APPLE CIDER VINAGAR – A Cure For All?



 

 

Anytime I read or hear about something that is supposed to be a cure-all my mind conjures up visions of Uncle Tom’s Snake Oil being sold from the back of a horse drawn wagon in a B Western.  But, while APC (apple cider vinegar) is certainly not a cure-all it is well worth having in the cabinet – both medicine and kitchen!

 

 

Apples contain potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine, silicon plus and many trace minerals.  When made into cider the concentration of minerals is higher and the benefits increase.

 

 

Taken internally it helps to maintain the acid/alkaline balance of the digestive tract.  To determine what your dog's pH balance is buy pH strips at the “farmacia” (pharmacy) and first thing in the morning test the dog’s urine.  If the reading is between 6.2 and 6.5 life is good.  If that reading if 7.5 or higher, the diet is too alkaline. and ACV can re-establish a correct balance.  Many external parasites will not take up house on or in a dog with an adequate acidic base to its system.

 

 

For treatment of a minor flea problem bathe with a shampoo that really gives a thick lather, rinse thoroughly and sponge on ACV diluted with equal amounts of warm water.  Allow the dog to drip dry.  You may even find it useful to spray your dog with a bit of diluted ACV before walking in an area where you may encounter fleas.  Be advised, however, that in any heavily infested house, kennel, garden or other area these measures are not going to be enough to keep your dog flea free.  And, if your dog has FAD (flea allergy dermatitis) even one flea bite can cause great discomfort that can be long lasting.  Such situations require a product such as FRONTLINE  which I consider to be superior to Advantage and less toxic.  Good old fashioned flea combs are the safest way to remove fleas from your dog and any dog with a compromised immune system should NOT be exposed to pesticides – and that is precisely what Frontline, along with its fellow flea killers, is. 

 

 

For clear, watery discharge from the eyes one teaspoon twice a day for a 50 pound dog  may do the job. Most dogs seem to like the flavor but if your dog objects begin with just a couple of drops in the food and increase slowly to the proper amount. There seems to be good reason to believe that it can prevent bladder and kidney stones. That may well be related to the pH factor mentioned above.

 

 

Following weekly grooming sessions a few drops in the ears after cleaning them help avoid ear infections. Itchy skin, the beginnings of a “hot spot”, smelly ears, or excessive licking of the feet may be sent packing with an application of ACV.  If the skin is actually broken dilute the ACV with an equal amount of water and spray onto the area.

 

 

Moving along into the “cure-all” aspect of ACV it can be used to prevent muscle weakness, cramps, calluses on hocks and elbows, pimples on skin surfaces, sore joints and – hey, who knows where it ends!!!!

 

 

Always check with your vet if you do not see a prompt positive response to treatment of any health problems.  And,  keep in mind that some of the things mentioned in this article may well get relief from a topical treatment of ACV but the cause of the problem needs to be addressed.  For example – itchy skin, foot licking, and goopy ears are probably related to the food you feed!

 

 

One good thing about ACV is that it won’t hurt your dog and it clearly may be a great way to avoid some expensive vet visits, the use of harsh chemicals and over use of anti-biotics.  Organic ACV is supposed to be the very best version.  Hard to find but worth the search!