Apple Cider Vinegar  

You can make a conditioner for him with about 1/2 acv and half water. Just pour it on after the bath and rub it in. Do not rinse off. Frodo gets all charged up when I do this, so, be ready! I must mention: DO NOT PUT ACV ON OPEN WOUNDS OR RAW SKIN! If Henry has scratched himself raw, the vinegar will sting. Also, bathing dogs too often can cause dry skin. I'm not saying this is the case,but, it can remove the oils they need in their skin. Since you are using a special shampoo, it seems 1 a week would be ok. Sometimes I will rub problem areas with a little olive oil after a bath. Frodo loves it, so soothing!

ACV IS very good for hip dysplacea. It strengthens the bones. You can take a chicken bone and soak it in acv and it will become like rubber over time. Also, it is worth mentioning that the ACV I use is organic. It must have the mother in it. Most vinegar you'll find in supermarkets have the mother removed for shelf appeal. It has to be raw unfiltered ACV, you'll see the cloudiness of the mother in there. I've heard of people putting acv in dogs water bowls. Frodo doesn't go for that, I think he can smell it in there. A yogurt snack in the afternoon is how he gets it. The yogurt (lowfat, plain)has a host of benefits itself! Flax seed oil is excellent as well!

Can you get the organic stuff at a supermarket? Or do you have to find it at a health food store?

I usually buy Braggs from a health food store. I looked at in the supermarket and couldn't find any raw vinegar.

I make my dogs food and I add garlic and olive oil as well. It goes into his veggie slop. You must be careful with garlic as too much of it can be dangerous.

16 wow! yes, the vinegar will help adjust his ph which will help with the yeast infections. Sounds like you go through what I go through with the allergies and all. ACV is not a cure all, but, as I'm sure you know, it has to be a combination of things for your friend to help relieve his itching. What kind of food are you feeding? Most allergies are a result of the dogs diet. Do you see yellowish flakey kind of stuff that smeels like a dirty dog? Probably by the base of the tail or under his chin or in the ears? This is yeast a yeast infection and it is a direct result of your dogs immune system being compromised by the allergies. I love vinegar, I've read that the Romans main cure-alls were vinegar and honey.

She has an awful smell but I haven't noticed yellow discharge yet. The vet gave me something for the yeast awhile back but it may be back again. She doesn't scratch as much though. I feed her kibbles and bits now. I use to give her alot of table scraps along with dog food.

Your welcome, anytime!

Thank you, you are absolutely right. Dogs are carnivores. Store bought food is mostly grain based. Dogs hardly need any grains if at all. I feed my dog mostly Raw Meat. Yes, they can eat chicken bones as well, they only splinter after being cooked. I have done alot of research and have been feeding this way for over 1 year, I've NEVER heard of a dog choking on a bone that wasn't cooked. Chewing is important so if your dog gulps his food down, you may have to gradually work with him to get him to chew. I always am near my dog when he eats, just in case. But, so far, no problems. The risk of salmonella is greatly lower than humans because they have a shorter digestive track. Dogs hunt and eat animals, they always have. The diet I feed my dog tries to mimick what he would eat in nature. The "veggie slop" mimicks the stomache contents of the prey. All veggies should be fed raw and processed as dogs do not have the enzymes needed to digest cell walls. This also makes it partially digested, as it would be in the stomache of a deer for example. The ratio I feed is about 60% meat, 40% veggies. I put a little acv in the veggie slop, but, he gets his daily dose in the form of a snack: lowfat plain yogurt, with a tablespoon or two of acv mixed in. This snack would be fine for any dog on any diet. The pet food companies have littered our minds with rumours over the past 60 years. Our friends used to live alot longer before we began feeding them these processed mostly corn based foods. A host of new health problems have arisen as well (including allergies). I've taken my dog to many vets over the years and they always prescribe antibiotics, steroids, benadryl, etc. These have always helped, but, the problem always comes back far worse than before. This is because his immune system is already compromised and the drugs attack the good cells as well. I have taken a leap of faith and switched to raw foods. 1 year later I have noticed a major improvement in his overall health as well as all his "old man problems". I would recomend feeding dogs the BARF diet as it is the most healthy option. Vets may not be aware of this diet as all their education on nutrition comes directly from Purina and other major pet food companies. Take your dog to a holistic, natural vet and he/she will help you design a plan for Fido's diet. Again, thanks for making me address this issue. I could write a book on it and that's why I have avoided it thus far. But, you are right, I don't want people thinking it's ok to give their dogs daily salads, they are carnivores. ACV mixed in with some yogurt or added to his/her water bowl is fine for any dog.

sorry for the long post, but, I tried to answer as best I could as briefly as possible.

Hey, don't apologize, it was a great read and lots of good info, thank you!

So i would like to ask you a random dog question. I am thinking of getting a dog, altho not in any hurry as i have been contemplating almost ever since my last dog. Some of my hopes in a new pup would be and these are in order of importance to me:

- not a purebred, i want some mix for good health etc
- relatively immune to vet visits with the associated big bills
- loves other pets and people
- long life
- smart
- would be great if didn't shed excessively or stink too bad
- not be too big an eater/pooper

And I keep discovering that a pitbull might be just the perfect dog for me.
I should mention that I enjoy all 4 seasons, and while a super small dog I know i would love too, I do live rurally and have a lot of wildlife around here. (of the variety that might see too small a dog as prey)

So what are your thoughts on this, ringbearer? Or anyone? And would you suggest a male or female? I also intend to have it spayed or neutered.

Hi plunketear, I don't know if this helps or not, but I'll give my opinion on male or female. I've had both and I prefer female dogs. Mainly for two reasons: I can belly rub on a female doggie without having a boy part in the way and because when they urinate, they squat making the urine go on the ground only rather than hiking their leg and urinating on the house, deck, kids toys, car tire, etc. I had my current boy dog fixed when he was a puppy, trying to get it done before he started the habit of hiking his leg and it worked for the most part. He still hikes his leg on occasion, but it's more he lifts his foot and doesn't go into a full hike. Hope that helps. Oh, one other thing, it does cost less to fix a boy dog than it does a girl, so that might also be something to consider. As far as type goes, I can't really help you there. I have small dogs.

Yes that does help cami love, and thanks
All valid points. I think I am swaying towards a female. My last dog was female, but not sure if that is influencing me or not. Many I want to be open minded to either, and concentrate more on if the gender makes much difference in relation to the breed of dog and the things that are important to me.
I am hoping to get lots of opinions about Pit Bulls, and Stafford Shire Terriers.

I don't know much about different breeds of dogs. Mine is a lab/ retriever mix. Great for the outdoors and water, but a big eater and a big shedder. I will say this...feeding the BARF diet, although more expensive and time consuming than storebought food, will cut down on vet bills drastically because it will be a healthy animal. Also, you don't need to feed as much because every thing they are eating is being used. Consequently, everything being used up means less poop! Also, it's organic poop...it doesn't smell that bad and it dries up and crumbles away if you leave it on the ground because it's organic. (I'm not recomending people don't pick up after their dog, I'm just making a point.) When you decide which breed to get, I would find a good holistic vet and bring him in. An all natural vet should be able to guide you through feeding the puppy the BARF diet or working out a healthy plan for feeding your new friend. Be sure to let me know what you decide!

Hey ringbearer, I am happy this thread sprung to life again to remind me to mention that since we chatted, I too am on ACV with raw honey. Taking it for my sore joints and arthritis and muscle pain.
And my skin is fresh like a baby's bottom!!!

errr...just kiddin' about that last part, haha
but who knows, maybe the ol' leather will mellow out in time too :)

I have never heard of any reactions like these, but, obviously it is possible to be allergic to anything. I definitely recommend keeping an eye on your dog while giving them anything new. Thanks!