Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is made from apples and should contain what is known as the "mother". The "mother" is the cloudy substance found in the vinegar, consisting of pectin and other particles from the apples that signify its high quality. Apple cider vinegar should be orange or brown in color and can range from light to dark.
Despite popular belief, the USDA claims that apple cider vinegar doesn't actually have a lot of nutritional value. The benefits, however, are found in the various properties of apple cider vinegar that can be used to treat certain ailments. Apple cider vinegar does contain enzymes, tannins and potassium and acts first and foremost as an excellent digestive aid for people and pets alike.
The most common way of using apple cider vinegar is adding it to your pet's water or applying it topically. For dogs that won't touch water with anything added to it, you can also mix it in some yoghurt or cottage cheese and offer as a snack or food topper!
For allergies, Apple cider vinegar can be applied directly to the coat via spray bottle. After bathing your dog with a hypoallergenic or skin sensitivity shampoo, spray the apple cider vinegar on the coat while it is damp and allow it to air dry. If your dog is notorious for chewing and licking their paws, you can also soak each paw in ACV for a moment or two to relieve itchiness.
For general skin and coat health, add one tablespoon to food or water every day. Apple cider vinegar has proven to be extremely beneficial to the skin and fur! Apple cider vinegar also acts as a deodorizer when applied topically to the coat.
Apple cider vinegar has also been shown to be effective in warding off fleas and ticks. Add one tablespoon per two cups of drinking water to help keep your dog free of fleas! When you need to kill fleas already on your pet, spray your dog with ACV while it is damp after you've finished bathing them. Work the ACV into the coat and let it air dry.
ACV can also be used as an ear cleaner. Simply apply it to a cotton ball and gently clean your dog's ears; This will also act as a deodorizer for dogs with stinky ears.
Apple cider vinegar is proving to be another must have for dog homes everywhere. People have used it for hundreds of years and now our pets can enjoy the benefits too! Try it out, give it a month, and see the results with your own eyes.
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