Can I put apple cider vinegar on my dog rash

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog's Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is a common problem for dogs! Whether it is from allergies, insect bites, yeast infections or dryness, dogs find itchy skin as miserable as people do. Apple cider vinegar is a very inexpensive remedy for itchy skin on dogs and carries few side effects.

3 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Relieve Itching in Dogs

Apple cider vinegar can be used internally and externally for dogs. It restores proper pH and reduces inflammation. It also kills fleas and other parasites.

Please do not use straight apple cider vinegar on a dogs skin! It is too strong. It must be diluted first.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

Purchase an inexpensive spray bottle. Fill it full with raw and organic apple cider vinegar. Fill it the rest of the way with pure water. Use the spray to apply the solution to itchy spots on the dog 2-3 times a day, or as needed. Do not spray near the eyes. Cover the eyes with a cloth if spraying near the face.

If a dog has broken skin, the above dilution will still be too strong. Try adding 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water at first. This may be enough to relieve itching without increasing irritation.

Coconut oil, olive oil or castor oil can be used on broken skin to sooth and heal the skin.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

For a dog that seems to be itchy everywhere an apple cider bath may be in order. Draw a warm bath and add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar to the tub. Bath the dog in the water. Shampoo is not necessary and may even dry the dogs skin out. Do not rinse the apple cider vinegar bath water off. Dry thoroughly. Keep the dog in a warm area until all of his fur is completely dry to avoid a chill. This is especially important for older or sick dogs.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Internally

Apple cider vinegar can be added to a dogs water, mixed in with his regular food or mixed with yogurt. The following are a good place to start with dosing apple cider internally to dogs.

1 teaspoon for small dogs
1 tablespoon for medium dogs
2 tablespoons for large dogs

This amount can be given once or twice a day, depending upon need.

Have you used apple cider vinegar for a dog with itchy skin?

Please send us some feedback!

For more information about using apple cider vinegar for dogs and many reader success stories, please visit this page!

How to Give a Dog an Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

Most dog owners are familiar with bathing their furry friends, especially during allergy seasons when baths become almost a necessity. However, an apple cider vinegar bath is a surprising yet highly effective solution for many canine health issues. This natural remedy is not just limited to dogs; it can also be beneficial for cats, addressing problems like fleas, yeast infections, hot spots, and itchy skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar Bath Benefits to Dogs and Cats

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known for its myriad of health benefits. When it comes to pets, it can be particularly effective in tackling issues such as:

Flea Removal and Prevention: ACV acts as a natural flea repellent.
Hot Spots and Mange: Helps in soothing and healing skin irritations.
Itchy Skin and Yeast Infections: ACV's anti-inflammatory properties reduce itchiness.
Dermatitis and Allergic Reactions: Restores the skin's natural pH balance, alleviating symptoms.

Despite its acidic nature, ACV is soothing for the skin, helping to restore its natural acidic balance. When a dog's or cat's skin is affected by bites, inflammation, or welts, ACV can provide much-needed relief.

How to Give Your Dog a Bath in Apple Cider Vinegar

Preparation: Choose a warm, draft-free area and have clean towels at hand. Depending on your pet's size, use a sink, bathtub, or a childs swimming pool.
Bathing: If your dog is particularly dirty, start with a regular dog shampoo. Rinse thoroughly before adding 4 inches of warm water mixed with ACV ( cup for a sink, 2 cups for a bathtub, and 4 cups for a childs pool).
Application: Saturate your dog's fur and skin with the ACV solution, paying special attention to areas like the ears and tail. Continue for at least 15 minutes.
Drying: Do not rinse off the ACV. Dry your dog thoroughly and let them air dry in a warm place.

A diluted ACV spray (half ACV, half water) can be used for ongoing treatment. Be cautious around the eyes, especially when applying near the head.

Can I Give My Cat An Apple Cider Vinegar Bath?

Cats, too, can benefit from ACV baths. However, since baths can be stressful for cats, it's important to be gentle and calm during the process. Use a kitchen sink with a few inches of warm water and cup of ACV. Ensure you saturate the cat's skin with the solution, towel dry, and avoid rinsing it off.

Conclusion

Apple cider vinegar baths offer a natural, chemical-free way to address common pet health issues. Whether for dogs or cats, this method provides a holistic approach to pet care, enhancing their well-being with every bath.

Have you tried an ACV bath for your pet? Please share your experiences and feedback with us or continue reading below to learn how Earth Clinic readers used ACV baths to treat various ailments in their pets.

6 Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Skin Rashes

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it gets exposed to a wide range of environmental factors and irritants every day. Sometimes the skin reacts to these irritants and this results in a rash.

A rash is defined as a noticeable change in the texture or color of your skin. Rashes can appear anywhere on the skin and may affect just one part of the body or the entire surface of the skin. These result in the urge to scratch the surface of the skin due to dryness. (1)

Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Managing Rashes

Here are some of the best ways to use apple cider vinegar for a rash.

1. Diluted apple cider vinegar

This remedy is perfect if the rash is on a localized body part, like the hands or legs.

Things youll need:

Apple cider vinegar
Water

Directions:

Mix equal amount of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and filtered water in a bowl.
Dip a cotton ball in this solution.
Apply the solution directly to the affected area.
Repeat 23 times a day until the rash is gone.

You can also add the mixture to a spray bottle and spritz it on the affected area.

Note: Those who have sensitive skin should add cup of raw, unfiltered vinegar to 3 cups of water.

2. Apple cider vinegar bath

Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial when a large area of the body is affected by rashes.

Things youll need:

2 cups of apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Mix the 2 cups of apple cider vinegar in your lukewarm bathwater.
Soak in the bath for about 30 minutes.
Pat the skin dry gently with a soft cotton towel until it is slightly moist.
Moisturize your skin immediately with a moisturizer.
Wear loose clothes to avoid itching.
Repeat this 34 times a week for best results.

3. Apple cider vinegar and coconut oil

When combined with coconut oil, apple cider vinegar works as a great moisturizer for your skin. It helps keep the skin moisturized while restoring your skins pH balance too.

A 2010 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology shows that coconut oil can reduce inflammation and soothe painful skin. (2)

Things youll need:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
cup of extra virgin coconut oil

Directions:

Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a cup of lukewarm extra virgin coconut oil.
Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth liquid.
Use it as a moisturizer on the affected area several times a day.

4. Apple cider vinegar clay pack

While apple cider vinegars alkaline properties are effective at treating skin rashes, clay helps absorb the toxins from the skin and clarifies it.

Things youll need:

2 tablespoons of clay powder
23 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Put 2 tablespoons of powdered clay in a glass bowl.
Slowly add 23 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Using a wooden spatula, mix the apple cider vinegar and clay slowly to get a smooth paste.
Spread out this mixture onto a porous cloth that is enough to cover the rash area.
Lay this cloth onto the affected area like a bandage, and let it dry completely.
Then, take the cloth off and wash the area.

5. Apple cider vinegar tonic

Internal intake of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar can help remove toxins from the body and maintain the pH level of the skin.

Things youll need:

1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of lukewarm water
Blackstrap molasses or honey (as required)

Directions:

Add 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Add a little blackstrap molasses or honey to the mixture to enhance its taste.
Mix thoroughly, and drink this thrice a day.

6. Apple cider vinegar with baking soda

Baking soda helps dry out skin rashes, and it even provides relief from the itching and inflammation associated with rashes. So, when combined with apple cider vinegar, the treatment becomes more effective.

Things youll need:

teaspoon of baking soda
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
cup of water
A little bit of honey

Directions:

Add teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to cup of water.
Mix well, and soon you will notice a little fizz.
Once the fizz has stopped, add a little honey.
Stir thoroughly and drink this solution once a day.

What Makes Apple Cider Vinegar Suitable for Treating Rashes?

Apple cider vinegar is prepared in two steps. In the first step, crushed apples are exposed to yeast to turn them into alcohol by fermenting the sugars. The second step involves adding bacteria to the alcohol solution to ferment the alcohol and turn it into acetic acid.

The whole process makes apple cider vinegar rich in acetic acids and several nutrients, such as vitamins C and B.

When it comes to home remedies for rashes, you simply cannot ignore the benefits of apple cider vinegar. Its acetic acid content helps counter skin infections or skin allergy that could be causing or aggravating the problem.

As a mild acid, apple cider vinegar helps restore and maintain the pH level of the skin. This is important to prevent different skin problems that can cause rashes.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports that pH levels play a role in the breakdown of the skins protective barrier. Acidity levels are also related to a breakdown in the skins microbiota, which helps protect you from bad bacteria. (3)

A 2006 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that skin with pH values below 5.0 is in a better condition than skin with pH values above 5.0, as shown by measuring the biophysical parameters of barrier function, miniaturization, and scaling. (4)

Apple cider vinegar also boasts antimicrobial properties that help in treating rashes caused by some virus or bacteria. This ingredient also acts as an astringent, thereby removing oil, bacteria, and other impurities from your skin. It is a good source of potassium, which helps in dealing with allergic conditions such as eczema.

A recent study in 2017 cited that apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial activity at 25% dilution but is less effective against fungi, yeast (like Candida), and viruses. (5)

Another study published in the Science Rep in 2018 demonstrated the ability of apple cider vinegar to downregulate inflammatory markers in a dose-dependent manner and that a minimum dilution of ACV was required for growth inhibition of Candida albicans (at 50% dilution), Escherichia coli (2% dilution), and Staphylococcus aureus (4%). (6)

Caution: Like many topical products, irritation may develop with overuse or in those with very sensitive skin. A study published in 2012 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology demonstrated the development of a burn from the use of apple cider vinegar. (7) Another study published in Pediatric Dermatology documented a chemical burn caused by apple cider vinegar in a newborn. (8) It is always better to test a small patch of skin before applying it all over.

Causes Associated With Rashes

This minor but annoying skin issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as:

Insect bites
Flea bites
Rosacea
Impetigo
Ringworm
Contact dermatitis
Allergic eczema
Diaper rash, psoriasis
Shingles
Cellulitis
Drug allergy
Measles
Excessive sweating
Use of soaps, detergents, shampoos or cosmetics that do not suit the skin.
Tick bite
Irritants like artificial jewelry, fabrics, and latex.
Contact with certain poisonous plants like poison ivy or oak to name a few.

Rashes can also be a symptom of certain bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Most rashes are relatively minor and respond well to home treatments.

Raw and organic apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy for treating skin rashes and ease itching. As with many other natural products, caution should be used as well, as it can be irritating to very sensitive skin. Always perform a test area first, before applying it all over!

Symptoms Associated With Rashes

Other than the change in its color and texture, the skin may show other symptoms too and become scaly, bumpy, itchy, or otherwise irritated. (9)

More severe rashes may be accompanied by extreme dryness of the skin, cracking, blistering, and pain. Some rashes may even cause fever and a general ill feeling throughout the body.

Additional Tips

There are few risks associated with apple cider vinegar. However, you should always consult a doctor before using it to treat infants or small children.
Applying apple cider vinegar directly onto the skin may cause a fiery sensation; hence, those who have a sensitive skin must never apply undiluted apple cider vinegar on the skin.
Drink plenty of water if you are prone to skin allergies and rashes. Water flushes away harmful toxins from our body.
Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to increase your vitamin C source to boost your immunity.

References

Tivoli YA, Rubenstein RM. Pruritus: An updated look at an old problem. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2924137/. Published July 2009.
Intahphuak S, Khonsung P, Panthong A. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of virgin coconut oil. Pharmaceutical Biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645831. Published February 2010.
Jang H, Matsuda A, Jung K. Skin pH Is the Master Switch of Kallikrein 5-Mediated Skin Journal of Investigative Dermatology. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15000147. Published September 22, 2015.
Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P. Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489300. Published October 2006.
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al. Authenticating apple cider vinegars home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect. Natural Product Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29224370. Published December 2017.
Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah AJ. Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Report. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18618-x. Published January 29, 2018.
Bunick CG, Lott JP, Warren CB. Chemical burn from topical apple cider vinegar. Plum X Metrix. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(11)02243-2/abstract. Published October 2012.
Korkmaz A, Sahiner U, Yurdakk M. Chemical burn caused by topical vinegar application in a newborn infant. Pediatric Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10720985. Published 2000.
Rash | Dermatitis | Skin Rash. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/rashes.html. Published March 6, 2018.