Apple cider vinegar has several health benefits and is very effective against bacterial microorganisms and also has antioxidant properties. But does apple cider vinegar kill worms in dogs?
While there aren’t many studies that explore the ability of ACV to get rid of a worm infestation in dogs, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from dog owners who prefer to take the natural approach. One of the benefits of apple cider vinegar indeed includes killing of intestinal worms in dogs. Apple cider vinegar kills worms by elevating the alkaline levels (unlike other vinegar) of a dog’s intestine making the intestinal environment non-suitable for worms.
There are many effective synthetic dewormers at present but some dogs don’t like pills, experience side effects and some owners don’t like giving their dogs synthetic treatment.
For such dogs apple cider vinegar may be a good natural dewormer. It also works as flea repellent in dogs which stops some intestinal worms at the source.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Effective For Killing Intestinal Worms in Dogs?
Apple cider vinegar has shown effective results in killing the intestinal worms of dogs naturally for some pet owners.
Diluted ACV can also prevent some types of worms that are caused by fleas since they dislike the taste and scent of it on your dog’s fur.
It’s best to dilute a very small part apple cider vinegar with a large part of water inside a spray bottle and spritz it lightly on your dog’s fur for this treatment.
Deworming with apple cider vinegar also improves the dog’s coat, a dog’s digestive system and overall health.
Non dewormed dogs show signs of gastrointestinal system such as diarrhea and vomiting having worms, hair fall and dull skin.
Which Types of Worms Will Apple Cider Vinegar Get Rid of in Dogs?
Common intestinal worms in dogs include:
- whipworms
- hookworms
- tapeworms
- roundworms
Apple cider vinegar can be an excellent dewormer for all such intestinal worms and may show effective results since ACV leads to increases in alkaline levels (1) in dog’s intestines, making an inhospitable environment for intestinal parasites to live in, this killing worms.
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Can I Give My Dog to Get Rid of Worms?
It depends on the dog’s size, breed and body weight.
Generally 1/4 to 1 teaspoon, usually added to a dog’s water daily is recommended for dogs.
- For a large 50 pound dog, one tea spoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a large bowl of water is enough.
- 1/2 a teaspoon will suffice for medium dogs.
- 1/4 of a teaspoon will do the job for small dogs.
It can be added in dog’s food too but they may not enjoy the taste of their food as a result.
As a veterinarian myself, I would always recommend consulting your veterinarian before using such remedies for a proper diagnosis instead of self diagnosing.
Apple cider vinegar is also good for dry and itching skin in dogs because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Apple cider vinegar also regulates blood sugar levels and is good for the heart health of your dog as well and prevents bacterial growth too.
How Long Does It Take for Apple Cider Vinegar to Kill Worms in Dogs?
It depends on the type of apple cider vinegar. We recommend raw organic ACV to keep the beneficial microbes intact.
Some brands claim to kill the intestinal worms within 24 hours of administration.
However, you should generally expect to see results within 1-2 week after regular use of apple cider vinegar.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Toxic to Dogs?
ACV is not toxic to dogs when used in the way we’ve suggested.
It contains 93-94% water, 5% acetic acid and 1% carbohydrates.
No fats or proteins are present in apple cider vinegar.
It is generally safe for dogs as given per veterinarian’s advice.
Things to Watch Out For
Giving your dog too much apple cider vinegar or if it hasn’t been diluted enough, can upset the dog’s gastrointestinal system and lead to stomach cramps, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea.
Such complications are common in dogs having a pH less than 6, so start slowly and at the lower end of the recommended dose.
The acid and pectin content in apple cider vinegar may also increase the intestinal motility in dogs which leads to diarrhea.
Apple cider vinegar which hasn’t been diluted enough can also cause burning of the throat and a dog’s digestive tract because of its acidic nature.
What Other Benefits Does ACV Have For Dogs?
ACV may have other benefits for a dog’s health besides being useful to combat worms and other parasites.
Dogs having intestinal worms show signs of lethargy, weakness, malnutrition, diarrhea and shedding of hair.
All such complications may be prevented or helped using apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar also may help prevent cancer, boost the immune system of dogs, and has anti-inflammatory properties which may lead to a healthier gut.
It can prevent worms in the first place by keeping fleas off of your dog’s skin, as well as being useful to treat worms once your dog has them.
Summary and Final Thoughts
Intestinal worms are common in dogs and can cause many problems.
We hope this article has provided you with one of the natural ways to keep your dog naturally worm free from certain intestinal parasitic worms.
Some people don’t believe in synthetic products and rely on natural remedies for their dogs.
Apple cider vinegar fulfills the demand of such people and may be a good natural dewormer and provides several other health benefits too.
In this article we have gone through the major aspects of apple cider vinegar regarding its effectiveness, mode of action, it’s side effects and quantity required to kill the worms.
We hope this will be very helpful and informative for people regarding their queries about the use of apple cider vinegar in dogs.
Veterinarians around the globe recommend approved medication and if you fail to remove worms using natural products, or if your pet deteriorates in condition drastically, then please visit one immediately for the welfare of your pet.
Natural remedies can work but ultimately, your pet and its health is our main priority.
Apple cider vinegar is a prime example. It can be the whole package because of its multiple benefits.
As a veterinarian, I would always advise the consultation of a vet to be necessary, at least for diagnosis so you know what your dog is dealing with.
Never use such remedies without a veterinarian’s approval or at least let them perform a check up to determine the current health of your dog, the type of intestinal parasites your dog has and the worm load in your dog’s body or dog’s stool sample.
AUTHOR
Dr Hafiz Rehman – Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
University Lecturer Profile: https://uvas.edu.pk/academics/faculties/fbs/anatomy/faculty/hafiz-fasee-ur-rehman.htm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hafiz-muaaz-ur-rehman-985371203/
FB: https://m.facebook.com/dr.hafizsameet/
References:
(1) Phytochemicals of foods, beverages and fruit vinegars: chemistry and health effects – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18296384/
