Can dogs eat apple cider vinegar?

Raw, cooked and other forms of apple cider vinegar

• A littleA lick of spilled vinegar PetMD's vet says apple cider vinegar isn't toxic; at most expect a mild stomach upset.
• Skip itACV in her water or food PetMD's vet says vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and loss of appetite commonly follow ACV by mouth, and it should never be forced, because she could inhale it into her lungs and get pneumonia.
• Skip itSprayed or rubbed on her skin or paws PetMD's vet says topical ACV can cause serious skin irritation and gets licked off. Pet Poison Helpline's home-remedy page mentions a half-and-half mix with water, so only use it if your vet okays it, and never on open, raw or broken skin.
• Skip itIn her ears PetMD's vet says ACV should never be put into a dog's ear canal; it's drying and can make discomfort worse. Red, smelly or painful ears need a vet visit.
• Skip itAs a flea treatment or repellent PetMD: apple cider vinegar doesn't kill fleas, and any repelling is likely just the smell. Use a vet-recommended flea preventive instead.

Why dogs should skip apple cider vinegar

Acetic acid, the acid that gives vinegar its sour taste and smell. It isn't poisonous to dogs, but it's harsh on the stomach and on skin, and the taste makes many dogs gag or refuse it.

Signs to watch for after she eats apple cider vinegar

After drinking it: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or not wanting to eat. Coughing or trouble breathing after it was squirted in her mouth can mean she inhaled some. On skin or ears: redness, licking, scratching, head shaking or pawing at her ear.

What to do if your dog ate too much apple cider vinegar

If she drank some, offer fresh water and watch her; call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day. If she coughs or breathes hard after being given it, call your vet now. Rinse it off her skin with plain water if it causes redness or licking, and see your vet for itchy skin, ear trouble or fleas rather than using vinegar.