Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | ||||||
| TEA TREE OIL AND CATS | ||||||
| ADVICE FOR FLEA INFESTATIONS | ||||||
| AMETHYST | ||||||
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | ||||||
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Natural Flea Remedies
Did you know that a flea could jump 100 times its own height? Did you also know that just one female flea will produce 20,000 eggs in a period of only three months?' Lastly, did you know that it can take anywhere from three to six weeks for flea eggs to hatch? Now that's definitely some eye opening, yet frightening flea trivia!
The pests in question are tiny, brown, wingless insects that survive on the blood of your pet. Unfortunately once they have found that food source they are very difficult to get rid of. Any of you who have been faced with the regrettable task of dealing with fleas truly know how trying it can be, and how incredibly quickly the problem can spread to other pets and to your home.
So first let's talk about a couple of ways in which we can prevent flea problems for our pets altogether. The addition of Garlic to every one of our dog's meals will help to keep them free of fleas, as will the addition of Sulphur to their diet on a once a week basis. You can also try giving your pet Black Walnut Hulls that come in a capsule form at many health food stores which will repel not only fleas but also, ticks and mosquitoes. Keep in mind that none of these solutions will work overnight and may take about four to six weeks before they are effective.
If you suspect that your pet does have a flea infestation examine the animal closely by separating the hair on the animals back or flank area. You want to be able to view the skin of the animal as well as possible and it will always be easier to detect fleas on those pets that have a lighter skin tone. During your search you might actually be able to see a flea scurrying by, but more likely you will see the evidence that the flea has left behind. Flea dirt (or feces) will appear as small, black pebbles in the fur and on the skin. To determine whether or not what you see is actually flea dirt, take some wet paper towel and wipe it over areas where the dirt is most prominent. If the dirt on the wet paper towel has dissolved into red blood then you can bet that you are indeed dealing with a flea problem.
Now let's get down to bathing your flea infested friend. Use an herbal shampoo that contains a combination of any of pine cedar, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, citronella, juniper or geranium. Before you wet down your pet here's a handy trick to ensure that you are successful in killing all of those nasty fleas. Know going into this process that as soon as you wet the animal down, those fleas are going to run for higher and dryer ground; this means they will flea (no pun intended) to the head area. You should never douse your pet's head with water and certainly not soap, so in order to prevent the fleas from escaping make sure that you first pour a thick layer of the shampoo all around the head and neck area; as close to the top of the head and underneath the chin area as you can get. Pour small amounts of water with your hand onto the soapy area and spend some time building up a thick, soapy barrier that will kill the fleas that attempt to pass through it. Proceed by wetting down and lathering up the rest of the animal's body while frequently returning to massage and re-lather the neck area. Fleas are very difficult to kill and it is better for your pet if you can handle the problem with one good bath rather than several of them, so be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least 15 minutes or more while continuing to massage the soap deep into the animal's fur. Rinse the animal thoroughly and dry it off well, especially during cold weather.
If you are also dealing with a house infestation of fleas, here's a great way to get rid of the problem. Mix together 1 1/2 pounds of diatomaceous earth, 1 1/2 pounds of natural borax and 1 cup of salt. (Don't use the earth and borax that you can purchase at a pool store, rather use the products that you can get from your local garden store.) The diatomaceous earth works because it contains very tiny particles that have sharp spines, which puncture the exoskeleton of the flea, killing it. The borax and salt work by absorbing the moisture of the flea and make all of those cracks and small areas that they might find to live in your home much more undesirable. You can use the mixture by sprinkling it throughout your home onto carpets and into those harder to reach areas. Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of days and then vacuum it up. Although these powders are not poisonous it's never a good idea for you or your pet to breathe it continually for days so if it's possible to go elsewhere while it sits then that's definitely an option you should use. Alternatively, if you prefer not to douse the house with the mixture, you can always pour it into your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum everything thoroughly so that any of the sucked up fleas will die inside the bag. Keep in mind that this solution will not kill the un-hatched flea eggs and therefore the process may need to be repeated several times depending on the severity of your problem."
[WARNING!] 08/17/2009: Doglover-gsd from Morganton, Nc Burke writes: "diatomaceous earth - is a poisonous vapor producing substance."
[WARNING!] 04/17/2007: Valeria from Athens, GA writes: "I have been reading all of the suggestions and am planning to try some. I don't have a question or remedy to offer, but felt I must let you know about a dangerous option.
I've used Diatomacious Earth for years, I even used it to get rid of a horrific flea infestation in my asthmatic boyfriends house with no bad effects. It works against all insects and parasites. The IMPORTANT thing to note is that POOL GRADE D.E. IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE SILICOSIS (scarring of the lungs similar to asbestos poisoning) The only safe D.E. to use is natural pulvarized or ground D.E. that can be found in plant nurseries and food storage shops. This D.E. has NOT been superheated, a process which creates fine threads of silocone glass which makes it a better filtering product, but makes it dangerous to handle or breath. Flour grade D.E. is meant to be used in graineries as a bug and egg deterrant is fine enough to mix with flour. The Regular D.E. can be spread on carpets, or the cracks between wooden floors. Plan on not vacuuming for a while(like a week) in order to allow the D.E. to cut up and dry up the little buggers, and be prepared for a little dust to be produced for a short while as you walk on it. I've even heard of it being used a a coat powder and mixed in feed (for horses, cats,and dogs) but I've never tried that personally. I sprinked it in the carpets and brushed it in with the broom and let it sit for couple of weeks, them vacuumed and reapplied. This with Advantage treatment took care of all the fleas and there were none for the rest of the year.
Well I'm off to try an ear mite treatment on my new cat. Thanks for all the suggestions!"
[WARNING!] 08/13/2008: Paul from Oakland , CA replies: "Hi, I was just about to buy garden grade DE to put in my vacuum bag ...when this clerk told me to "get away from there, sir", saying the stuff is leaking out of the boxes....(you can see fine white powder on the outside of the boxes.) Then this helpful clerk told me to go outside and meet him...I thought he gonna sell me drugs or something, but he told me that he worked in Pest Control in the past and that if you put DE in your vacuum...that it's gonna come out and you are going to breath it. So in any case---I didn't get the DE. The clerk was very pro having your house "bombed" professionally etc....P"
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
POPULAR REMEDIES:
| APPLE CIDER VINEGAR | 32 YEAS |
| DISH SOAP | 18 YEAS |
| GARLIC | 11 YEAS |
| SALT | 6 YEAS |
| ESSENTIAL OILS | 6 YEAS |
| BREWER\'S YEAST | 6 YEAS |
| AMETHYST | 6 YEAS |
| DIATOMACEOUS EARTH | 5 YEAS |
| DISH SOAP AND LAMP METHOD | 5 YEAS |
| BORAX | 5 YEAS |
TEA TREE OIL AND CATS
12/26/2008: Sherry from Columbus, Ohio writes: "While researching tea tree oil as a skin healer, I noted that tea tree oil can be very toxic to cats. A couple of comments here mention tea tree oil use for cats to help prevent fleas. Thought I should just mention it."
Replies12/29/2008: Beth from Marshall, Missouri replies: "I have used tea tree oil shampoo on my cats multiple times, however I use it sparingly and only on one of them. My cat Brok will sometimes rub himself raw on a spot on his back. He is overweight so he cannot groom certain areas on his back properly. I will give him a bath with regular cat shampoo, then treat the balding area with a dime size of tea tree shampoo. He never got sick or showed any symptoms that I read about over the internet. I believe as long as you use it sparingly, and make sure to completly rinse the area you used it on, you won't have a problem. Don't use straight oil either, you can pick up tea tree shampoo from a health food store. I have also used this to prevent a mange break out on three previous cats of mine with no ill effects. I think as long as you use it sparingly (ie. bald spots or mange) then it will be fine. but do keep the other health warnings in mind, such as not using it on open sores, or on a cat that was recently shaved."
02/03/2011: Tanya from West Palm Beach, Fl replies: "I read the other comments about D. E. And wanted to share that there are different "grades". If you go to a holistic pet supply store, they should have FOOD GRADE DE which is safe to feed and apply to the pets body. I have been using it for roughly 4 weeks and the infestation is much less. The cats have shown no negative effects from daily dosing except an occassional sneeze. However, the claim from the saleswoman that it would take only a week was incorrect. It seems to take 4 to 6 weeks for total flea destruction. Also, wash your hands after handling it. The powder is very fine, but can irritate your hands & feet (if you sprinkle the carpet. ) It felt to me like itchy dry skin hands, so wash alot!"
04/13/2011: Peg M from Prescott, Michigan replies: "Try Seven Dust that you use on your fruit and veggies in the garden. Works just like a flea powder but much safer. do keep away for pets face and eyes."
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ADVICE FOR FLEA INFESTATIONS
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[YEA] 02/22/2011: Lynne from Shady Valley, Tennessee writes: "When we first moved to Tennessee, our "new" house had wall-to-wall carpet upstairs, our bedroom shared by the dog of course. We noticed that where the sun hit the rug, there were fleas hatching into yucky little worms. By hit or miss, we came up with a simple and very cheap solution! Get a dinner or sandwich plate (light color like yellow or white) put one drop of dish soap and fill with water. Then place the dish on the floor under a desk light that you put on the floor and aim the light at the dish. In a few hours the warmth of the light attracts the fleas and they jump in the water and drown! How simple and safe!"
Replies04/19/2011: Jennifer from Gainesville, Fl replies: "I've read that you can use the desk lamp and dish wtih soap but I modified this to be more successful at least in my case. I have found that CLEAR containers work much better than opaque. Fleas seem to be attracted to white so under each clear container I have placed either a white paper towel or a white piece of printer paper. The best light source has actually proven to be an LED battery powered lantern (dorcy) and I have placed a small bowl in the clear container with the lantern sitting in it. Then put water in the clear container with a few drops of dish soap. The separate bowl for the lantern keeps it from getting wet but attracts the fleas quite well. I have also had luck with the clear dish and soap with white paper under when I have just used a glow bracelet or stick. Pink or red sticks don't seem to work but those that are white or green attract them like crazy. Using the above methods I have caught around 200 fleas in the last 3 days since I started setting these traps--I set two with lanterns and 3 with glow sticks/bracelets. I am hesitant to use an actual lamp or anythign with a cord since my cats tend to knock things over which could prove quite dangerous. The battery powered LED lanters work better than the glow sticks but the glow sticks are nice in that you can just toss them in the water and they work without risk of damage."
07/23/2011: Sheila from Marengo, Iowa replies: "I have set 2 to the "flea traps" in my house and am having some very good success with them. The fleas seem to be drawn to them more during the night then the day. I am using a clamp on lamp. It is clamped on to an end table in my living room and one in the bed room... That is where my dogs spend most of their time. I have used the chmicals with no success. I have been putting frotline on my dogs like recommended and my dogs are missereable. I am putting apple cider vinegar in their drinking water. And have tried to put it on them after their baths. They hated it on them. My beagle basset mix howled the whole time it was on her. So I am open for any more suggestions. I did give them a bath with rosemary mint shampoo and that did give them relief for a short time but that is it. HELP"
08/24/2011: Kat from Youngstown, Oh replies: "Frontline doesn't work on some animals, try advantage"
[YEA] 09/07/2011: Melissa from Vancouver, Bc replies: "I find that diatomaceous earth works well for flea control. I have used it on my cat and both my dogs and have not had any problems since!It is all natural, easy to use and much less expensive than other alternatives.
Just sprinkle the DE throughout your animal's fur, especially on their backbone. The diatomaceous earth will kill the fleas by lacerating their exoskeletons and dehydrating them.
Both pure DE and brands containing calcium bentonite or montmorillonite will have the same effect."
09/15/2011: Nettie from Albany, Oregon, Usa replies: "My cat seems to be highly allergic to the frontline and advantage flea control drops. Massive "bumps" all over her, and the itching drives her nuts. I love the trap with the light suggestion and will try it. We've had massive fleas in the carpet, beds, and other furniture. Has anyone ever used boric acid sprinkled in the carpet? We used to use that; I bought some and it may as well have had a skull and crossbones on it for all the poison warnings."
12/09/2011: Pest Control from Atlanta, Usa replies: "You can try using Dawn Pure Essentials dish soap on your pets and around the house for pest controlFor Pets:
-Get a flea comb:
-Fill a large bowl with hot water and some dawn dish soap
-Dip the flea comb in the water solution and brush through pet
-Dip the flea comb back into the water;continue this pattern
For house infestations:
-Leave a few bowls with hot water and dawn dish doap around ares such as beds, couches, carpet for a few hours. The fleas will be attracted to the warm water and the soap will stick to them making them stuck in the water. They will die.
Hope this helps!"
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[QUESTION] 08/18/2010: T.j. from Ramsey, Il, Us writes: "We have been inundated with fleas for about a month now. We live in a very large building (it used to be a Masonic Temple) and we use the big room upstairs for storage, and for the past year or so, to house my daughter's cats. We have 2 dogs that live in the downstairs with us. The room upstairs is very large, it's 30x50 feet, with a 16 foot ceiling. I seldom go up there, so I wasn't aware that there was a flea problem until about a month ago when my granddaughter went up there looking for something and came down covered in fleas. I went up there and within less than 3 minutes I had about 100 fleas on my feet and lower legs. I was freaked out by this, because even with 2 English Bulldogs sleeping in my bed I have never seen fleas like this before. Because I have a 13 month old and a 2 month old grandsons and a 16 year old granddaughter living here I wanted to be careful with what I used. I sent them away for the day, put the cats in a pet crate outside, and used 3 bug bombs upstairs. Then I gave the dogs flea baths and put them in my camper while I covered my floors and furniture with a popular powdered laundry booster (borax) that is mentioned on this site. I let that sit for several hours and then swept, mopped, and vaccumed it all up. I also sprayed a flea spray on the only room with carpet (my bedroom), and in the crate that my female likes to lay in. I put flea collars on the dogs too. I used an entire big box of the laundry booster on the carpet of the big room upstairs and worked it in with a broom. We bathed the cats with a flea shampoo made for cats, put flea collars on them, and then put them in an old rabbit hutch in our big storage building. I have retreated the dogs as well. We had planned on bombing upstairs again before moving the cats back up there, but didn't really think we would have any more problems. We also treated our yard for fleas.
Two days ago my female started going nuts trying to scratch her butt. She was spinning in circles, crying, and because of the way bullies are built she can't even reach her butt to scratch or chew. I thought maybe she needed her anal glands expressed, which my vet has to do internally. I didn't see any fleas at that time so I didn't think that was the problem. Then, the night before last she woke me up crying and spinning. It was 3 am, so I got up and checked both dogs, and found fleas. I was exhausted and had no flea spray so I didn't want to get up and bathe them without treating the rest of the house. What I ended up doing was mixing apple cider vinegar with a popular dish soap, about half and half, and rubbing it all over her butt. I was able to leave it on and go back to bed. She stopped itching and was able to rest. Last night I went and got more bombs, more spray, and more laundry booster. I bathed the dogs with flea shampoo and treated the furniture. Now I have to re-treat the house and all. What else can I do to stop these damn fleas? My feet and ankles have bites that are just healing, and even the babies have some bites, which makes me feel terrible. I don't want to use a bunch of toxic chemicals downstairs where we live, but I also don't want to have this keep happening, especially with it driving my dogs crazy and exposing the babies to fleas. Any ideas will be appreciated."
Replies09/19/2010: Daphne from Wheeling, West Virgina replies: "I too have been feeling the stress of this on my children. It is been so bad my 3yr old plays with are dogs and he has bites all over him! I have done everything but get rid of my pets. But thy are my family. But money is very tight do to everything sir. You are a great grandfather and your pets are lucky. Just thought you should hear it."
11/28/2010: Nancy from Boca Raton, Fl replies: "I know the answer: After a long and tough battle with the fleas. I have two dogs and my guy is visiting for two months with his two dogs. Four dogs. We brought the dogs to the dog park and we walk the dogs around a property with lots of grass, trees and a lake. Plus I live across from a Preserve. So, it could be from the community I live or the Dog park.. Not being treated for fleas. Wherever they came from they were extremely hard to get rid of.I live in South Florida (hot and humid) which does not help. We tried everything. Flea shampoo, washing linens; dogs beds, toys, plus the dogs... Cutting their fur short, vacuuming and cleaning out the vacuum, brewers yeast pills and garlic pills, etc. Finally we did all of the above.. And then I read online... Take Borax, boric acid and sprinkle all over the floor, base boards, etc. Then wash everything in Borax or Chlorox... In hot water. Then leave the sprinkle down mixture down for 1/2 hour or longer. Clean out the vacuum... Then sprinkle mixture inside vacuum bag/compartment..(where the dirt goes). Put pets in an area away from this. Open windows and doors to the room if you can. Then vacuum it up. Cleaning out the vacuum thoroughly when it is done. Then bath dogs, bedding, toys (in hot water if you can) etc. Let shampoo stay on for 20 minutes then rinse. Then spray raid (indoor/outdoor) automatic (in gray bottle) flea and roach spray on your outside property and all along your baseboards of your home( everywhere). Keep pets out of rooms you spray for a half hour. Then vacuum again and air out room during process.. Spray window and outside sliding glass door perimeters as well. Spray dogs with Adam's flea treatment (blue bottle) Douse their fur (do not get near head, eyes, etc. ) Get into skin.. They will not like it but.. For it to work get them somewhat wet.. not soaking just enough so it get them. Bathe again in 3 days or 4 days. Make sure you shower after the whole thing to and wash you clothes and towels in hot borax mixture. Get borax mule 57 or something. It is only about $2.49. Ok, I hope this helps. Bye for now, Nancy;)"
07/22/2011: Sublimeamiga from Clarksville, Tn replies: "Have you tried a spray called Knockout? It is sold from my vet for $20 and lasts up to 7 months. It prevents the fleas from infesting your home and creating a community of fleas. I use it every summer and seems to work great. I also treat my animals with Advantix once a month."
08/07/2011: Jb from Atlanta, Ga, Usa replies: "Two products from Cedarcide, out of Texas, work well. PCO to spray in the yard & Best Yet spray not only for your pets but, yourself & children.It is cedar oil based & works wonderfully."
08/07/2011: Jb from Atlanta, Ga, usa replies: "I forgot to mention that Cedarcide's Best Yet spray can be used on carpets, flooring, furniture. It does not stain. However, I do not think I would use it on silk or fine damask. I used it in a room with a 75 gallon salt aquarium, making sure the spray did not go into tank & nothing was harmed. The aroma of cedar does not linger for long."
10/31/2011: Crystal At from Ny replies: "Grind salt in a blender or food processor until its a powder and sprinkle everywhere even on pets. You will see the fleas jump up and then die! Wonderful, fast & cheap! Good luck. I just sprinkled my whole apt. I have 4 month old twins & a 7 yr old and we tried advantage, vacuuming & knockout. When I found out salt worked I had to try it and I watched those blood suckers die lol. They have bitten me all over my body and have started biting my 7 yr old. I was desperate and frustrated. I was about to give up my cat. I wish u the best!"
11/12/2011: Nancy from Windsor, Sc replies: "What type of salt did you use ???"
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[YEA] 01/19/2010: Salome from New York, NY, USA writes: "omg, all this bs about DE, borax etc etc for flea infestation.
The flea lives in your home. It feeds off your animal, lays eggs..dies.. these eggs hatch and develop ---the life cycle is about 20 days from bite to laying the eggs,eggs hatch,develop and grow into adult fleas. Why are you putting stuff on your floors and carpets and going nuts ?
you will break your natural ""butt"" one time...and DO NEED at least 1 other person that knows how to move.
all indoor living pets get bathed and then confined in an area you already thoroughly vacuumed and damp mopped....it's CLEAN and flea free for now.
while they're drying, someone HELPING is running the washer/dryer or goes to the laudramat with their bedding etc
and someone is also thoroughly vacuuming the house, sofas, chairs etc etc.while the CLEAN pets remain confined in the CLEAN ROOM.
you DON'T SPRAY r@id,bl@ck j@ck,whatever,etc.....use the ACV or red cedar oil/nontoxic kind-IF it makes you feel better. remember that vacuuming will remove them,their eggs and developing @#$%!!!!s. you eradicate THEM and your animals remain flea free.
YOU WILL CONTINUE to vacuum every day for at least a month and then find out that THIS is now your habit--
you vacuum your home everyday, damp mop too-
your dogs / cats get checked via the flea comb weekly-
when they need to get baths they get them with whatever soap/shampoo/conditioner doesn't irritate them---the fleas come off simply due to the water,they're not lice adhering to them and don't produce nits sticking on the fur and don't burrow deep down into carpets,matresses etc---they're fleas.--they dump their eggs on your floor/carpeted areas--and you vacuum them up and throw out the bag or what i did was simply put a piece of tape over the vacuum hose to make sure the little sukkkas couldn't get out in-between vacuuming when my house was alive with them.
It's not as bad as it sounds. the daily vacuuming quickly gets things under control. cover your sofa etc if they go on them but still keep that vacuum going. their bedding etc needs to get done anyway and you will truly find out that running the vacuum at least once a day keeps your home truly spotless and is not that time consuming either after the one time heavy haul.
......been there, seen it, done it AND going through it again---somehow in this freezing weather......a flea got in--BUT --i haven't HAD to go through this for more than 15 years--think 1 dog brought them in from the vet....kids didn't CHECK him-and we have always had at least 2 dogs/2 cats /indoors...and the dogs only needed baths as a routine when summer started and ended"
09/16/2011: Nettie from Albany, Oregon replies: "I tried the light in a bowl of water last night and didn't get a single flea. Maybe that's a good sign. Going to try boric acid from the drugstore. It is finer than the Borax soap stuff. Orange cleaner I used to buy at a fair or trade show or from the guy going door to door, killed fleas instantly. So does 100% natural PURE CITRUS lemon air freshener. (It kills yellow jackets in mid-air). The oiliness of it troubles me about putting on my floor and furniture, and lemon oil can deteriorate surfaces. (it melts rubber). It sure kills fruit flies, too. The lemon or orange liquid cleaner, (not dish soap) kills fleas dead, but can sting bites on animals.Can't feature vacuuming every single day, got too many other things in my life to do. But, vacuuming is a good thing, Martha, for sure."
10/07/2011: Bonnie from North Bay, Ontario Canada replies: "I recently discovered my 4.6 lb yorkiepoo has fleas and when I bathed her today I saw huge adult fleas as well as little ones. I used to be able to control the fleas by bathing her first then putting DE in her bed and on her, with noneed to reapply the DE. However, this tme my regular routine to get rid of the fleas did not work as my neighbor has 3 dogs that are infested. I am planning on getting some ACV tomorrow for her food water and as a spray/rinse. My question though is, can I add DE to the 50/50 solution of ACV and apply the DE and ACV at the same time? or would I have to apply the DE as a powder?"
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AMETHYST
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[NAY] 08/28/2010: Cleoppa from Cleburne, Tx writes: "Before trying this, I did a bit of research. Although not a lot of people had commented on their results online, I found that nearly everyone who had cats found this to work and maybe half the people who had dogs did. I thought maybe some other circumstances, such as the size of the amethyst, made a difference. I wanted to get a large amethyst, just in the off-chance it was ingested in the water. I bid on two large (3 inch) amethysts on ebay, expecting to only win one. I ended up winning both. I put them both in my dog's water for some time and saw little, if any difference. So, I'm pretty sure it's not a matter of the amount of the amethyst. Possible there are different types or qualities of amethyst? Or maybe my flea problem was too extreme to it to help? I'm keeping the amethysts in the water and if I do think it makes a difference, I'll post here."
Replies01/13/2011: Sushilvr from Gainesville, Fl replies: "Hello All,I am going to try it myself. I have four indoor cats and flea control is very expensive. I'm also quite against using chemicals on my pets. I find it amazing that if you get it on your hands the package warns you to wash it off right away, yet it's okay to put on your pets' skin. When I was younger and my cats received it on a monthly basis like clockwork, it seemed no one made it past 7-8 years old; ultimately succumbing to some type of disease or another; renal failure or liver disease. When I've used chemicals on my pets before, three of my cats immediately began to salivate profusely, literally dropping beads of drool from their mouth. As an R.N. I recognize this as a sign of drug toxicity. I do know of a few veterinarians who will not promote these chemical products for these reasons.
I only read one comment where someone stated it didn't work, while others, although sounding pretty surprised, stated this did work.
*** I do wonder what type of bowl people have used; stainless steel, ceramic, or plastic? - for those who have found this method successful and for anyone who has not. ***
Also, concerning the issue of drug toxicity, I've had patients come in with strange behavior and/or symptoms and when I complete a medication history, I find some people have been on the same med for many, many years. I requested a drug screen for such a patient that had been on one particular med for a long time and sure enough, their blood exhibited a toxicity level for that drug. The physician immediately discontinued the patient's prescription for that drug. So, after years and years of putting a PESTICIDE directly on an animals skin, it makes sense to me that in time a toxicity level can begin to build up.
The use of these chemicals are pushed on young and eager to do well veterinary students no differently than the pharmaceutical reps who go to hospitals trying to promote their drug de Jour; which is usually purchased based on what is the most cost effective; not the most health effective.
If you have had success with this treatment, please respond and tell me what type of bowl you are using. I'm currently using a large stainless steel bowl; because it's larger and less heavy to pick up from the floor than a huge ceramic crock. I can't help but wonder if perhaps metal would enhance the mineral release and if plastic might actually absorb any of the mineral properties.I appreciate any and all replies. Thanks ~~"
01/19/2011: Janice from Coloma, Mi replies: "After reading about the amethyst I decided to give it a try. The only thing I had was an old ring with an amethyst stone (polished). I wasn't sure if it would work but decided to try. I put it in a stainless steel (large) bowl that both of my cats and the dog share. It seemed to good to be true, but I had no fleas or ticks all Spring, Summer and Fall. That is a first. Also, in the summer, I was at a gem/jewelry store and the lady's dog was full of fleas. I told her about it and asked her if she could see me an amethyst. She gave me a good chunk of a "raw" stone and I added that to the dish as well. I still have both the ring and the raw stone in there. I'm not about to change anything. It worked for me and I think it's well worth trying. What do you have to lose?"
04/14/2011: Jr from Coloma, Mi replies: "I'm sorry it took me so long to give feedback. I'm using stainless steel bowls. I have kept the ring and the rough amethyst in the water bowl all year. People are always asking me what the ring is doing in the dog's water bowl... the cats drink out of the same bowl."
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[YEA] 07/27/2009: WestWind from Orlando, FL writes: "Ameythest for fleas. Yea, it really works. Buy a stone from any new age shop for about $1 and put in cat's water dish. That's it. You never need to buy a new one. I first heard of this when my cat Zeus who was all cream color took off on me for almost a week. When he came home he was covered in fleas (being cream, they really showed). A friend told me that one of his friends did just what I am suggesting and her cat never has fleas. I was skeptical, but gave it a try. I don't remember exactly how long it was but it couldn't have been too long because I never remember worrying about fleas on him again (and he was an outdoor/indoor cat in Florida where the fleas are unbearable). I now have 3 other cats, one who used to go outside and two that never do and I never have any problems with fleas. They all get exposed to fleas, however, as I have a Bassett Hound who get them occasionally and brings them in the house. Obviously this doesn't work on dogs however - have no idea why. Just must be a chemistry thing.
Economical, natural and couldn't be easier. Give it a try."
[YEA] 09/27/2009: Xara from Belmont, California replies: "Thank you so much for this remedy! I have 5 cat's, so buying the stuff that you squeeze on the back of their neck can get VERY expensive, not to mention the fact that they HATE it. Last monday morning I was noticing they were all getting pretty itchy again, so I decided to check out the pet section here, and boy am I glad I did! Instaed of spending my usual $100.00, I stopped at a new age bookstore and picked up 4 chunks of amethyst for well under $10.00. By thursday evening they were all itch free,....it's amazing! Not sure how or why it works, but it does!"
10/14/2009: Loll from Sheffield, England replies: "I'm trying to find a natural flea treatment for my 2 cats. Essential oils are out because they are toxic to cats (but not dogs) so I was interested in reading about the amethyst cure. Trouble is, my cats rarely drink from their water bowl. Is there another way of using the crystal?"
12/20/2009: Ivory Coast from Loco, Ca replies: "ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO USING AMETHYST ROCKS IN THE CAT'S WATER TO CONTOL FLEAS? DO IT ALSO TAKE CARE OF OTHER PESTS -- LICE, TICKS, MITES, ETC.? THANKS!"
04/20/2010: Marvin from Portland, Or replies: "Oh my God. I have a bridge over swamp land to sell you. Placing amethyst into water or almost any solution but the strongest known acids will have ZERO effect. What---do you think its channeling power or something? Please consult a high school chemistry book, or speak to a person with common sense."
05/03/2010: Westwind from Orlando, Fl replies: "Reply to Loll - not sure of any other way to use it. Maybe you could add a little fish oil to the water. I think what I would do is to let the amethyst sit in the water for 4 - 12 hours and then add just a little fish oil (not too much, it may change the chemistry) and see if that attacks them to drink it. Or maybe try milk.
Reply to Ivory Coast - I don't believe it helps anything else. As far as side effects go, my cats have been consistantly drinking it for over 4 years and they are all healthy and flea free.
Reply to Marvin - Like I said, I have no idea why it works, it just does. Yea, your right, a high school chemisty book wouldn't explain it and a person with "common sense" would probably dismiss it, but before Columbus discovered America every book on the subject claimed the world was flat and someone with "common sense" would agree... The same is true with all scientific discoveries. Sorry to hear you're so cognitively challenged."
[NAY] 05/11/2010: Blackcat from Istanbul, Turkey replies: "Hi Westwind,I had put an amethyst stone in my cat's drinking bowl as soon as I came across your posting. I waited almost a week, but did not see a difference, then I started adding apple vinegar to his bowl with the stone still there. Do you think that I should have waited more and that the amethyst still works with vinegar? By the way, it's been weeks since I had started the vinegar but there are still fleas:-( Thank you..."
05/28/2010: Carrie from Kingwood, Texas replies: "I was curious if it needs to be raw stone or if tumbled stone works? Sounds interesting to me. I will also be trying the ACV very soon, but this can't hurt to try."
05/28/2010: Carrie from Kingwood, Texas replies: "I was reading about putting the stone in the animals bowl and it sounds interesting. I was curious if the stone needs to be raw/natural? or if it matters if it is polished? I cannot seem to find a new age bookstore anywhere in my area. I will also be trying the ACV very soon, but thought the other would not hurt to try either.
Thanks for your time and consideration and have a happy day!!
Carrie =)"
05/28/2010: Mike from Birmingham, Alabama replies: "Who came up with this idea an amethyst stone in water to kill fleas, it had to be the owner of a new age shop that got stuck with a load of the stones. And as far as the blogger that equated dissbelief of this remedy to people once believing the earth is flat COME ON do you own a new age shop? A good remedy for fleas is an owner that takes time to clean an animal and the place that it lives. And if you believe the amethyst cure I have a great bridge in Brooklyn that I want to unload very cheap."
[YEA] 06/06/2010: Kathy from Melbourne, Vic, Australia replies: "Yea - Didn't really believe it would work, but I had tried everything from teatree oil, flea collars, the tubes you squeeze on your dogs back - yet nothing seemed to get rid of my dogs fleas. I read the posts on amethyst and having some amethyst at home, decided to give it a try. I also gave my dog a wash with ACV (only once). I gave my dog a wash a week later, and was shocked to see not one flea. This was months ago now, and have been through the summer months without any more fleas!! My cats also share the same drinking water and they too are thriving without fleas. Can't believe it but it really does work."
[YEA] 08/30/2010: Isabella from Raleigh, Nc replies: "Yes - it sounds bizarre. I didn't think it would work but decided to try an amethyst rock. I definitely don't believe in healing through crystals and I'm not into anything New Age. I bought a tumbled amethyst - about the size of a half dollar - from an ebay shop. It was less than $5 with shipping. I have 5 cats and a dog and usually spend a fortune in the spring/summer/fall on Frontline treating them for fleas. I started using the rock in April. I treated the cats one time in May and that was to kill ear mites. I have not had any problems with fleas or ticks! In addition, I treated my dog only once this year and that was in May. I was skeptical that this would work for cats and amazed that it has worked for my dog. I could not say exactly how long it took before it began "warding off" the fleas. I leave the rock in their water dish all the time - removing it only to clean and refill the dish. I would not claim this would work for everyone. I've tried many things on earthclinic that haven't worked for me but this is one thing I can say has!"
[YEA] 09/16/2010: Janice from Coloma, Mi replies: "You can add me to the YEA list on the amethyst. My homeopathic vet told me under no circumstances to use the flea and tick poison. Having two cats and a dog I was really afraid I was going to get infested with fleas. I had read about the amethyst for fleas a while back on Earth Clinic and decided to try it. All I had was an old amethyst ring (yes, it was polished) and I threw the whole thing in a big bowl that the animals all share. I probably threw it in there around March. It seemed to be working very well and then a friend who has a gem shop gave me some rough amethyst and I threw that in the bowl also. I left the ring in because it was working and I wasn't going to take any chances. They didn't seem to have any problem with it being in there and they drink from it every day. This was a very bad year for fleas and I am thrilled that it worked. I did have to do a lot of explaining about why my ring was in the animal's water dish."
09/30/2010: Dominique from Alpharetta, Ga replies: "That's funny : ) I can imagine your guests taking a "double take" and blinking just before asking you about the ring and amethyst. Glad it works Cheers"
10/28/2010: Saoirse from Ny NY, Usa replies: "I'm definitely going to try the amethyst when I can get to the place to buy one. Tired of the expense of that drop stuff and now I'm wondering IF you always need to use it ? House is kept clean, no humans getting bites BUT the cats..... Start up after only about day 21 of the application and 1 dog has reaction to the bites---never had anything like THIS and dealt successfully with the humble flea in the past---thank you for this idea-"
07/04/2011: Isabella from Raleigh, Nc replies: "UPDATE: I'm into my second year and flea season using the amethyst. One thing that has definitely changed - it no longer works for my dog. I've had to treat him twice with Frontline this year (other natural remedies have failed for him); however, I have not treated my cats since last spring - they don't need it. I DO see a flea on a cat from time to time but they do not scratch and chew on themselves as a cat does when it's being bitten. I have five cats and they absolutely have no flea problem - despite being indoor/outdoor and living with my dog who does need flea treatment.The rock I use is a tumbled amethyst I bought from ebay. The cats drink from a ceramic bowl. I remove the rock only to clean and refill the bowl. If you try this, give it time to work. Good luck!"
[YEA] 08/30/2011: Sudsy88888 from Seattle, Wa Usa replies: "use a pie plate with a few drops of dish soap to discover fleas in the house. I agree with the borax natural treatment to rid the house. Both my cat and dog get a garlic oil supplement vitamin down their throat once a week and absolutely no fleas on their mugs. Hallelujah!!!!"
01/15/2012: Bob C. from Seffner, Fl replies: "Dog and Cat fleas are different. Both will bite the animals (and people! ), but only cat fleas can survive on cats, dog fleas on dogs."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
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[YEA] 08/25/2011: Tiffany from Los Angeles, California writes: "I have a small dog who was miserable with fleas I bathed him with dawn dish soap and rinsed him with a 50/50 mix of Apple Cider Vinegar and water after, he was dry I massaged organic olive oil in his skin which was red and inflamed. He finally stop scratching! And the fleas are gone for now I'm sure I will have to repeat this process until all the fleas are gone."
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[YEA] 07/14/2011: Dianec from Los Angeles, California United States writes: "My dog Maggie a chihuahua/terrier mix had a problem with FLEAS! And her body would smell like a fish. After a bath is the only time she smelled good. The next day she would smell bad again. Well I read that dogs with this condition have too much alkaline in their system.
And that about 1 cup to 1 cup and a half of Apple cider vinegar in a pail of warm water might help.
I bathed Maggie using commercial dog shampoo and rinsed her in warm clear water and then I used an apple cider vinegar rinse, WELL IT WORKED! Maggie no longer has fleas and she doesn't smell bad. I also dip her in the apple cider vinegar rinse about twice a week. In the past even with Frontline she would have a few fleas. And her skin would get pink to red.
She is now normal. And no fleas! For me this apple cider vinegar rinse was a miracle."
Replies08/02/2011: Bo'smama from Indianapolis, Indiana replies: "I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO TRY THE ACV IN MY PUPPIES WATER OR AS A RINSE FOR FLEAS. HE IS ONLY 5 WEEKS OLD. IS HE TO YOUNG? WHAT AGE CAN I START IT?"
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[YEA] 07/03/2011: Alyssa from Austin, Tx writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar as a flea remedy:
My cats were keen to the ACV added to their water to prevent fleas, and they would steal water from their loving humans to avoid it. A little over a week ago, I started adding a few drops of ACV to their nightly soft food. The food is pungent enough to cover up any hint of the ACV odor. They no longer scratch themselves to the point of scabbing up and I can't find any fleas on either cat. As always, ACV is amazing!"
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[YEA] 06/17/2011: Flourshoppe from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "We are having one horrid heat spell as you all are aware, and no rain so the fleas want to live inside with us because we have air conditioning!!! I've used Frontline 2 times on my little dog (3 weeks apart), vacuum everything every day, and spray full strength Apple Cider Vinegar all over everything... Bed, pillows, floors, sofa... Anywhere she "hangs out"... Including, I spray her because fleas do NOT like vinegar. I've never had a flea problem like this and others have complained about the problem this year too... it has taken a few weeks, but Miranda has no fleas finally not to mention, the house is always fresh smelling once the vinegar small disappears."
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[YEA] 06/09/2011: Lainie from Toronto, Ontario Canada writes: "Just reading through all of the suggestions & have had lots of success with ACV, but have to caution on diatomacious earth (DE), dish soaps & garlic.
DE can be harmful to all pets. When they groom themselves (particularly cats), they ingest the tiny particles which can damage their digestive systems. Dish soaps are toxic & although they work, are totally uneccessary. Any shampoo will kill fleas if left on for a few minutes, but the fleas will return. Many dogs love garlic but garlic can cause problems that can be deadly. Some dogs have eaten garlic all their lives without any problems but why take the chance?
A good organic brand of ACV is safe & natural if used properly. Don't put undiluted ACV on your pet, dilute it with warm or cool water. In their water is fine & cannot harm them at all as long as you don't overdose them! One tsp. In a quart should be sufficient. Smell their water to make sure it doesn't stink of vinegar. Humans are encouraged to use ACV for all kinds of problems & can manage 1/4 cup per glass of cold water without hating the taste.
Good luck with everything. Our Black Lab is going nuts with allergies & has no fleas. The ACV is helping her stop chewing her paws but has to be done daily. We've gone through everything imaginable from changing foods to prednisone which we cannot stand to continue. Right now, we're giving Evening Primrose oil a try. Anybody have similar problems with their labs?"
Replies[YEA] 08/07/2011: Jb from Atlanta, Ga/usa replies: "One of my German Shepherds had an awful time with gooey ears, crusty lips & itching/scabs on her lower back & neck. Once I placed her on raw meat & bone diet all symptoms disappeared. It took about 3 months for her skin to heal. Suppose it took that long for the grains to get out of her system.I have even tried grain-free food but, the crusty lips & ears start up again after one serving.
RMB diet works.
Also, food-grade DE is not harmful if mixed in food. I use it several times a year to clear intestinal parasites in my dogs. In fac, t I add it to my own smoothies. It's silica. Food-grade DE is used in the midwest to treat cows & hogs for parasites. It is perfectly safe. One has to take precaution not to allow the powder to enter the eyes or breath it in. Add to moist food or broadcast in the yard & lightly water into soil.
Use common sense when using DE."
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03/07/2011: Suny from Ponca, Ok writes: "Hi everyone, I've been reading about different remedies for this and alot of you talk about ACV. Do you put it in the cats water? dilute it? on their fur? Cats are alot more suseptible to things( such as essential oils which you cannot use at all). Where I live there are ticks and fleas for most of the year and my cats are indoor and outdoor cats since that is their need. I have to be careful what to put on their fur as they love to lick onean other. Any suggestions would be appreciated."
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[YEA] 01/07/2011: Amy from Madison, Wi. writes: "I have sprayed ACV from a spray bottle for the last 3 years around the baseboards of my house and I have yet to see a flea in or on my dogs or cat. I mentioned this to the veterinarian and he replied with only a flat gaze. I am thrilled to have found something so natural and good not only for my animals but for me, my family and the environment and at such a low cost.
I spray maybe once a week, just a gentle mist on only the first floor of my 2nd floor home, along the floorboards. You can do this outside too, along the foundation of your home. It also seems to be working with other insects, but especially fleas. It doesn't smell the greatest for a while but it is well worth it! Had to let everyone know!"
10/19/2011: Valerie from Eaton Rapids, Michigan replies: "I was wondering, we have no more pets but still have fleas the pets have been gone for weeks now and we have flea treated the whole house sprayed the bedding and washed everything in the house. But we are still finding them and they are getting bad again and my kids are allergic to them and I don't know what to use to get rid of the fleas or to help my kids not itch. I heard that apple cider vinegar works on the bites and stops the itching. We can't leave the house for days or hours will the Apple Cider Vinegar work if sprayed on my floors and things like that."
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10/26/2010: O from Fairfield, Ct writes: "I just wanted to say thank you for the feedback! I also wanted to give my personal experience. I recently moved into a new house and since the move, my dog has had a reoccurring ear infection and no matter what I did, it wouldn't work. I tried the ACV with Alcohol and water mixture and it would start to work, but then it would come back. I just didn't know why!
Well, she had fleas! I was grooming her one day and I saw one and shaved her off completely and bathed her with everything. I gave her ACV and water mixture and then bathed her with Flea and tick shampoo and the borax mixture. What didn't I do! Cleaned the whole house down. The thing was that we have wooden floors, so those little buggers were doing a very good job at hiding. When I finally started to attack the real problem, then she started to heal. I thought maybe she had ear mites or something. But, after I found the fleas, I read online that they can even infest the ears! Gross! Just wanted to put it out there in case there is someone with a similar problem.
P. S. I had already been giving her ACV in her water for a year and giving her garlic. I also feed her raw food. I'm just so happy to finally find out what the real problem was all along! "
Replies03/19/2011: Suzanne from Myrtle Point, Or replies: "Dogs can definitely get ear infections from fleas, but it is not because the fleas are in the ears. When a dog has flea allergy dermatitis, their skin gets inflammed, due to the allergic reaction from the flea bite. This allergic reaction can show up anywhere the dog has skin including the skin inside the ear canal. So the fleas can be biting him on his rear-end and he is reacting in his ears. Once the skin is inflammed bacteria and yeast can easily set up shop and cause a secondary infection. This inflammation can also occur in the GI tract causing alot of intestinal problems. Strange to think that fleas can cause ear infections and/or diarrhea but it's true :)"
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05/26/2010: Tanya from Lakeland, Florida writes: "i've been reading about the acv remedy for fleas but i'm wondering if anyone can tell me if the fleas can make my cat want to hide all the time and act scared? i'm gonna try the acv in hopes that it will help him but is it best to spray it on, put in his water or put in his food. can anyone help, i'm desperate."
Replies06/07/2010: Kimberly from Uniontown, Oh replies: "I can tell you... yes, your cat can go into hiding and act scared (at one time, it took me 2 hours to find him, he was under the basement steps hiding in a flap top box and managed to get the boxed closed!) One of my cats did last summer after an infestation. Once I took care of the problem, bathed both cats and applied advantage, he was a happy cat again. I was looking at the site to see if I could find home remedies as flea season is coming up, and also, for him deciding not to want to use his litter box (this happens a few times a week)."
10/06/2011: Anna from Ramsgate, Kent, uk replies: "My poor cat got fleas was terrified of the spray and hid on top of a kitchen cupboard for 3 days. Alas when she eventually ventured out she got runover and killed, so be careful not to traumatise your pet, having trouble now with my cavalier king charles and the fleas so willing to try these remedies, thanks, AW uk"
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11/10/2009: Kathy from Freeman, Mo writes: "I am trying the Apple Cider Vinegar for bathing the dogs. But this will do no good unless I can get the infestation under control in their dog houses. I would like to be able to sprinkle or spray something in the houses that won't hurt the dog to breathe. I use fresh straw also for bedding. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?
Thanks, Kathy"
Replies11/26/2009: Lezlie from Portland, Oregon replies: "So, I use an organic shampoo product with tea tree oil. I then used the Apple cider vinegar as a rinse, and left it on for 15 minutes. Then gently rinsed it off. My Shih Tzu has terrible skin allergies and is VERY allergic to fleas. This really really works thank you to everyone!"
[YEA] 12/05/2009: Fredia from Mount Vernon, Washington replies: "I just found your website today regarding the acv. I immediately went out and bought 2 gallons and a spray bottle. My Rott/Blue heeler mixed dog age 19 mos loves his baths but was unsure about this acv. I liked it because it's natural. I used 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and noticed more fleas in the water than just plain shampooing. Thanks to people like you on this site I am able to keep to handling problems "naturally" rather than "chemically"."
12/22/2009: Lori from Appleton, Wi, Usa replies: "I think dish-soap kills fleas on contact - it's good to bath the animal in that, but as far as ACV, oils and whatever, they are only deterents. They will not kill the fleas, but are excellent as a preventative measure. You need to get rid of the fleas initially and I believe that the ACV and using diluted essential oils will help prevent a re-infestation. I am using diluted eucalyptus oil on all of our bedding, in closets, on clothes and also misting it on our skin and hair to prevent flea bites. I also mist it on the cat to prevent more fleas on him. If you really want to get rid of the fleas, use some spray or powder on carpets and furniture (there are all natural ones at pet stores) and also treat your pet with a flea/tick product. It is not all natural, but it will take at least a few months to rid the house of fleas because of their life cycle. If you don't do something to kill them initially, there will be re-infestation problems"
01/02/2010: Gina from Grand Rapids, Michigan replies: "okay, so im trying the ACV thing right now. my 2 cats and dog wouldnt drink their water with it in it, so i mixed it in yogurt, and they ate it. the 2 cats vomited the ACV/yogurt up though...i sprayed them all down with the ACV && water mix too.
i just did the baking soda/salt mixture all over my carpet. hope this works."
09/08/2010: Ajoy8 from Fayetteville, North Carolina replies: "Your cats probably vomited b/c cats cannot always digest cow's milk and I would assume that would apply also to cows' milk products. Lol Try a TBS. in the water or just mix it with tuna, it has a strong enough flavor and smell to mask the ACV sufficiently. :)"
09/16/2011: Angie from Waverly, Oh replies: "Use cedar chips as bedding instead of straw. Cedar is a natural flea repellent."
01/14/2012: Hawaiiancoconut from Hawaii replies: "Acid milk(yoghurt)= curdling, it will cause them or any person to vomit."
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[YEA] 10/08/2009: April from Scio, Ohio writes: "I read on this site about using apple cider vinegar diluted for fleas on my dog. He was really really bad! He was constantly itching and biting at them but I didnt see any fleas at first and he went 2-3 weeks with scratching and biting at himself. I felt so bad for him I called the vet and they told me it was probably dry skin, so they said to rub in vegetable oil into his skin. So I tried it and while I was doing that I finally noticed the fleas. He has really thick hair so when I checked the first time they might not have been very bad, well today I noticed them and they were horrible. He has big spots of hair missing and skin broke open. It was kind of late and so I needed something from home I could use until going to the store so I looked up home remedies for fleas and found this site....I applied the ACV and water 50/50 about 30 minutes ago and I have already noticed a difference in him!!!! I have never been happier in my life! He can finally have relief from it. Thank you soooo much...Rusty thanks you all on here!"
Replies05/10/2010: Montica from Portland, Oregon replies: "We recently came back from my brother & sister-in-laws house where we had visited & stupidly took our dog. We brought back unknowingly a whole army of fleas. Our dog, Annie is a Black Lab with webbed feet and a huge amount of allergies. She has horrible abscesses inbetween her toes and on her body now because of the fleas. All of us in the house are allergic to the bites & I am getting open sores. We put Genetian Violet extract on the abscesses after an epsom salt bath. It made her quit chewing on her feet. :)Will the acidity of the ACV damage her skin? She already stinks because of the skin allergies & what we think is skin fungus. We have tried EVERYTHING for her including changing her diet to antifungal shampoos & sprays, PLEASE HELP!!! We are at a loss for what to try next. Also... We have one room (with the kitty litter box & computer) that seems to be overly infested (more-so than anywhere else) and we cant figure out why & what to do about it. Does the ACV actually kill fleas on the carpet, or just deter them??"
06/24/2010: Deana from Columbus, Ohio replies: "In response to Montica from Portland, Oregon, I think probiotic enzymes might be your answer. I have a Shepherd/Husky mix who started getting what I was told was a skin allergy when he was about 11 years old. I had the vet do an allergy workup and was told he was allergic to everything and would need allergy shots for the rest of his life. I was told there was no cure. Not buying the "no cure" mantra from anyone, I went to another vet for a second opinion. This vet told me that fungal infections produce effects that mimic allergic reactions and treated my dog with a prescription anti-fungal. It worked, but about two weeks after my two-month supply was gone, the itching, scratching, red skin, dry/black skin started returning. My vet told me it was not a good idea to keep my dog on the anit-fungal treatment consistently. I did tons of research over hours and hours, days and days, and even had my dog on a completely natural meat diet with vegetables and supplements. This helped, but he still had the problem. Then I gave him probiotic enzymes. I bought the people-grade, multi-enzyme probiotics from Wal-Mart for less than $5 a bottle. As long as I give him a probiotic enzyme pill with each meal, he does not have any more itching, red, raw, or dark-colored skin. His skin is perfectly healthy. He is 15 now and doing well. I found that yes, it was a fungus in the body. Fungus is caused by a yeast overgrowth in the body. It can have many symptoms, including itching skin. The enzymes create more good bacteria in the system which doesn't allow for yeast overgrowth. It's the same concept as women taking probiotics or eating it in Activia or other yogurts to deter yeast infections. For anyone who has gas, acid reflux, hives and a number of other afflictions, often yeast overgrowth in the system is the culprit. Take probiotic enzymes and the problem goes away. I've spent years researching this and other health issues, and have found the most amazing results by going the natural route. I thank Earth Clinic for taking me down this road in the first place a few years ago. This site is a true godsend. For you naysayers who discount this site, try what's working for others. You'll change your tune in a heartbeat."
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[YEA] 09/25/2009: Melissa from Budd Lake, Nj writes: "I came upon this site while looking for a home cure for fleas for my kitten and I can't be grateful enough. We adopted a kitten that was found in the woods and after we had had him for 3 weeks, my husband one day noticed what he thought were fleas. I looked online only to find Apple Cider Vinegar as a primary cure when used with water. So we gave him a little bath -- actually, we gave him 3 baths in 2 days with warm water and the ACV. The first instance, we saw fleas, as many had claimed, jumping for higher ground -- the head. So in the 2nd bath, we put some ACV around the key areas (everywhere on the head but the eys and nose) and sure enough, when we bathed the rest of him, those fleas had nowhere to go but into the bathwater - straight to their demise. The last bath we gave him -- there was NOT A SIGN of a single flea. Nothing jumped off our kitten whatsoever. It might have helped that we took some ACV that 1st night and dabbed it on his fur to ensure that if we had missed any, they might abandon ship throughout the night. Looks like ACV is a great first resort for the critters, not to mention that it's safe!"
Replies09/29/2009: Cheesetazmallyshadow from Chicago, Il replies: "I just tried the acv bath and the smallest little sucker fleas just started falling off, so many I had no idea how small they could be. I tried it on my two 10 yr old cats and my two pups one 3yr old 20lb guy and one 7yr old 35lb fella. My dogs did very well with it but I my cats stomach turned and they started throwing up. If anyone can help it would be great. They've stopped now and its better than when my dog threw up blood after I used a toxic spray, so I'm not too worried but if someone could tell me if 1/2 avc to 1/2 water is too much should I cut it more? Thanks now off to wash the floor with avc too!"
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09/21/2009: Katherine from Raytown, Missouri writes: "I have an 11 year old saint/sheperd mix with the most stubborn fleas i have all the sprays and powders i can think of and still have fleas, we shaved off his hair cause he now has hot spots everywhere and couldn't treat them through his hair. I cook with garlic almost daily and pour the juice over his food does it not work if you cook it? I will try the vinger too cause i also have a 20 year old cat who is senile and can't remember if she ate seriously, she is very small has been for past 17 yrs that i have had her don't know why vet says she is healthly just little like 7 pounds. Don't want to use chemicals cause we have a 10 month old baby who crawls and puts everything in her mouth and worried about making her sick. will the cat drink the water and not get sick? willing to try everything thanks for the advise."
RepliesEC: Hi Katherine, will you please tell us what brand of food you are feeding your dog? Some brands make the flea issue much worse, which is why we are asking. Thanks!
09/22/2009: Katherine from Raytown, Missouri replies: "we feed him whatever is on sale, he's been on ol'roy for the past 6months.I use the store brands and then give him chicken breast, ground chuck, and pork in his food whatever meat we are eating he gets and always gets the broth from what we cook, only thing he doesn't get is dairy found he to be lactose intolerant. I bathed him again in dawn and tried the acv last night and covered my house in it too, wet my carpet with it before we went to bed and furniture too, so far this morning i don't see fleas on him or my daughter. Cats aren't happy bathed all three of them in dawm and acv 2 are 12yrs old outside only and the other is 20yrs old and i don't let her out cause she is too senile to come back in. we fed the cats friskies.so cats are mad and my house smells like pickles but if it gets rid of the fleas i don't care what it smells like lol. do you need to repeat anytime soon? i put some acv in the water too will do that daily."
EC: Thank you for the update!
11/03/2009: Michelle from Rock Hill, Sc replies: "Just so everyone knows... When giving Garlic it needs to be fresh... Cooked Garlic, for some reason, does not work as well. One piece of Garlic Clove or about a table spoon of Crushed Garlic once a week should be enough. Too much Garlic will make your Pet sick.. But Fresh Garlic, helps keep fleas off, and Kills Intestinal Worms. (I hide the Garlic in a a cooked egg, or a piece of sandwich meat )"
06/13/2010: Terry from Birmingham, Alabama replies: "This article mentions garlic. According to Catherine L. Barker of the National Geographic and my own vet, garlic should NEVER be given to dogs. Garlic breaks down a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia and possible kidney failure from leaking hemoglobin. The damage to hemoglobin is CUMULATIVE, so even small tastes over time can be worse than wolfing down the whole bulb. Same is true for onions. Please, never give your pet garlic or onions in any form. Many major manufacturers, so far, haven't gotten the message -- many dog treats and brands of wet and dry food contain onions and garlic."
EC: Please see this article: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs.html#ARTICLE
and the many reviews on garlic for dogs here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/garlic_for_dogs.html#GARLICFORDOGS
09/18/2011: Leah from Costa Mesa, Ca. replies: "The vinegar sounds great, it works on itching for people rather well, it itches at first but then it stops and the original itching is no more. I have a blood protien abnormal issue and my scalp gets sores that the vinegar heals. For cats, they have an issue that their skin would be too dry to use vinegar, so my vet said no. I am a psychic and I think I'll try the stone! Frontline plus no longer works on most animals. Mine at least. A new product called vectra for cats is all my vet uses except revolution. Revolution is too strong for my kitty. I hate any chemicals but I need to use this. I used capstar until I have 30 days time period that the frontline had been applied before I'll use the vectra. Capstar does work, and the fleabusters is scary! My baby cat and I have a bit of asthma and it can ruin your lungs permanently with boric posisoning. Look at the reviews on amazon.com and you would be afraid to use it! I won't!!! I am vaccuming a lot, using a flea comb and capstar until oct. First, then the vectra. I use the flea comb every time I see a scratch on my kitty. I am not finding fleas now but it's a matter of time till more might hatch. I think continuing the capstar once of twice a week till the vectra should keep the buggies in line! I am not getting bit. I saw one on my pj leg last night but I grabbed it and put it down the drain with hot water. I wipe down and wash her beddings ect. every two to three days. We live by the beach so I think it is sand fleas. My baby has never been outside."
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09/09/2009: Jean from Morgan Hill, Ca writes: "I have a yorkie and just found out she is 4 weeks pregnant and also found out she has fleas. I have never had this problem before and my vet had advised us not to use any chemicals to get rid of the fleas. So I found this site and was wondering if this would be safe for her to bath in and to add apple cider vinegar to her water???"
Replies[YEA] 05/22/2011: Dee from Jackson, Nj replies: "From N. J. RE: FLEAS.... I used Dawn Dish Liquid on my cat and it kills the fleas alminsed him off ost immediately, now I have a pretty bad infestation so I just relather up the cat left him in the bathroom for 15 minutes and rinsed the soap off and rinsed him off again with ACV... Wallah!!! NO FLEAS on the cat... Now just waiting on the flea bombs to do their job."
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08/19/2009: Trish from Cathlamet, Washington writes: "I was given two adorable kittens (Cookies & Cream) and they were infested with fleas. Now my teacup poodle has them too. I am going to try the ACV in bath and in their water. My little Muffy has a major problem with the runny eyes. Vet said it was a hazzard of down breeding. Will let you know if it works on her eyes. I do lots of surfing on the web, and this is an AWESOME site. Will add it to my favorites...I really prefer natural to chemical....Besides it is WAY cheaper. Love my babies, but like to keep a little ca ching in my pocket also...."
Replies08/19/2009: Nancy from Richmond, Va replies: "Thank goodness I read all this - I have 3 cats with fleas and a house jumping with them. I'm still unclear on how you treat cats [not kittens]. I can't see any of mine sitting still long enough to be sprayed, LOL. My shorthaired cats should be pretty easy to spray as they run by, but the long haired cat - do you soak the cat to get to their skin? I'm going to try it in their water, here's hoping. Also thanks for the reminder on where to buy DE. It didn't work for me last time I used it but believe that at the time they said to only leave it on for a couple hrs. Never heard to leave it longer ... gonna try that too for the house. I am entertained watching the cats run for a table and leap from table to table to avoid the floors, but this has gotta stop!"
08/28/2009: 2manypets from Woodbridge, Nj replies: "I tried the organic ACV on my dog. He's a german shephard/timberwolf mix. He's very allergic to fleas and all chemicals to get rid of them. He's been itching and scratching and biting and his hair all fell out. I tried to rub him down with the ACV mixture, 1/3 cup acv to 1 cup of water. He's still scratching badly. Am I not using a strong enough mixture? By the way - he LOVES it and has been licking it off! I also put a capful in his water. This dog is the sweetest, gentle, most loveable dog I have ever had. I hate to see him in agony and not feeling well. I will try anything to help him out.
Also, when he is not feeling well from his allergies, he also pees and defecates in the house. Is this normal? He never does it any other time."
09/29/2009: Rob from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "I HAVE 3 DOGS AND 3 CATS THE DOGS ARE ITCHING LIKE CRAZY. USED THE FLEA SHAMPOOS. HAVE 1 CAT SUFFERING INSANELY. I AM GOING TO TRY THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOU INPUT. I WILL WRITE BACK WITH THE RESULTS."
01/16/2010: Kim from Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania replies: "never use more than a couple of tablespoons per gallon when adding apple cider vinegar to your pets' water dish. More than that can dry out their skin and cause an itchy rash. Not to mention, they probably won't drink it, anyway!"
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[YEA] 08/03/2009: Amber from Altamont, Ny writes: "I have had a flea infestation from hell for the past 4 months, I had to have a cat put to sleep that had a VERY severe reaction to the flea bites. I just tried the Apple Cider Vinegar on my 9 week old puppy and immeditaly the fleas died that were on her belly. I would DEFINATELY recommend trying this treatment!!!"
Replies[YEA] 06/02/2011: Sidrah from Southport, Ct replies: "Besides apple cider vinegar treatment, I would also recommend making a spray of Lavendar. Get a small spray bottle, and fill with warm water. Add two drops of lavender oil and shake well. Simply spray a small amount on your dogs coat to help deter fleas from living there. You can spray this mixture on them a couple times a day if needed. Be sure to avoid spraying it in their eyes."
[YEA] 01/07/2012: Shawna from Bakersfield, Ca replies: "I started washing my dog with Lavender baby shampoo and rinsing her in diluted ACV 3 days ago and she has completely stopped scratching. Her fleas were so bad she has open sores all over from scratching. I put a little bit of it in her drinking water but know my kitten won't drink it so today I started misting them both with the diluted ACV. It cured the problem quickly so hopefully it will keep them away as we haven't noticed any around the house yet. Good luck to everyone searching for solutions, it's nice to see so many people who want to use only natural products!"
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[YEA] 08/02/2009: Rebecca from Oxford, Mississippi writes: "I just got a tiny Chihuahua puppy that was covered in fleas. There has been a major flea infestation this summer here in Mississippi. I already had a German Shepherd, Chihuahua, and 2 cats who are also infested. I just took the puppy and dipped her in a bowl of half water half white vinegar, THE FLEAS ARE OFF OF HER! I left the bowl sitting so that I can put any fleas I find in the bowl and let them die. I am about to dip my other Chihuahua and then spray down the German and the cats. Fleas really scramble and HATE this vinegar. I would rather smell the vinegar than have the fleas. I am also going to start putting it in their water. This is an amazing, cheap remedy. The Advantage, Advantix, Frontline, nothing worked...thank God for vinegar!"
Replies08/31/2009: Carol from Pittsburgh, Pa replies: "I don't think it is a good idea to put vinegar in a pet's water. This is disgusting. If you wouldn't drink it why would they? You will make the pet not want to drink water and then they will have kidney trouble."
09/07/2009: Haley from Schenectady, Ny, Usa replies: "It's totally safe and healthful to use apple cider vinegar in a pet's water, as long as you buy the slightly more organic brand available in, say, the natural section at your local grocery store. Start with just adding a capful to a bowl of cold water, and mix it up a little. I haven't had one feline refuse - in fact, the water goes faster. Animals love salty tastes, that's why they lick us so much, and you can increase the amount if the flea infestation is very bad. This will also clear up any black gunk around a cats eyes or nose, and make their fur shiny and soft. As a cat owner for more than 20 years, always with multiple cats, I've never had a problem with water refusal due to vinegar as long as you buy organic apple cider vinegar. In contrast, I've had cats foam at the mouth when given drop flea treatments - which would you prefer?"
11/01/2009: Millee from Erie, Pa replies: "HEY CAROL.....I DO DRINK THE ACV MIXED W WATER EVERYDAY...LOL....HALF BOTTLE ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HALF ON THE WAY BACK.....IT'S GOOD FOR SO MANY THINGS AND JUST GENERAL HEALTH FOR HUMANS AND FURKIDS!!! GET THE UNFILITERED ONLY!!....USUALLY FOUND IN HEALTH FOOD STORE.....WON'T GO IN TO ALL THE BENEFITS BUT JUST GOOGLE AND YOU WILL BE AMAZED!!! I GOT IT ORIGINALLY FOR MY PETS BUT AFTER READING ALL THE BENEFITS STARTED TAKING IT MYSELF!! YOU JUST PUT IN ABOUT A TEASPOON TO A BOWL OF WATER....TASTES LIKE LEMON WATER!"
11/09/2009: Saralin from Springfield, Il replies: "My partner and I both drink unpasteurized ACV all the time, and am looking forward to giving my cats some & bathe them to get rid of the fleas!! They never drink water, and it is a problem.. I'll also report if their typical chronic persian cat eye/nose gunk problem clears up. Thanks!!!!!! and i think I'll use DE for the carpet!!"
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[QUESTION] 07/06/2009: Clarissa from Springfield, Mass writes: "I haven't tried the ACV yet on my dogs. I did buy it and I want to start using it but first I have a couple of questions. I have six dogs and they range in size. First I have a pug which is in medium size and then three other dogs that I would say are small to medium size and the last two are small. Now how would I measure the ACV in their water since they drink out of the same water bowl and they also share the same food bowl??"
Replies07/15/2009: Doby girl from Ozark, Al replies: "I have been using ACV on my doberman for fleas for a monoth and it has worked. I take a cup of vinegar and a cup and a half of water. Just smell to see if it is too strong and it has been working. I have tried it with my lab but she will not let me spray her so I have continued using the K-9 with her. I have also used speramint oil for flies. I use 15-20 drops in one of the big spray bottles that is half full. It works great. This is a great site."
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05/27/2009: Jennifer from Reynoldsburg, Ohio writes: "I was so happy to find your site! Not only does it give the possible solutions with home remedies, but gives warnings (which are important!) and negative comments as well. I will not use chemicals on my dogs if at all possible and use white vinegar for all of my house cleaning. I found the ACV solutions very helpful and will try this for my dogs' Summer itching and flea prevention. Thanks so much!!"
Replies07/02/2009: Kaitlin from Lansing, MI replies: "I put half ACV and half water in a squirt bottle and sprayed my dogs, but am wondering if too much ACV is bad for them, they keep licking it off themselfs.....can they get sick?"
12/11/2011: Ay from Ahoskie, Nc replies: "Coat dog in a mixture of cocacola & palmolive dish dertergent. Let this dry to a sticky film. Hose dog down while brushing at the same time. Lightly towel to a dry dampness. Blow dry on cool or low setting. Good for 30 to 90 days."
12/11/2011: Jay from Ahoskie, Nc replies: "Soak dog with coca-cola, let dry until sticky [wrap a towel on to keep from getting on furniture] use a 12 ounce bottle of pamolive dish liquid, rub in to coat thoroughly."
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