How to use apple cider vinegar for dog itching? How does cider vinegar work on the dog’s skin? Is it effective? And finally, what are the other grandma’s remedies to soothe the itchy skin of man’s faithful friends?
I. Brief Reminder of the Causes of Dog Itching
There are many causes of dog itching. It can be atopic dermatitis, linked to allergies of different types.
Allergies can be food or environmental. Your dog may develop an allergic reaction to certain food products, dust mites, dust, or even grass.
Flea bites can also cause your dog to become itchy. These parasites get into your pet’s hair and irritate the skin. This is the number one cause of itching and irritation in dogs: external parasites.
Dog hair is the perfect environment for these parasites to thrive.
Skin infections, caused by fungus in particular, can also cause itching.
II- What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a compound resulting from the fermentation of apples. Cider vinegar is obtained after a double fermentation.
This compound is used in cooking as well as for various physical ailments.
III. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog Itching
1. How Does Cider Vinegar Work on the Dog’s Skin?
Cider vinegar is a compound that is not only used in cooking, but also in cosmetics. It also has many benefits for human and animal health.
You can use this product to improve your dog’s health, especially when it comes to itching.
If you use cider vinegar to help your dog, it can have several beneficial effects.
Cider vinegar can help you get rid of external parasites that may be hiding in your dog’s hair. These can be fleas, lice, or ticks.
This product can also be used if your dog suffers from dandruff. Dandruff is another cause of irritation and itching. This is also the case with atopic dermatitis.
Cider vinegar can also be used against eczema. Eczema is a skin disease that can also affect dogs and animals. This dermatitis is capable of causing itching.
Cider vinegar is able to act in this way because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, its acidity helps regulate the pH of unbalanced environments.
2. How to Use Cider Vinegar to Relieve Dog Itching
Cider vinegar is used on your dog’s hair mixed with water. In the case of fleas on your dog, mix in a bottle the same quantities of cider vinegar and water, and shake to mix well.
First, bathe your dog with a neutral shampoo, rinse with clean water and dry the animal.
To be most careful, do not pour the lotion directly on your dog. The acidic smell could scare him away. Instead, get a glove and use it to apply the liquid to your dog’s hair. Also, remember to protect your arms and wear high socks to cover your legs. This will prevent the fleas from leaving the dog’s hair and landing on you.
Rub the hair well to make sure the liquid penetrates the dog’s body. Next, use a flea comb, and each time you comb, dip the comb into a container full of cider vinegar.
It is also a good way to fight against the drying of the skin, and thus prevent the appearance of pathologies such as eczema or dermatitis.
Used to rinse your dog’s paws, cider vinegar will eliminate environmental allergens that he may have encountered during his walks.
Cider vinegar is also useful as a preventive measure. It is an odor that fleas and ticks cannot stand and that will keep them away from your pet.
It is also possible, in case the odor would bother your dog, to add a few drops of lavender oil.
3. How Often Should I Spray my Dog with Apple Cider Vinegar
If you use a solution made of a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar, then spray the mixture on your dog’s hair once a day.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs: Dosage
To use apple cider vinegar to reduce your dog’s itching, mix it with water.
In a spray bottle, put the same amount of water and cider vinegar in equal parts; that is, 50 cl of each.
5. Types and Forms of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
There are various types of cider vinegar on the market. There are pasteurized, unpasteurized, organic, filtered, or not.
These differences are related to the way the vinegar was made.
For your dog, choose an organic and unpasteurized cider vinegar. Many other criteria can affect the quality of cider vinegar.
Nevertheless, organic and unpasteurized vinegar is a quality choice, which will ensure the best results for your dog.
6. Mixing Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
After rinsing your dog with water with a little bit of apple cider vinegar added, you can apply a little bit of coconut oil on the skin of your dog.
Simply rub your hands coated with coconut oil on your dog’s body.
Coconut oil is also part of the products that relieve the dog of its irritations.
IV- Other Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog
# Apple Cider Vinegar to Aid Digestion
You can improve your dog’s digestion by giving him apple cider vinegar.
To do this, you can dilute a certain amount of cider vinegar in his drinking water.
The acids contained in cider vinegar improve the transit and kill intestinal parasites in dogs.
# Apple Cider Vinegar as a Pest Repellant
As we all know, pets’ coats are susceptible to various parasites. Whether it’s fleas or ticks, apple cider vinegar can help.
One option is to use a spray bottle containing equal parts of water and cider vinegar and to spray your dog’s hair with it once a week.
# Pet Stains and Odors
To fight stains and odors left by your dog, use cider vinegar.
Simply use a mixture of one-part cider vinegar and three parts water, and spray it on your dog’s cushion.
This will not only limit odors but also clean stains.
# Apple Cider Vinegar as an Ear Cleaner
If your dog has an ear infection, mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar.
Soak a cotton ball in this solution, then clean your dog’s ears with it. Do this, every day until symptoms improve.
# Cardiovascular Health (Internal Use)
Cider vinegar acts on cardiovascular health. By consuming this product, your dog will improve the condition of his heart.
The acetic acid present in cider vinegar reduces high blood pressure.
# Blood Sugar Control (Internal Use)
Taking cider vinegar reduces the sugar level in the dog’s blood. If the dog is already diabetic, cider vinegar will reduce the insulin he needs.
# Urinary Tract Infections (Internal Use)
In the case of a urinary tract infection in your dog, you can give him cider vinegar as an additional treatment.
To do so, pour a tablespoon of cider vinegar into his water bowl. This dosage must be respected.
It is a medication that must go with the medical treatment generally prescribed in cases of urinary infections.
# Helping Relieve Bladder Stones in Dogs
When your dog suffers from bladder stones, cider vinegar can be beneficial. This solution can help eliminate bladder stones.
To do this, give one teaspoon of cider vinegar for every 15 kg of your dog’s weight. Do this once a day.
# Fighting Yeast Infections on Dogs’ Paws
Dogs’ paws are frequently affected by infections due to their activities.
One way to use cider vinegar against this is to put your dog’s paws in a bath diluted with cider vinegar.
After this bath, do not rinse your pet’s paws.
V. Other Natural Remedies to Relieve Dog Itching
# Neem Oil
In cases of itching related to the presence of fleas or mites, you can mix 10 teaspoons of flea shampoo with a large spoonful of neem oil.
With this mixture, wash your dog. This recipe is effective in completely ridding your pet of fleas and mites.
You can also make a mixture with 10ml of neem oil and 80 ml of jojoba oil. This recipe is useful as a preventive measure, to protect your dog from insects.
Once the mixture is put in a spray bottle or spray bottle, spray it on your dog and his belongings. Massage your pet for a few minutes.
You can keep this lotion for several months.
# Olive Oil
Olive oil can be used both externally and internally on your dog.
In cases of dry skin, which can be responsible for itching and irritation, you can put olive oil on your dog.
This is a way to rehydrate his epidermis, give him back his strength, and stimulate his immunity.
Because this oil is rich in vitamin E and polyphenols, it strengthens the immune system. This allows your dog to better fight against the impact of allergens for example.
You can also apply olive oil to your pet’s paws, especially if they are dry or irritated.
# Aloe Vera
To relieve your dog of irritations, you can use aloe vera gel. Avoid rubbing the leaves of this plant on your dog’s hair because they contain saponin. This is a substance that can have negative effects on your pet, as it has laxative properties.
Extract the aloe gel and apply it to your dog’s hair, massaging it into the skin. Do this twice a day.
Aloe gel is not only an antibacterial but also an anti-inflammatory. This product will relieve irritations. In addition, it will fight any bacteria that may have developed on the surface of your dog’s skin.
# Coconut Oil
If your dog has developed itchiness due to an external reason, you can directly apply coconut oil to your pet’s hair.
But you can also try an internal use, by having your dog take ½ spoon of coconut oil per 5 kg. This process can be interesting in cases of internal infections, which can be fungal for example.
This oil has soothing and antibacterial properties. It will greatly relieve your dog of its itching while improving its general health.
Beyond that, there is no health risk to your pet if he licks it.
# Oatmeal Bath
You can add oatmeal to your dog’s hot water bath. Use ground-up oatmeal and put it in the hot water.
This is a natural and easy way to relieve your dog’s itching. Then rinse your dog with warm water.
# Chamomile & Herbal Tea Soaks
With a concentrated preparation of chamomile (6 g of flowers per 100 ml of water), rinse your dog. Do this after his usual bath.
Of course, you must wait until the chamomile infusion has cooled down.
VI- Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Apple cider vinegar used in a pronounced way can harm your dog’s teeth. This product can reduce the enamel of his teeth.
Moreover, if consumed on an empty stomach, cider vinegar can cause intolerance and even vomiting.
Therefore, dilute the cider vinegar before applying it to your dog’s skin. Also, avoid using it on wounds, because it could irritate them.
VII- How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Should I Give my Dog for Mites?
Mites develop inside the ear canal of dogs. To get rid of them, dilute apple cider vinegar with water, and pour a few drops into your pet’s ear.
For a glass of water, you can add a teaspoon of cider vinegar.
VIII- Are Some Dogs Allergic to Apple Cider Vinegar?
There are no studies or reports of any allergy in dogs to apple cider vinegar.
However, to be safe, it is important to dilute the cider vinegar before using it on your dog.
If it is the first time, test your dog’s reaction to cider vinegar by applying the mixture to a small part of the animal’s body.
IX- Does Apple Cider Vinegar Sting Dogs?
Apple cider vinegar should not be applied to wounds on the dog’s skin and hair. It could indeed irritate.
To avoid a repulsive reaction from your dog, remember to dilute the cider vinegar before using it.
Also, you can use it for nettle stings in dogs!
X- Can Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used for Dog Allergies
Studies have indeed proven that adding apple cider vinegar to foods to which dogs are allergic reduces the allergic reaction.
Due to cider vinegar, dogs can more easily consume the products they are allergic to.
Useful Links:
Apple cider vinegar diet: Does it really work?
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Pancreas?
Is apple cider vinegar good for canker sores?
Apple Cider Vinegar for Phlegm in the Throat
Does Apple Cider Vinegar help Treat Gout?
Recipe of apple cider vinegar, lemon, and baking soda to lose weight?
Benefits of an apple cider vinegar detox for the liver
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in the morning for weight loss
