Do you have an itchy dog? Does your pup suffer from skin ickiness that varies by season? Then this one might be for you…
Quick, obvious disclaimer: I’m not a vet. I’m not a vet tech. I’m not anything useful. I’m just a writer. I tend to research obsessively and try only what I deem to be safe and worth a shot. This is one of those. Always consult with your vet before you try anything because this post is for informational purposes only.
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This post actually started with my hair. Since absolutely no one other than me cares about my hair, the gist: My hair started to shed heavily (read: fall out) last year, which is unusual for me. So, I tried a bunch of stuff and ended up using an apple cider vinegar (ACV from here on out) rinse that made a huge difference.
That experience made me wonder if it would help Coop and his seasonal itchiness and his winter-dry skin.
Short answer: Yep!
Longer answer: Here we go!
First, what is apple cider vinegar?
From HonestPaws.com: “Apple cider vinegar is quite similar to white vinegar. The major difference is ACV is made through the process of fermenting apples. The result of the fermentation process is a substance that is full of iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and other essential vitamins and minerals.”
(BTW, the FDA says those are there but in trace amounts, so like all things health-related, take it in measure.)
Its natural properties can do all sorts of things like control or prevent yeast overgrowth, mange, fleas, ticks, and just plain-old itchiness. People use it for all kinds of things in human health, and many of those uses translate to our pups.
It’s super-duper safe, containing only apples and water, but since it’s acidic it can sting if your pup has any open wounds. More on that in a minute.
If you google for ACV uses and dogs, you’ll find everything from adding it to food for digestive health, cleaning ears, flea and tick repellent, and so on. For our family, we only use it as a skin rinse. Those other indications? Well, we already have them under control, for one thing, and also I’m not a boat-rocker when it comes to Coop’s health.
I’ll also add that there’s not really any science to show these benefits or uses to be proven. These are essentially folk remedies, you know? ACV has been used for ages and ages (literally) but go into it knowing you likely won’t find a peer-reviewed journal article showing that ACV helps with, say, your dog’s itchy paws.
How to use apple cider vinegar for itchy dogs
When I searched for recipes for my hair/scalp treatment, the unanimous “dosing” seemed to be: start with a little and dilute it a ton, then slowly lower the dilution.
I’ve felt like the best ratio for us both has been 2 parts water to 1 part ACV. I don’t see myself adjusting that further.
You have two options for using ACV to help your dog’s itchy skin:
- Spritz and rub. After your dog’s regular shampoo or entirely on its own as a specific treatment, use a spray bottle (I love these if you want to shop local or these if you want to shop Amazon because they’re pretty, non-plastic, and can be clearly labeled) spritz your pup with the ACV mixture and the rub it down through his fur so you’re sure it gets onto his skin. For a short-haired pup like Coop, this takes no time at all. If you have a super furry, double-coat, etc., you might want to work in sections using your hand to shift the fur away from the skin so you’re confident the spray reaches the skin and doesn’t just get trapped in the coat. SUPER important note: If your dog has ANY open wounds, use this method. This stuff stings if it hits a cut or open wound, so use your spritz carefully to avoid your dog’s wound.
- Pour it on. This is basically an apple cider vinegar bath for your dog. This method definitely saves time, but it also consumes more product so I only have done this if either I’m in a hurry or if I’m trying to reach every nook and cranny. Mix up the ACV and water in a big jar. After your dog’s regular shampoo, simply pour it from head to tail in slow-motion so you get it to thoroughly cover your pup. I like to brush it through or rub it in with my hands, too, just to make sure we got thorough coverage.
ACV FTW!
It’s an instantly-cooling sensation, so this is really great for dogs with hot spots, too, if the hot spot isn’t open. Another option with the spray bottle is to keep it handy for when you notice your dog chewing or licking his feet. It helps soothe, and it also deters further chewing. In fact, I use a modified version of this as my DIY bitter apple spray, too, because you guys… bitter apple spray is literally made from this stuff. Save yourself some money and DIY your own!
Incidentally, if you’re a major DIYer, you can ferment your own ACV with apple cores. (Here’s a tutorial I found that looks helpful!) And, if you do, way to go! I’m super proud of you!
If that’s not you or you simply don’t have the time, I’m right there with you. I buy this kind, which is the absolute cheapest per ounce that I’ve found it for the organic unpasteurized. (Buying pasteurized is cheaper, but it kills the beneficial bacteria, so what’s the point?)
A couple cautions to be, you know, cautious
As with all things, chat with your vet, knowing full well there’s no real science to back this stuff up. Like most things, we trial-and-error. I worry about the acidity being too much for Coop’s sensitive belly, so I probably won’t ever add this to his food, though many, many, many people swear by it. His chronic ear infections seem controlled by our current protocol (knock on wood…), so I’d never use this to clean his ears, though hordes of people claim it’s an ear miracle.
You know your dog best. Do what’s best for you, your pup, and your budget.
Have you tried apple cider vinegar for your dog? How did you use it, and how did it work? Or, if not, have you considered it? Have I left you with further questions? Please leave ’em in the comments so we can all share and learn from one another!
Such a great article! Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear it worked so well for Cooper!
This is a very interesting article. I have a boxer that has skin problems. I think maybe I will try this remedy on him. Thanks for the information!
Sorry if I missed this part. Do you rinse it off or leave in?
Great question! Leave it on! The taste is what should deter the licking/chewing!
Thanks for describing this method! I knew that apple cider vinegar can be used as a flea repellent but didn’t know how to use it properly. Fleas are a real disaster in our area and this tip will definitely come in handy.
What is the best Apple Cider Vinegar to buy for your dog to help for itchy skin there are few brands out there so I am not sure which would be better to get can you help please and do you mix it with cold water or warm water as I have not bought or used it before Thanks.
There are a lot of very expensive brands out there, so my advice is just to buy the cheapest version you can find! Since you’re not cooking with it, the quality isn’t nearly as important! As for the water temp, I’d suggest whatever your dog’s most comfortable with. I almost always use room-temp water from our pitcher, but if your dog has a super thick coat and loves cold water (just as an example) go with that!
You are absolutely right. It works great. My doodle starts itching and scratching mid August and this is a miracle. The benedryl didn’t really even phase the itchiness. Much better than putting my pooch on apoquil or cytopoint which can cause real health issues. Apple cider vinegar is a godsend for seasonal allergies.
Hi I use the Brand Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar it has the Mother in it I was told this is the best one to get as it has the mother in it I have read this is the best one to buy and I put some essential oils in it too as I read this can also help I put in Lavender Lemongrass Cedar wood and citronella this also can itchy skin especially the lavender it is calming and soothing for the skin you don’t have to use all of them you can just put one in the ACV mixed with water you must shake the spray bottle once you have put them in as the oil won’t mix if you don’t I have also read that fleas don’t like the smell of the oils also as well as the ACV I spray this on both my dogs just before they go out for a walk and also spray there harness and collar and lead as well and I pray to God to please protect them from fleas and ticks and all other bugs too to ask him to take care of them when they are outside and I know he does he made all animals and he takes care of them he loves them all and us too Amen
A little late to the game … but your ACV rinse sounds like just what we need. My dog has been licking the end of his outer ‘peen’ (not the lipstick) to the point where it’s quite red and sore looking. It is not an open wound, but wondering whether the vinegar solution will sting or be painful if there are little microcuts or thinned skin?
I’d be hesitant to use it there, to be honest… My guess is it would be pretty painful. My dog Emmett used to have that happen, and it turned out to be an infection. Maybe a trip to the vet first? Good luck!!