your dog’s water bowl. The water can become furry after a day. Therefore, It is best to supply fresh water daily if adding ACV to it. Keep in mind that if you have more than one dog, it can make it much harder to determine if everyone is getting their full share.
On the other hand, this method can be very handy for people who travel with their dogs. With some dogs developing a “preferred” taste for their local water supply, it can make it difficult when presented with the unfamiliar smell and taste of other water supplies during travel. ACV can help to ‘disguise’ the taste enough to encourage your dog to drink from his bowl.
ACV is safe to use daily, however if only included in the diet 2-3 times a week will also have benefits. To ensure no tummy upsets when introducing anything new to your dog’s diet, it is always best to do so slowly over a week or two at half the dosage and build up to full dose.
There are many websites with holistic claims of ACV and benefits it can have for both you & your dog’s health.
Before making any changes or additions to your dog’s diet always do your research…
So YOU can make an informed decision!
Author Bio: Nikki is pack leader at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting. She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’ and one crazy Rainbow Lorikeet named ‘Ralph’! Follow my Facebook and Twitter.
Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!
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