How to Use Fresh Fur™ Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Using a simple after-bath apple cider vinegar rinse is an easy addition to bath time and can help keep your dog’s skin and coat clean, fresh, and comfortable.
Below you’ll also find basic instructions along with additional tips for addressing common issues that can bother dogs, such as odor, itchy skin, and pests.
Always Dilute First
Our herbal apple cider vinegar rinse is a concentrate with no added water, so it must always be diluted before use.
Because every dog’s skin is different, start with a mild dilution and adjust as needed.
- Suggested starting dilution is ½–2 tablespoons ACV per 8 ounces of warm water.
- If your dog has sensitive skin, start on the lower end and increase gradually if needed.
- Before first use, apply a small amount of diluted rinse to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation.
Simple After-Bath Coat Rinse
- Shampoo and rinse your dog as usual.
- Mix ½–2 tablespoons ACV with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Pour or spray the diluted rinse through the wet coat.
- Massage gently to distribute through the fur and down to the skin.
- Avoid the eyes and face.
- Towel dry.
If needed, you can gradually increase the amount of vinegar in the mixture until you find the dilution that works best for your dog.
Do you need to rinse with water after using an ACV dog rinse? No, you generally do not need to rinse off the ACV when used on a dog's coat. Allowing it to air dry or simply towel-drying helps maximize benefits like reducing odors, fighting yeast, and repelling pests
The vinegar scent will fade as the coat dries.
For large dogs, the mixture can be doubled.
For Itchy or Flaky Skin
For dogs with itchy or flaky skin, a stronger rinse may be helpful. Also great for small trouble spots.
- Mix 50% water + 50% apple cider vinegar in a spray or squeeze bottle.
- Spray lightly onto itchy spots, avoiding eyes or open wounds.
- Let it air dry or gently pat with a towel.
- You can also pour it over your dog as a final rinse after bathing, then rinse again lightly with water after a few minutes.
To Help Repel Pests
Fleas and ticks tend to dislike the lingering taste and smell of vinegar on the dog's skin. While not a replacement for veterinarian-recommended flea preventatives, apple cider vinegar may help naturally discourage pests temporarily.
Before outdoor activities, lightly mist your dog’s coat with a mixture of:
- Equal parts ACV and water
- Focus on the neck, back, and tail base
- Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Reapply every few days during flea season.
- You can also lightly mist bedding to help discourage pests.
For Odor Control
Apple cider vinegar helps neutralize odor rather than simply masking it.
For a deodorizing spray:
- Mix ½–1 cup ACV with 2 cups water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly spray onto the coat and massage into the fur.
- The vinegar scent fades quickly as the coat dries.
How to Clean a Dog’s Face with ACV
- Mix 1/2 to 1 cup ACV with 1 cup water.
- Use a lightly moistened soft cloth, cotton ball, gauze pad, or pad to apply the solution to the face, ensuring it stays out of the eyes, mouth, and nose.
- Gently wipe the face, specifically targeting tear stains and wrinkly folds where bacteria or yeast can build up.
- Pat Dry: You can rinse with water, but leaving it on to air dry is generally fine unless the dog has sensitive skin.
Paw Soak for Irritated Paws
If your dog licks or chews their paws constantly, they may be itchy or irritated.
- Mix ½ to 1 cup ACV with 2 cups water.
- Soak paws for 1–2 minutes.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Repeat 2–3 times per week if needed.
- If soaking isn’t practical, apply the diluted rinse with a cloth or spray bottle.
Cleaning Ear Flaps
Apple cider vinegar can help control odor and discourage yeast on the outer ear flaps. During bath time, the outer ear flaps can be gently cleaned with a diluted vinegar solution.
- Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water.
- Moisten a cotton ball, soft cloth, or gauze pad with the solution.
- Wipe the outer ear gently — never pour vinegar into or insert anything into the ear canal.
If your dog’s ears are red, painful, or smell foul, see your vet — it could be an infection that needs medication.
Important Notes
- Your dogs will not smell like vinegar once their coat dries.
- Apple cider vinegar may stain very light colored dog coats, so test a small area first.
- Products containing essential oils should not be used on cats.
- If your dog has underlying skin conditions, sensitivities, persistent irritation, or if you have any concerns at all, always consult your veterinarian.
Patch Testing
When introducing a new product to your dog's skin, do a spot test on a small area of the skin with a tiny amount of the diluted apple cider vinegar. Wait 24 hours and check for any irritation or allergic reaction. This ensures your dog's comfort and safety.
The best areas for patch testing:
- Behind the ear: A small, hidden area.
- Inner thigh: The skin here is thin and sensitive, making it a good place to check for irritation.
- Under the front leg (armpit area): The skin here is sensitive and will quickly show signs of irritation.
Tip: A squeeze bottle can make it easier to apply the diluted rinse evenly through the coat and down to the skin, especially for smaller dogs or trouble spots.