Dogs and vinegar? Yes, vinegar!

Did you know October is Canine Good Health Month? Right. Neither did I. But turns out, it is. Let’s celebrate. Or whatever it is you do for Canine Good Health Month.

The Vinegar Institute - yes, vinegar, like for your food – put out a press release with some neat tips for dog owners. All the suggestions are really easy and give me a way to use vinegar for something other than cooking. (Or who am I kidding – I don’t cook.)

• - Add a little apple cider vinegar to your pup’s drinking water. His coat will be shinier and his digestive system will run more smoothly. Bonus: the apple cider vinegar is a natural deterrent to fleas and ticks. Want even more flea and tick protection? Fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar. Spray it onto your dog’s coat and rub it in. 
• - Use vinegar and water to help keep your dog’s ears clean. Dab a cotton ball or soft cloth with a solution of two parts apple cider vinegar and one part water and rub it inside her ears. It will help deter ear mites and bacteria. Avoid open cuts or sores.
• - Kick the skunk stink. Mix this solution: 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon of dish soap and 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide. Work the solution into her coat and then rinse completely.

And as if those aren’t enough vinegar tips, you can read a whole list of fun facts from The Vinegar Institute here. Apparently along with your dog, you can clean your microwave and your shoes. There you have it.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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