Looking for natural ways to boost your dog’s health? Age and environmental stressors can take a toll on your dog’s skin, coat, and teeth. Over time, they can also begin to affect their immune functioning, digestive health, and metabolism. Exercise and proper nutrition can go a long way, especially when paired with good sleep. Like humans, dogs can also benefit from natural supplementation and self care.
Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar have many applications in health, wellness, and beauty. They offer a number of important benefits for both humans and dogs. In this guide, we’re breaking down the benefits of mixing coconut oil and apple cider vinegar for dogs!
Coconut Oil for Dogs
Coconut oil has become a staple in human beauty and wellness spaces, offering a variety of benefits. It’s also a natural remedy for our furry friends! Coconut oil is packed with medium-chain triglycerides including high concentrations of lauric acid. This offers a variety of important health benefits for dogs, including:
- Encouraging immune health by fighting off bacteria and viruses
- Soothing itch, bites, and stings
- Moisturizing both the skin and the coat
- Promoting healthy digestion
- Improving metabolic function
- Boosting dental health through antibacterial properties
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar is a popular and versatile ingredient in human wellness and beauty remedies. Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, minerals, and enzymes, offering a number of health benefits for both pups and people, including:
- Enhancing skin and coat health by balancing pH levels
- Boosting digestive health via probiotic properties
- Repelling fleas naturally
- Supporting joint health
- Improving immune functioning
- Neutralizing unwanted odors
Health Benefits of Mixing Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Immune Support
This mixture can act as a supplement to support your dog’s immune health. Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory and contains lauric acid and monolaurin, which offer antibacterial benefits to keep illness at bay. Apple cider vinegar also contains vital minerals and antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system and promote general wellness and longevity.
You can simply add a small amount of the mixture to your pup’s water or food bowl to give their immune system a daily boost. It can even help improve bad breath too! Just remember to dilute the mixture with some water to prevent the taste from becoming too overwhelming.
Skin and Coat Health
Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar have been known to help improve skin and coat health in dogs when ingested or applied topically. The moisturizing effects of coconut oil and the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar can help soothe minor skin irritation and balance pH.
Apple cider vinegar has even shown to act as an effective at-home flea and tick repellent when applied to the skin with a spray bottle. However, while it can help keep fleas away from your dog, it won’t kill them or treat an existing infestation. If you notice any fleas or ticks on your pup, you should always seek professional treatment from a veterinarian.
Digestive Health and Wellness
When ingested, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar may help support your dog’s digestive health. Coconut oil can act as a lubricant, moisturizing your dog’s digestive tract and making it easier for food to move through the body. The antibacterial and pH-balancing properties in apple cider vinegar can also help to ease digestion and boost overall health and wellness.
How to Mix Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Option 1: Spray It Onto Their Coat
If you’re looking to improve your dog’s skin and coat health, you can combine the soothing power of coconut oil with the pH-balancing benefits of apple cider vinegar by making a DIY spray bottle.
Simply mix together ½ cup of apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of green tea water, and 1 cup of plain water and add the mixture to a spray bottle. It’s a good idea to do a patch test to rule out any allergies. Always shake before application and apply daily for optimal results.
Option 2: Mix a Paste Into Their Food
If your primary goal is immune health and digestive wellness, you can mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil together, dilute it with water, and add it to your dog’s food. This is the right dose for a dog that weighs between 20 and 50 pounds, but you should adjust the amount for smaller and larger dogs.
It’s always important to consult with your vet before you add any supplement to your pup’s diet, and start slow with this – you can always add more later.
Option 3: Add it To Their Water
The simplest way to infuse coconut oil and apple cider vinegar into your dog’s diet is simply to add a diluted mixture to your dog’s water bowl. Just combine ½ teaspoon of each ingredient in your dog’s bowl and make sure it’s mixed in with their water thoroughly. You want to make sure there’s no separation and the mixture doesn’t float on top of the water.
If you try this approach, make sure you carefully monitor your dog’s water intake over the next few days. Dehydration can cause serious health problems in dogs, so you want to make sure the solution isn’t deterring them from drinking enough water.
Things to Consider Before Using Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Allergies
While food allergies are relatively rare among dogs, they can still be a concern. If you’ve never given your dog coconut oil or apple cider vinegar before, then you should start by applying or feeding them a very small amount to check for possible signs of allergies, including:
- Itching
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
It’s always recommended to consult with your vet before giving your dog any new ingredients.
Existing Health Conditions
It’s important to remember that, while potentially beneficial, supplements don’t replace medial-grade treatments. If your dog has an existing medical condition, such as a digestive or skin-related issue, you should work with your vet to determine if and how these ingredients may be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar can offer a number of benefits for your dog’s health. Just remember to always discuss any dietary or topical at-home remedies with your vet and never use a DIY treatment as a replacement for proper medical care.