Apple
Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries for its medical properties and
as a dietary supplement. In Greece, around 400 BC the father of modern medicine
– Hippocrates prescribed ACV with honey to treat many ailments. By the later
part of the 1700s about 70% of all farmers in USA’s New England states
owned-operated apple cider milling/pressing equipment. Due to the many uses and availability of ACV,
it became a common currency of exchange – particularly in rural areas where
coins were comparatively in short supply.
Naturally
fermented, unpasteurized, organic ACV contains ‘mother of vinegar’ - a cloudy
sediment-filled liquid which contains the healthful properties of ACV.
Distilled,
pasteurized, over-processed ACV (the type of ACV that is available at most the grocery
stores), lacks the beneficial properties of unpasteurized, organic ACV as the pasteurizing,
filtering process destroys the ‘mother of vinegar’.
In this
article you will learn about…
- The beneficial properties of ACV;
- Health benefits of ACV;
- The many beneficial ways to use ACV for your dog’s health;
- Dosage (provided for dogs, cats, humans)
- What to look for when buying ACV;
- Cautions, side effects;
Beneficial Properties In Mother of Vinegar
- Acetic acid (the primary active ingredient);
- Amino, Lactic and Propionic Acid;
- Anti-bacterial – when used topically and ingested, ACV inhibits the growth of bad bacteria;
- Anti-fungal;
- Anti-viral;
- Vitamins and minerals including:
- Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2 and B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pro-vitamin Beta-Carotene, Vitamin P (bioflavonoids);
- Potassium
– protects against tooth decay, heart-healthy as it helps to keeps blood
pressure in-check – ACV is an excellent source of easily-absorbable potassium;
Pectin – helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol); - Potash – source of fibre.
Health
Benefits/Uses of Organic ACV
Aids
Digestion
ACV helps to stimulate stomach acid. Stomach acid aids the digestion of protein and fats.
ACV helps to stimulate stomach acid. Stomach acid aids the digestion of protein and fats.
De-Toxer
ACV helps to clean the blood and liver of toxins. A constant and heavy toxic
load forces the liver to work overtime – eventually leading to organ fatigue, toxicity
and finally organ failure. A dog can end-up carrying a serious toxic load as
he/she may ingest and otherwise absorb multiple toxins in the course of a
typical day…for example:
- Many commercially manufactured dog and cat food (dry kibble, wet canned food, treats);
- Fluorinated water;
- Road-salt (very carcinogenic);
- Chemical-based household cleaners (breathing in the vapours, licking surfaces, lying on chemically cleaned surfaces);
- Surface contact and/or ingesting grass treated with fertilizers and pesticides.
Dietary
Supplement
ACV
can be used topically and as a dietary supplement. As a dietary supplement ACV
can be added directly to your dog’s and cat's fresh drinking water or to one of your
dog’s daily meals.
Dosage (human dosage provided at the bottom of the article):
- Small Dogs (and cats) up to 14 lbs - 1 tsp;
- Medium Dogs (and cats) 15 lbs to 34 lbs - 2 ts;
- Large Dogs:
- 35 lbs to 84 lbs - 1 tbs;
- 85 lbs to 134 lbs - 1.5 tbsp;
- 135 lbs to 200 lbs – 2 tbsp.
Ear Care
- ACV can be used to clean your dog’s and cat's ear;
- ACV can be used to treat yeast –based ear infections.
- Combine equal parts of ACV and distilled water, mix the solution;
- With a syringe or dropper, gently drop about 10 drops of the liquid into your dog’s /cat's ear - make sure that the syringe is located at the entrance to the ear canal - the syringe should never be placed inside of the ear canal.
- Gently rub/massage the ear in a circular motion, then remove your hand and let your dog/cat shake its head.
Caution – do not use
this treatment if you dog’s ear drums are perforated or punctured. To learn
more about ear infections, causes and other options for treatments and remedies continue reading here.
If your dog or cat is prone to yeast-based ear infections…
- Most cases of yeast-based ear infections in dogs and cats are a result of Candida (overgrowth of bad bacteria in the GI Tract which causes leaky-gut syndrome and results in yeast infection which may surface in the ears, paws, etc.
- Grains in a dog's and cat's diet are the number one cause of food sensitivity leading to yeast infections!
- Sugar in a dog’s and cat's diet can cause Candida – many commercially made dog and cat treats/dog food contain both grains and sugar!
- So, to cure the problem you have to do two things:
- Get the intensity of the infection – inflammation, under control = the treatment;
- Fix your dog’s and cat's diet - this is the long-term maintenance portion of the solution = the remedy.
Fur and Skin
Health
ACV helps prevent dry skin, promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy fur and is effective in the treatment of:
ACV helps prevent dry skin, promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy fur and is effective in the treatment of:
- Acne – apply undiluted ACV with a soft cloth or cotton ball;
- Burns (minor) – apply undiluted ACV with a soft cloth or cotton ball;
- Hot Spots;
- Skin Infections.
As
a Treatment for Hot Spots and Skin Infections
For
hot spots and skin infections:
- Bath your dog or cat in a warm (not hot!) Rooibos Tea, and;
- Then do a second rinse using:
- 1 part ACV to 3 parts water – if the effected spot is small you can use a soft cloth or cotton ball to apply both rinses.
- If the skin is broken dilute the ACV mixture further (1 part ACV to 4 parts water);
- Then be very careful as the acidic nature of ACV can cause stinging/pain;
- Test a small area first by dabbing the ACV/water solution with a cotton ball onto a tiny test area, do not do a full soak on skin with broken areas without testing first!
Skunk
Odour treatment
- Sponge undiluted ACV onto fur and skin – avoiding eyes;
- Allow the ACV to dry;
- Follow with non-toxic, non-carcinogenic Shampoo and Rinse
GI Tract
Health - Promotes Growth of Good Flora
ACV is a prebiotic and helps maintain the proper acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract.
ACV is a prebiotic and helps maintain the proper acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract.
- Prebiotics feed probiotics;
- Probiotics are the healthy microorganisms (good bacteria) that reside in a dog’s GI Tract.
- When the population of good bacteria is depleted bad bacteria can flourish resulting in candida and other health issues.
- Helps prevent and remedy constipation;
- Helps regularize bowl movements;
- Helps keep the colon clean.
Metabolism Booster, Appetite Reducer
If your dog, cat or yourself have a slow metabolism - adding ACV to the diet can help increase the rate of metabolism. In addition to ACV, turmeric is another excellent metabolism (and immune system) booster. Both can be added to the diet. My dog's get both turmeric and ACV as part of their daily diet.
In addition, ACV can be taken in-between or before meals to stave-off hunger. If you need your dog to loose weight you can also add some fresh fruits and vegetables to his/her diet in between meals. This will help keep the GI tract clean, detox, provide antioxidants and important vitamins and nutrients. But it is important to know which fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs and proper preparation to ensure maximum benefits. You can read about that here.
Treatment, Remedy for Eye Infections
Treatment, Remedy for Eye Infections
Distilled
Water and ACV (room temperature)
Not for use with pink-eye
- Combine;
- 2 tbs distilled water with;
- 4 drops of ACV;
- Stir well;
- Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears;
- Typical Causes of an Eye Infection;
- Typical Signs that Your Dog's or Cat's Eye May Be Infected;
- Typical Signs of Pink Eye - Conjunctivitis
- Contagiousness of Eye Infections
- Treating and Curing Eye Infections
- Topical Treatments
- Ingested (Dietary) Remedies
- Duration of Treatment
- When To Get Your Dog or Cat to Your Veterinarian
- You can read this article.
Parasites
such as fleas, ticks mosquitoes and worms do not do well in an environment that
is not supportive of their life and reproductive requirements. Such parasites do
not like acidic environments. ACV is acidic and therefore not an attractive
substance for these parasites.The following topical treatment kills adult
fleas and is soothing on a dog’s skin…
Topical
Treatment for Infestation of Fleas
Natural Shampoo with ACV, Aloe Vera and Tea Tree-Oil
CAUTION - Do not use this recipe on cats - see further below for cat appropriate recipes (and other recipes for dogs)
This treatment kills fleas as they will drown in the soapy water, the after shampoo rinse and spray acidifies the surface of skin and fur making it an inhospitable environment for fleas. Don't over apply this recipe - this recipe includes tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should always be used with restraint. It is a potent substance which should never be over used on a dog and should not be used on cats at all...
CAUTION - Do not use this recipe on cats - see further below for cat appropriate recipes (and other recipes for dogs)
This treatment kills fleas as they will drown in the soapy water, the after shampoo rinse and spray acidifies the surface of skin and fur making it an inhospitable environment for fleas. Don't over apply this recipe - this recipe includes tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should always be used with restraint. It is a potent substance which should never be over used on a dog and should not be used on cats at all...
You
will need:
- An 8 oz bottle;
- Tea Tree Oil (don't use tee tree oil on cats);
- 100% Aloe Vera Juice;
- ACV;
- Fresh, clean water.
Preparation
- Pour the shampoo into the 8 ounce bottle;
- Add 10 drops of tea tree oil;
- Add 1 tablespoon of aloa vera juice;
- Shake well.
Treatment
- Shampoo Your Dog;
- Wait 6 to 10 minutes.
Rinse Your Dog
- Then rinse with ACV diluted in water – 1 tablespoon ACV for every pint of water.
- Allow your dog to shake the excess water off;
After-Rinse
Spray
- Then follow-up with a spray of equal parts ACV to water;
- You can also add fresh squeezed lemon juice;
- Do not get the shampoo, rinse or spray in your dog’s eyes;
- The spray can be used on a daily basis and may be used several times a day.
Natural Spray, Spot-on and Collar Drop Recipes to repel Fleas, Ticks, Mosquitos from Cats and Dogs
Body pH Balance - Restore, Maintain Good pH Balance
- DIY Natural, Herbal, Homeopathic Flea, Tick, Mosquito Repellent Sprays, Rubs, Dips, Rinse for Dogs and Cats- read here.
- DIY Natural, Herbal, Homeopathic Flea, Tick, Mosquito Spot-On and Collar Drops for Dogs and Cats- read here
Body pH Balance - Restore, Maintain Good pH Balance
ACV
is an excellent aid to restore pH balance. Poor diet can disrupt the pH balance
of your dog’s blood. Acidification of the blood creates a foot-hold for the
development of various illnesses.
AVC for
Cleaning
Daily
exposure to the air born vapors, droplets, and surface residue of chemical
based household cleaners are one of the villains a dog’s system must fight to
stay healthy. You can help reduce the daily stress on his/her system by making
your own dog friendly household cleaners. In addition, many of the chemicals
are lethally poisonous
to dogs
and other animals. You can use ACV as a multipurpose cleaner either on its own
or with fresh lemon juice and/or baking soda. I use ACV to clean counters,
floors, carpet etc. ACV is an amazing all-purpose house-hold cleaner. To learn
about the many ways you can use ACV to replace chemical based household
cleaners read on here.
Cautions,
Side Effects
If your dog is on insulin or diuretics do not add ACV to his/her diet there may be an interaction between insulin/drugs and the ACV. When ACV is taken with a meal, ACV slows the rise of blood sugar – this suggests that a reduced amount of insulin is required to process the food. The dosage of insulin you give your dog may have to be adjusted to account for lower blood-sugar levels.
If your dog is on insulin or diuretics do not add ACV to his/her diet there may be an interaction between insulin/drugs and the ACV. When ACV is taken with a meal, ACV slows the rise of blood sugar – this suggests that a reduced amount of insulin is required to process the food. The dosage of insulin you give your dog may have to be adjusted to account for lower blood-sugar levels.
Dogs
who are suffering from an irritated intestinal tract lining should not take
(ingest) ACV.
What to Look
for When Buying Organic ACV
Make
sure you are purchasing ACV which is:
- Organic;
Organic ACV has more nutrients than non-organic ACV; - Organic ACV does not have the high-levels of toxins (pesticides and herbicides) present in ACV made from non-organic apples;
- Unfiltered;
- Unpasteurized – you should be able to see a little sediment floating at the bottom of the bottle.
Additional Information - Pertaining to Human Dosage
1tbsp of organic unpasterized ACV mixed with water can be:
1tbsp of organic unpasterized ACV mixed with water can be:
- Consumed prior to meals to stave-off hunger, speed-up the metabolism and as, well provide all of the benefits noted above;
- Consumed after a meal to remedy:
- Heartburn problems;
- Acid reflex.
- 8 oz of water;
- 8 oz of cooled green tea;
- 8 oz of Rooibos tea.
Maximum Dosage for Humans:
2 tbsp three times a day.
Do you need holistic advice to support your companion animal's health and well being? Become a client. Book your consultation. My professional holistic nutrition, wellness and behavioral services are available to you:
🌿 Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕 🐈
🌿 Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
My Holistic Client Services are Available Worldwide:
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK and other European countires
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countires
🇭🇰 Hong Kong and other Asian countries
🇨🇷 Costa Rica and other Central American countries
🇪🇺 European countries
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago and other South America countries
🇿🇦 South Africa and other African countries
🇸🇪 Sweden and other european countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype
📞 Phone
📧 Email
🚶🏻♀️ In-Person
Menu of Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕🐈
For more information go here.
✅ Maintain Health, and;
✅ Address Health Issues and Conditions:
✓ Treatment and Remedy
✓ Pre-Surgery holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Surgery holistic healing protocols
✓ Pre-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Natural Insect and Parasite Prevention
✓ Natural Treatment for Insect, Parasite Infestation, Co-Infection, Disease
✅ Custom Designed Whole Food Diets - raw or gently cooked, and;
✅ Advice and Recommendation:
✓ Premade Diets - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried
✓ Supplemental Fresh Foods - raw, gently cooked
✓ Super foods
✓ Treats - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried, gently cooked
✓ Herbs
✓ Alternative Medicines
Menu of Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
For more information go here.
In-person Sessions - available locally
Voice and Video Sessions - available worldwide
✓ Obedience Training
✓ Behavior Modification
✓ Psychological Rehabilitation
Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.
✓ I choose to maintain my objectivity in selecting best-solutions for my individual client's needs.
Contact me
karen@ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
Holistic Support
Holistic Wellness Services and Holistic Behaviorist Services
Do you need holistic advice to support your companion animal's health and well being? Become a client. Book your consultation. My professional holistic nutrition, wellness and behavioral services are available to you:
🌿 Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕 🐈
🌿 Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
My Holistic Client Services are Available Worldwide:
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇬🇧 UK and other European countires
🇦🇺 Australia and other Oceania countires
🇭🇰 Hong Kong and other Asian countries
🇨🇷 Costa Rica and other Central American countries
🇪🇺 European countries
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago and other South America countries
🇿🇦 South Africa and other African countries
🇸🇪 Sweden and other european countries
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Available Holistic Consultations and Sessions:
📱 FaceTime
📱 Facebook video or voice calling
💻 Skype
📞 Phone
🚶🏻♀️ In-Person
Menu of Holistic Wellness Services for Dogs and Cats 🐕🐈
For more information go here.
✅ Maintain Health, and;
✅ Address Health Issues and Conditions:
✓ Treatment and Remedy
✓ Pre-Surgery holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Surgery holistic healing protocols
✓ Pre-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Post-Vaccine holistic support protocols
✓ Natural Insect and Parasite Prevention
✓ Natural Treatment for Insect, Parasite Infestation, Co-Infection, Disease
✅ Custom Designed Whole Food Diets - raw or gently cooked, and;
✅ Advice and Recommendation:
✓ Premade Diets - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried
✓ Supplemental Fresh Foods - raw, gently cooked
✓ Super foods
✓ Treats - raw, dehydrated, freeze dried, gently cooked
✓ Herbs
✓ Alternative Medicines
Menu of Holistic Behaviorist Services for Dogs 🐕
For more information go here.
In-person Sessions - available locally
Voice and Video Sessions - available worldwide
✓ Obedience Training
✓ Behavior Modification
✓ Psychological Rehabilitation
Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.
✓ I choose to maintain my objectivity in selecting best-solutions for my individual client's needs.
Contact me
karen@ottawavalleydogwhisperer.ca
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld