Experience using Apple Cider Vinegar for your Dog?
By catherIN
@catherIN (430)
United States
March 19, 2007 4:43pm CST
I've haven't had much time to chat on mylot. Life has thrown some curve balls at me lately. One of them has been with our beagle. A week ago Sunday, she suddenly was not well. It was obvious that she was in intense pain. Took her to an Emergancy Vet. He diagnosed her with a Stage 1 disk problem [her back]. The next night she woke up paralyzed in her back end and hind legs. Took her to our Vet that morning [Tuesday]. She was at Stage 4. The Vet gave her a shot and sent her home with pain meds and steriods. He said this was a last ditch effort.
By the end of last week, she had regained some use of 1 of her hind legs. It's not good, but it's an improvement. Hubby took her back to the Vet today because I believe she has a UTI [she shows all of the signs]. The Vet was happy to see her showing some use of the 1 hind leg. He sent her home with strong steriods & said to give her one more chance to see if she improves. It's not just a matter of 1 leg being paralyzed & not much use of the other hind leg. She is wetting herself alot [even though hubby carries her out & holds her up to go to the bathroom] and she does have pain,especially when she has to be picked up.
Well, hubby brings her home & said the Vet never checked for the UTI. I lost it. That was one of the reasons I felt she needed to be seen today. He called & we are waiting for the Vet to return our call.
I have heard alot about Apple Cider Vinegar to help with joints & urinary tract. Has anyone used it with success for their dog? I really would appreciate some feedback. Thanks everyone!
3 responses
@astromama (1221)
• United States
20 Mar 07
I'm sorry I don't have any experience with it, but I'll do some research and if I find anything of use I'll repost. Your story breaks my heart... I have a five year old beagle who has been my best friend and I love her so much. I can't imagine what it would be like to see her in pain, so I am very sorry to hear you are going through this with your beagle. I wanted to know whether these types of joint problems are common with beagles, and if there is any kind of precautionary measure I should take with my dog. And you mentioned she was showing all the symptoms of a UTI... recently, my dog had been squatting like she has to pee all the time, but she doesn't actually 'go'. Again, I'm sorry to hear you are going through this and I will see what I can find in regards to Apple cider Vinegar... I know I take it all the time for my own health, I imagine it might be just as good for dogs...
1 person likes this
@catherIN (430)
• United States
20 Mar 07
Thank you for your reply.
I feel bad having to say this, but yes, according to the VET, Beagles are known for problems with their discs. The Vet said it is mostly hereditary. Unfortunately, there isn't really anything to prevent it. If it is going to happen, it will. The Vet said it's common for it to just show up suddenly... dog seems fine 1 minute, an hour later they can be in terrible pain or not be able to walk. Many times people think it was a trauma or fall their dog had. According to the Vet, most of those cases it was going to happen anyway.
As for the UTI symptoms, I see a few. Her urine smells foul, very strong. I know this sounds weird, but it smells like infection. She whimpers some when she uses the bathroom. She goes very often. Plus, add in the fact that she has been having problems emptying her bladder since this all happened and she is on steriods. I believe she has an UTI. Btw, the Vet never called us back & is now closed. grrr!!
@astromama (1221)
• United States
20 Mar 07
I would go ahead and give her some vinegar if you haven't already... I guess if something like this happens to my dog I will see what kind of pain medication I could give her. I do not take meds myself, but if it's a matter of my dog being more comfortable than I would want her to have that relief. It saddens me to know that, at best, I will only have her for another ten years. I don't even want to think about 'at worst'. How old is your beagle now? And did she just start having health problems?
1 person likes this
@Signal20 (2281)
• United States
20 Mar 07
It's kind of like people, I was always told to drink cranberry juice when you felt one of those coming on. Was supposed to be something with the acid in the juice would kill off some of the bacteria. But if this problem's been going on for a few days, I'd recommend some antibiotics for the dog. My mom's dog just had those same symptoms, I told her it was probably an infection. Both of us having lots of animals, and tired of having to cough up 30.00 to walk in the vets door, on top of the price for every test and med, she just gave her an antibiotic my mom had at the house. Cleared it right up. I've actually purchased bottles of tetracycline and amoxicillin from the farmers coop(10.00 each, much cheaper then for pets or people)-they're for aquarium fish, but I use them for my animals when needed for minor stuff.
I'd go ahead and use the apple cider vinegar, it has a lot of good healing properties to it, just smells & tastes awful!! It might give her some relief for the night. I know the vet didn't call back, I'd still get an antibiotic though, and maybe a new vet. Good luck with your dog!!
1 person likes this
@sublime_lover02 (143)
• United States
20 Mar 07
I have found apple cider vinager has many benefits, for people and animals!! I read up on it recently and have been using it myself and I put some in my pets (dogs, cats, birds) water dishes as well. Not only does it keep their water dishes clean and sanitized, it is very good for them. Good luck :)
1 person likes this
