Vinegar Remedies for Pets, Part 1

Vinegar remedies are among the safest of home remedies for domesticated cats and dogs. Some of the most common applications of vinegar as a topical treatment agent have been listed below.

Topical Applications of Vinegar for Treating Pets

Treating Ear Infections

Pets tend to develop ear infections if their ears aren't cleaned regularly. Fungal growth is the most common cause of such infections. Repeatedly dabbing in and around the pet’s ear with cotton dipped in vinegar can easily resolve this problem. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant, neutralizing the fungal growth and preventing future infections.

Treating Allergic Skin Conditions

If your pet has an allergic skin condition, using vinegar is highly recommended. This is particularly applicable if the allergic condition causes your pet to repeatedly scratch the skin, making it flaky and inflamed. Repeated scratching with the paws can cause skin eruptions that worsen the condition. Use of apple cider vinegar is very helpful for alleviating the inflammation and reducing the formation of calluses around the allergy spots. The allergy spots should be repeatedly cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in vinegar.

Treating Fleas

Fleas are among the most common pet-related health conditions that affect nearly every feline and canine species. Similarly, ringworm, particularly feline ringworm, is a common and contagious condition. While fleas are small insects, ringworm is a fungus. Both these problems affect the skin of the pet, often leading to the formation of sore-like lesions on the skin. Fleas and ringworm become invasive as they delve into the dead layers of the skin. This is also why fleas and ringworm infections occur repeatedly even if pet owners apply conventional medications. However, fleas and ringworm infections can be easily resolved by using vinegar in the following manner.

Wash and Rinse Pets with Vinegar--Start by washing your pet in lukewarm water and a pet soap. After washing off the soap, add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the washing tub. Now, repeatedly rinse the animal with this solution. Ideally, you should ensure that the animal is seated in the vinegar solution for about five minutes. If it seems that your pet is sensitive to the odor of vinegar, you can add a few drops of any scented herbal oil to mask it.

If the flea or ringworm problem is very serious, rinse the animal repeatedly during the day. Alternatively, if your pet does not like repeated contact with water, moisten a small piece of cloth with a solution of water and vinegar mixed in equal proportions. Keep this piece of cloth handy for repeatedly wiping the animal, particularly along spots that are indicative of a serious problem.

Fleas tend to vacate the area that has been treated with vinegar. To ensure that such fleas are quickly removed before they reinfect the skin, comb your pet daily with a flea comb.

Clean Pet-Friendly Surfaces with Vinegar--Fleas are also present on household surfaces, particularly those that are regularly used by the pet. Even pet toys and items chewed by the animal are a possible source of fleas. Similarly, the ringworm fungus can thrive on surfaces like pet bedding or moist household carpets. Rather than cleaning such surfaces with household cleaners or other chemicals that can induce health problems in the pet, use vinegar. Pour the water-vinegar mix in a spray bottle and repeatedly mist these surfaces. You can dab apple cider vinegar on household surfaces without fear of staining them.