Can apple cider vinegar cure a dog s yeast infection

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs Yeast Infection

Do your dogs ears give off a sweet musty smell? Does the poor thing lick his paws obsessively? Your pet might have a yeast infection.

Before you fly into a panic, remember yeast infections are quite common among dogs, and humans, unfortunately.

While such an infection might cause a lot of misery it is highly-treatable and the first remedy you should try is in that bottle of apple cider vinegar (ACV) sitting in your cupboard.

Heres all you need to know about ACV, how to apply it to soothe your suffering pet and, also, when it might be time to see a vet.

Why do dogs get yeast infections in their ears?

Most yeast infections in dogs usually affect the ears, but your pet can also have it on his paws or skin.

Before addressing the why part, lets see what yeast infections are. Yeasts are unicellular microorganisms that have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Theyre a very large family, with over 1,500 different types, some of which are responsible for nasty itchy infections. Yeast are basically fungi and, under certain circumstances, can multiply rapidly. This is good when youre baking bread, but not when the yeasts multiply uncontrollably on the skin.

When you ask yourself why your dog got that infection, you should keep in mind that its not like he caught it from some place. Yeasts are to be found on any healthy dogs skin, together with thousands of other bacteria. In a healthy animal, these microscopic guys live in peaceful harmony and cause no harm whatsoever. Infections appear when something upsets the balance, allowing the yeasts to grow out of control.

As with humans, dogs are more liable to get yeast infections in the folds of the skin, such as the joints or the genital area. This problem is quite common among dogs with wrinkly skin or those with long floppy years. Yeast likes wet warm places, the perfect ground for them to multiply.

The breeds more prone to yeast infections are French Bulldogs, Shi Tzu, Shar Pei, Dachshunds, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and many of the Terriers family. However, all dogs can get such an infection at some point in their lives, including puppyhood.

Common causes of yeast infections in dogs

When a dog develops a yeast infection, this means that something has upset the balance keeping the pesky microorganisms on his skin at peace. This can be caused by:

Allergies
Use of antibiotics
Steroid treatments
Underlying skin problems

Yeast Infection Symptoms

You dont need a doctor to see your dog has a problem. If theres a yeast infection it gives off of a musty smell, like old bread or your grandmas attic. You might also notice a dark discharge in the ears or paws.

If the problem is with his ears, you will notice the red irritated skin. Since these infections are extremely itchy, the dog will lick or scratch the affected area until it bleeds, which is very dangerous as he might get a secondary infection. When the yeast infection has taken hold of your dogs nether regions theres going to be a lot of scooting on the floor or licking.

All these symptoms indicate the poor creature is looking for some relief from that terrible itch and this is where you can help right away.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

As the name indicates, ACV is a type of vinegar which can be made of fermenting apple juice. During the first part of the production process, bacteria and, yes, yeast, are added to the apple juice to kick off the alcoholic fermentation process. Basically, the sugars in the juice are transformed into alcohol. Next step, another bacteria is added to turn the alcohol into acetic acid, that is vinegar.

How does Apple Cider Vinegar kill yeast?

ACV has been known for many centuries to have disinfectant, antimicrobial and antifugal properties, which is why it is a staple of traditional medicine. Usually, the concentration of acetic acid in ACV is somewhere around 5-6%. Acetic acid works by effectively killing bacteria and yeasts.

At the same time, ACV contains malic acid, commonly used in skin care products, as it helps remove dead skin and reverse the aging process. That is obviously not your main concern at the moment, but this malic acid helps restore skin health and promotes skin hydration. This is important as a healthy skin is not a breeding ground for yeasts.

Will white vinegar kill a yeast infection?

White vinegar is obtained by fermenting grains and has an acetic acid content of 4-7%. It also has antimicrobial properties and might be of some help for your pets problem, but is not as good as ACV when it comes to treating skin problems. That is because ACV is obtained through a double fermentation process rather than just one.

The point is that the bacteria used in the fermentation process for ACV is acetobacter aceti, popularly known as the mother. This mother is made of good bacteria, aka probiotics, as well as enzymes which help digestion and have many other health benefits.

If you want to do yourself a favor, you should look for raw ACV. In most store-bought ACV products, the mother is removed as it gives the liquid a murky appearance, which might put off customers. However, the best ACV is the murky kind and this would be the best product to use for your dogs yeast infection.

How do you use ACV to kill yeast infections?

Although ACV is considered a weak acid, its still an acid and used undiluted might cause burns to your pets skin.

Before applying ACV, however, you should give your dog a bath to remove as much as possible of the yeast buildup and the crusts caused by the brownish discharge. If you go to a vet, the first thing theyll recommend is an antifungal shampoo.

Your pet wont object, hopefully, since the warm water itself will provide a bit of relief. Massage the shampoo into his fur, work up a lather and let the dog soak in it for a good 10 minutes.

Find something to distract the dog while youre waiting, tell him a story, offer him a nice treat cut in very small pieces to last longer. Rinse the dog with plenty of water, use a big towel to remove most of the water and then you can proceed to applying the ACV solution.

This is simple to make, just use a 50/50 ratio of water and apple cider vinegar. If the yeast infection is in the dogs ears, you could use a spray bottle so its easier to squirt it into the ear. When your dog has a problem in his paws, you should soak his paws in the diluted solution for some five minutes. Tell him another story if you have to, but make sure that you give the solution enough time to kill the nasty yeasts.

Keep in mind that even this diluted solution stings a bit, so avoid getting any in areas where your dog has scratched himself raw.

Once youre done, dont forget to dry his fur because, remember, yeasts love wet areas.

Are there any side effects of using ACV?

Apple cider vinegar is not toxic for dogs so even if he does manage to lick a bit off his coat it wont cause him any problems. Just make sure it doesnt get in their eyes and on the wounds he got from scratching.

An ACV and water solution can also be used on healthy dogs as a flea repellent.

Will ACV cure a yeast infection if a dog drinks it?

Probably not. There are many pet parents who give apple cider vinegar to their dogs, for the many health benefits ACV has, like stabilizing blood sugar levels or even weight loss. However, a dog can only have a teaspoonful of ACV in his water bowl and no more than a couple of times per week, otherwise it might cause stomach problems. Such a minute quantity is unlikely to have any effect on the raging yeast infection. It wont kill the yeasts directly, but, on the other hand, boosting your dogs immune system might prevent recurring infections.

What other home remedies might kill yeast infections?

After dousing your pet with an ACV and water solution, you should also apply coconut oil on the affected skin. Coconut oil is not only soothing, but it can help repair the damaged skin.

Tea tree essential oil can also be used to treat yeast infections, but you have to be very careful with that. Used at 100% strength, tea tree oil is poisonous to your dog even when applied on the skin. If the dog licks any of it, he might have a serious problem and there is no antidote for this type of poisoning. If you want to use tea tree oil, use a 0.1 1% concentration. That requires careful measuring and making sure to apply the solution only in places the dog cannot reach to lick himself. If youre not very sure you can manage that, best stay clear of tea tree oil.

When should you let the vet treat an ear infection?

Ear infections are very tricky. First of all, the internal structure of the ear is very complex and you cannot be sure if you managed to squirt enough diluted ACV solution so it can reach the most hidden parts of the inner ear, where the yeasts might be hiding. Also, taking a careful approach and treating your pet with ACV solution over many days hoping it will work might put your pet through unnecessary suffering. Ear infections are very painful, your dog will be miserable and he might hurt himself by pawing or scratching at his ears.

Theres another problem, location. Any sort of infection in the head area can lead to complications, since theyre so close to the brain.

Our advice try the ACV solution on the ears for a day or two, but if you see no improvement, go see the vet. Most drugs come with a whole range of side effects, but in this case this might be the safest choice.

Closing Thoughts

Yeast infections are very common in dogs and they can affect many areas: the ears, the paws, the genital or anal area. Yeast infections can also develop in the skin folds. If you notice a rash, itchiness, a musty smell or a dark discharge, its quite possible your dog has a yeast infection.

This can be treated at home with a water and apple cider vinegar solution. However, if you dont see any improvements in a couple of days, you should take your dog to the vet.

How to Effectively Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection

Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy that you can use to treat a yeast infection. Yeast infections are commonly caused when an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans affects the vagina, mouth, or skin. This yeast infection can cause burning, irritation, redness, swelling and a thick white discharge. Apple cider vinegar is just one of the many natural ways to destroy the yeast infection, which is also sometimes called candidiasis.

There are various reasons why you may suffer from a yeast infection in your genitals, mouth, or on your skin. For example, a course of antibiotics could upset the balance of healthy bacteria in your body, resulting in a yeast overgrowth. Or, having a weakened immune system, wounds on your skin, or hormonal changes can all cause yeast infections.

The effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for yeast infections is due to its acidic content. Apple cider vinegar lowers the pH levels of a candidiasis thus inhibiting the fungus overgrowth. Apple cider vinegar also helps to soothe itching, burning sensation, and other symptoms of a yeast infection.

In this article, I am going to look at why apple cider vinegar is effective for treating yeast infections. You will also find natural treatments you can make at home to treat vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and skin fungal infections.

What Makes Apple Cider Vinegar Effective for Yeast Infections

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains many enzymes and prebiotics that can help to boost your health in general. However, its the levels of acetic acid along with these enzymes that give apple cider vinegar its healing qualities.

According to the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acetic acid is the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar. During the fermentation process, ACV develops antibacterial and prebiotic properties. It also has antioxidant properties as well as an antifungal activity. The researchers concluded that ACV is an effective natural treatment for many ailments.¹

Research into the healing antifungal properties of acetic acid has shown that it is effective against many strains of yeast. For example, the journal Acts Microbiologica Bulgarica reported that acetic acid can suppress the growth of many strains of fungus.²

Among the fungus strains that apple cider vinegar is effective against is Candida albicans. The Journal of Prosthodontics reported that apple cider vinegar can help kill off candida yeast infections. The study concluded that apple cider vinegar has powerful antifungal properties and can be used as a therapeutic alternative for treating yeast infections.³

Yeast infections are also more common in people with diabetes, as high sugar levels cause better conditions for the yeast to grow. A study conducted on female rats found out that high sugar level caused by diabetes was favorable to infection caused by candida albicans. ¹⁰

The good news is that you can use ACV to control blood sugar levels. In my article on how to use ACV for diabetes Ive mentioned a study published by the American Association of Diabetes, in which the researchers found that ACV helped to decrease the blood sugar levels after meals in type I diabetes patients, as well as another research published in Diabetes Care which found that the consumption of ACV improved insulin sensitivity in the insulin resistant and type II diabetes patients.

The best type of apple cider vinegar for yeast infections

In order for apple cider vinegar to be an effective home remedy for yeast infections, its important to purchase the right kind.

To get the best out of apple cider vinegar, you should use the type that is raw, unprocessed and unfiltered. This kind of apple cider vinegar will be a dark amber color and have a murky appearance. You should also notice bits floating around the vinegar which is called the mother. The mother of vinegar is the part that contains all the healthy enzymes and beneficial properties. If you can, always choose organic, raw, unpasteurized and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother.

According to the journal Medscape General Medicine, most raw vinegars contain acetic vinegar as well as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants.⁴

Common Symptoms of Yeast Infection

Lets look at some of the symptoms of candida yeast infections that can cause vaginal candidiasis, oral yeast infections, or fungal skin infections.

Vaginal yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection, or genital candidiasis, will cause a lot of discomfort around your vagina. According to PubMed Health, vulvovaginal candidiasis usually causes itching and a burning sensation around the opening to your vagina. You may also notice a thick white, cottage cheese-like discharge and have swelling around your vagina.⁵

One of the top obstetricians and gynecologists in the U.S., Dr. Nivin Todd, says that vaginal candidiasis may also make sexual intercourse painful and cause a painful sensation when you urinate.⁶

Oral thrush (oral candidiasis)

Candida can also infect your oral cavity and cause a condition called oral thrush. The American Academy of Oral Medicine reports that common symptoms of oral thrush include a thick cheesy-like discharge in the mouth. You may also notice red patches or white spots on the back of your mouthand on the tongue,gums, and inside of your cheeks.⁷

According to the journal Informed Health Online, oral candidiasis can also make you feel like your mouth is burning. Severe oral thrush may also make it difficult to swallow and oral candida can be a reason for white patches on your tongue.⁸

Skin yeast infections

Candida infections can also affect areas of your skin, especially warm moist areas like between your legs, in your armpits, or cause a rash under your breasts.

The journal Microorganisms says that signs of a candida skin infection include red patches of skin that may appear thicker. Very often, candida skin infections have the same symptoms of eczema or psoriasis.⁹ The rash can also cause itching or pain.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections

First, lets look at how to use apple cider vinegar to treat vaginal candidiasis.

Apple cider vinegar tampon

One very effective home remedy for vaginal yeast infections is to insert a tampon with apple cider vinegar into your vagina. This is a safe way rather than apple cider vinegar vaginal douche that many women do and is not recommended by medical professionals. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar will quickly go to work to get kill off strains of candida and help restore a natural balance to your genital area.

How to make your own apple cider vinegar tampon:

This is all you have to do to make a home remedy for candidiasis:

Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water. Never use undiluted apple cider vinegar.
Soak an unscented tampon in the apple cider vinegar solution and insert into your vagina for 30-60 minutes.
Remove the tampon and rinse your vagina with water and dry thoroughly to help prevent more yeast growth.
Use the apple cider vinegar tampon remedy daily until you no longer have signs of vaginal candida and swelling around your labia.

The remedy may sting a little and this is normal. If the stinging sensation is too much, try diluting the apple cider vinegar with more water.

There are many other effective home remedies to quickly get rid of a vaginal yeast infection. For example, coconut oil has antifungal properties or you can use yogurt on your vagina for a yeast infection. Taking probiotic supplements can also prevent candidiasis, especially if you have just finished a course of antibiotics.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Oral Thrush

Oral thrush can affect you if you have been taking antibiotics, have a weakened immune system, or you wear dentures.

Here are some effective ways to use apple cider vinegar for an oral yeast infection.

How to make an apple cider vinegar mouth rinse for oral thrush:

This mouth rinse includes salt to help boost the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar to get rid of oral thrush quicker. This is what you should do:

Dilute 2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water and add 1 teaspoon salt. The warm water helps the salt to dissolve.
Swish the mixture around your mouth for a few minutes and then spit out.
Repeat several times during the day and continue until you no longer have thick discharge or red patches in your mouth.

How to make an apple cider vinegar drink for oral yeast infections:

You can also drink apple cider vinegar to help get rid of candida from your body. This is how to make the anti-thrush drink:

Put 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water (dont add sugar or honey as sugar promotes the growth of candida).
Drink once or twice a day to help get rid of candida and boost your immune system.
Consume daily for best results and to help keep candida from overgrowing in your gut.

Apple cider vinegar contains many nutrients, enzymes and friendly bacteria and helps to inhibit candida growth by helping to re-balance your body pH. While apple cider vinegar is acidic, once ingested and metabolized it has an alkaline effect on the body. Apple cider vinegar also helps to increase the good bacteria in the gut and increases the immunity of the body.

Apple cider vinegar also contains maleic acid. A Brazilian research in pediatric dentistry found out that the maleic acid in apple cider vinegar has anti-fungal properties against oral infections including candida albicans. ¹²

The good news is that the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are more than just getting rid of a yeast infection.

For example, studies into the effects of acetic acid in vinegar have shown that regular consumption can help to lower blood pressure. Apple cider vinegar can also help to control blood sugar levels and also detoxifies the liver at the same time.⁴

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy for Vaginal and Skin Yeast Infections

If you have signs of a candida infection on your skin, you can easily make an apple cider vinegar compress or take a bath in apple cider vinegar to destroy the fungal pathogens.

Apple cider vinegar bath

To help alleviate the discomfort that a candida infection on your skin causes, you can run a bath with apple cider vinegar. This is what you should do:

Fill your bathtub with warm water just enough to cover your waist when you sit in the bath.
Add 2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of sea salt.
When sitting in the bath, keep your knees to your chest to allow the apple cider vinegar water get to your genitals.
Stay in the bath for 20 minutes.
Rinse yourself with warm water and dry your body thoroughly.
Bathe 2-3 times a week to help get rid of candida from your skin or vagina.

To increase the anti-fungal properties of the apple cider vinegar bath, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil. According to research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, tea tree oil helps to destroy species of candida albicans because of its anti-fungal components.¹¹

Bathing in apple cider vinegar is also a great way to treat all-over body itching or helping to soothe the symptoms of eczema naturally.

Apple cider vinegar compress

If you have small patches of candida skin infection, you can make a damp compress with apple cider vinegar. This will not only destroy candida strains of yeast but also help to reduce itching and redness.

How to make an apple cider vinegar compress for yeast skin infections:

Here are the steps to make a healing compress to get rid of yeast infections from your skin:

Dilute 1 part apple cider vinegar with 1 part water.
Soak a washcloth in the home remedy.
Squeeze out the excess liquid and press the cloth on the infected area of your body.
Hold for 15 minutes.
Remove the washcloth and allow the skin to dry naturally.
Apply the apple cider vinegar washcloth 2 times a day and continue using until you no longer have symptoms of candida infection.

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Medical References