ACV - An Apple A Day

For centuries, people have recognized apple cider vinegar’s health benefits and lately this ‘old world’ super product’s benefits are making a come back.

Apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your pets (and you too). It contains more than 30 important nutrients, 12 minerals, over 6 vitamins, essential acids and several enzymes. It has a large dose of pectin for a healthy heart, lowers blood pressure, is antibacterial and anti-fungal and gives the immune system a good boost. As a high potassium electrolyte balancer, it remineralizes the body and helps balance pH levels.

Though not a cure-all, when used daily, apple cider vinegar is said to treat, and may even cure, many common pet conditions and ailments. Taken internally it helps them maintain a healthy weight level, aids in digestion, relieves arthritis stiffness, removes body toxins, prevents tear stains and helps to repel fleas. It gives them beautiful coats, more vitality, improves digestion, can help with urinary issues and is a natural deodorant. Used topically, ACV helps maintain healthy skin, prevents itching, helps with dandruff, soothes hot spots and sore muscles.

Organic, unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar is the type to choose. I use Bragg’s which is readily available. I pick it up at Whole Foods but it is popping up in more mainstream retailers and health food stores.

Many holistic Vets recommend a daily dosage of ACV as follows:
1 tsp (5 ml) for cats and small dogs (up to 14 lb)
2 tsp (10 ml) for medium dogs (15 to 34 lb)
1 tbsp (15 ml) for large dogs (35 to 84 lb)

Give half the daily dosage with breakfast and half with dinner, just pour over their food.

Note: this is for healthy pets with no medical conditions. Please consult with your Vet when adding any type of supplement to your pet’s diet.

Topically, you can use either full strength or diluted ACV on affected areas avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes.

ACV is a great bath treatment: shampoo, rinse, apply ACV, rinse again. Any residue shampoo will be washed out and you will feel and see an increased softness and sheen to your pet’s coat. You can also follow with a conditioner. I suggest that you use an extremely gentle, all-natural, organic shampoo free of SLS and Parabens.

ACV is cheap, easy to use and it really can benefit your pet’s overall health.