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Natural Flea Remedies

Updated: 07/19/2010

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 veterinary prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your Veterinarian can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your pet's unique needs or diagnose your pet's particular medical history.

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.

12/29/2008: 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."

ADVICE FOR FLEA INFESTATIONS

1 YEA

[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"

AMETHYST

3 YEA
1 NAY

[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."

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

17 YEA
1 NAY
1 WARNING!
1 QUESTION

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."

06/07/2010: 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)."

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"

11/26/2009: 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."

[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!"

05/10/2010: 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."

[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!"

09/29/2009: 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!"

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."

EC: 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

09/09/2009: 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???"

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...."

08/19/2009: 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!"

[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!!!"

[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!"

08/31/2009: 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!!"

[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??"

07/15/2009: 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."

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!!"

07/02/2009: 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?"

02/24/2009: Lisa from Central Point, OR writes: "I have just started putting ACV in my dog's water and food. I mainly wanted to stop some tear stains that were happening, but I am also hoping it will keep fleas away this season. As I was reading this site, I was getting concerned when I read it can help with weight loss...my dog doesn't need to lose weight. How much would be too much to feed to a 15 lb. dog? I am currently putting 5 eyedrops of the ACV on his food, twice daily, and then 1 tbs. per a 5 cups of water. His dish holds 2 cups and right now that takes him about 2 days to drink. Is this too much or too little? Or is it an ok amount? He seems to be tolerating it just fine. I know it is way too soon to see results for either issue I am trying it for. But I am hoping and praying it works."

03/17/2009: Shannon from Orlando, FL replies: "Found this is on the Bragg website, thought I'd share!

http://www.bragg.com/products/vinegarPets.html

I began using ACV as a supplement for my dogs in 1994. Some holistic health practitioners recommend that ACV be placed in a dog's drinking water. I recommend placing it in fresh food because I believe that a dog's drinking water should be free of additives, with the exception of an electrolyte solution or a medicinal product that is used on a short-term basis. The dosage I use is 1 tsp. for small dogs and 1 tbs. for medium-large dogs. It can also be given orally diluted in water under the guidance of a vet or holistic health practitioner.

ACV can be useful to your dog's health in conjunction with feeding it a wide variety of foods, but should never be looked upon as a panacea. Fresh food ingredients, such as raw meat and bones, fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products make up the wholeness that will effectively help your dog to achieve optimum health.

Often times one looks for the magic ingredient that will miraculously make their dog well. Whether it is an antibiotic, grapefruit seed extract, Aloe vera or milk thistle... there will always be a single popular or trendy supplement of the moment and this supplement will be promoted as the great healing agent. But, if we focus on the part rather than the whole we are not taking a holistic approach to our dog's health."

Vinegar for Pets and Animals, Part Two
From Pat Veretto, Your Guide to Frugal Living.

Fleas, fish and tear stains

We add apple cider vinegar to our goats water all year around. It seems to repel flies in the summer and causes the water not to freeze as fast in the winter. We only add about an eigth of a cup to each 5 gallon bucket. Some people told us that this would give the milk an "off" flavor, but we have yet to find that. Maybe it would if we were giving them white vinegar. Anyhow, the bonus is that our goats LOVE it!

For reducing swelling on a horse (or any animal), wrap the leg in a rag soaked in apple cider vinegar. Wrap in plastic and then bandage to hold it in place - leave on for 4 or more hours.

I got a new puppy just covered in fleas. The store bought flea killers were for older puppies. We used apple vinegar to dip him in and rinsed him off with water. It did the trick.

I had a completely white bulldog with black spotted skin. He had dark tear stains running from his tear duct area down. I tried a few of the tear bleaching products sold for dogs but none worked (besides being expensive). I also tried some suggested home remedies (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, etc.) and those were not effective either. A vet told me the tear stains were caused by the acidity in the dogs system and if I neutralized his system, the stains would go away.

His suggestion was to put vinegar in the dogs drinking water! He suggested putting just a "tiny" bit of vinegar in the drinking water for a few days (I interpreted that as about 1/4 of a vinegar bottles cap full) and then increase the amount of vinegar added until I was adding about a teaspoon to the drinking water each day (I would estimate his drinking water bowl to contain about 5 cups of water.) Each time I changed or added water to his bowl, I also added the vinegar. Within a few weeks, the tear stains were gone for good!

Years ago, I put vinegar in my two dogs drinking water. I had never seen a flea. Start with only a little, so they will get used to the taste. I am now doing it to my Siamese cats. No fleas. Put a tablespoon of vinegar in your dog's drinking water every day and you will no longer have those brown spots in your lawn from the dog's urine.

For flies, you can mix 1/3 Vinegar (any type but Apple Cider smells better), 1/3 water, and 1/3 Pine Sol (and scent but I like Orange). Mix in a spray bottle and it makes the greatest fly spray for horses (and other animals -- dogs, goats, etc.) as well as barn spray to keep flies down. I live in Texas where the flies are monsters and this REALLY truly works!!! The three vets I have talked about it with said it was 100% safe and the Pine Sol contains less powerful and harmful chemicals than actual fly spray! The 1,000's of horse owners that have used it (I got the recipe off a very popular horse website) have used it with no ill effects what so ever for years now. This will save you a ton of money and less yucky chemicals!"

07/20/2009: SUZE from Orange, CA replies: "NO, NO, NO. Never use Pine-sol or anything with the ending -sol on your animals. This is a deadly toxin and pets can get sick or die just by breathing in the fumes. Bottom line, is to avoid any man made chemicals."

08/01/2009: I_luv_my_cats69 from Campton, Florida replies: "I was just wondering if I can use Apple Cider Vinegar on my cats too?? I have been reading this page, and it only mentions dogs."

EC: Yes! Please read: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/acv_for_cats.html

[YEA]  02/10/2009: Romana from Chaparral, Otero County writes: "I would like to Thank you for having this web site!! For those who have no idea how ACV works wonders on cats .. I use it for a flea spary and non of my pets have ever had fleas or ticks . Thanks R.L.W & kitty crew Chaparral N.M"

10/13/2009: Candy from Kansas City, Mo replies: "I need help, I have two cats that has fleas so bad I try Frontline on them one of them I had to take to the Vet. because she went into shock per the Vet. I have try giving them acv bath but these two cats I cannot handle by myself to bathe them. The only thing I can say is that my house does not have carpet, but I desperately need help to get rid of these fleas from my home and my two cats, that are not outside cats. This is the first time I have this problem and it is driving Jasper and Baby and me crazy. Jasper he is eight year old I have had him for six of his eight years. Baby came to me just two years ago very mistreated and it took me six months just to get her to come out of her room still if someone showed up she gone in sixty seconds. So I really need help to get rid of this flea infestation I got.

Thanks, Candy in K.C. Mo."

11/04/2008: Jen from Kirkwood, MO writes: "I have purchased ACV in a tablet form. I wrap it in cheese and give to my dog. I also am taking it myself. It's much better than drinking it! We just started it for fleas, so I'm not sure if it works yet, but I'll try to post back."

11/22/2008: Shanna from ottawa, ontario replies: "I just got a kitten, he's 8 weeks old. He is infested with fleas. I also have an 18 year old cat who now has fleas thanks to the kitten. I treated him with Zodiac spot on...What a waste of money, infact it seemed to get worst. I was wondering if ACV is safe for a kitten his age?"

[YEA]  07/03/2009: Mary from Rhome, Tx replies: "We used ACV on our kittens in the barn, they are almost 2 weeks and on the mother, it got rid of the fleas and didn't hurt the kittens."

10/22/2008: Jill from Newport News, VA writes: "We just moved into a new house and it is completely infested with fleas! The previous owners had 3 large dogs. I have tried everything and the neighbors said it is "that time of year". Myself and my son (not my husband) have been getting bites all over. My Jack Russell was is so miserable. I read on this site that the ACV works well so I went out and bought a large container and sprayed the dog, the furniture and all the floors ( carpet and hardwood). Can anyone tell me how long it takes to start noticing a difference?"

07/14/2009: Tara from Milford, NY replies: "I have hardwood floors and oriental rugs, tile, and cement in our basement and I am wondering if the ACV on your furniture and floors worked for you? Thank you."

10/21/2008: Toni from Ponca City, Oklahoma writes: "I don't have a comment yet, just read your articles yesterday, however, I have hardwood floors in an old two-story house. I have many cats, 2 older dogs, aquarium fish and 2 parrots. No one had comments on the hardwood floors, danger to birds and cats walking on some of the treatments mentioned, namely distomaceous earth. I got a flea infestation this year and they are attacking me too, but no sores (not allegeric I assume). Any suggestions about cats walking around on these treatments or my birds inhaling any of these products? Pets and me leaving the house is not an option.

Would appreciate your feedback and I will use the ACV and garlic as a spay on the hardwood floors, on the cats and dogs and in their water (organic, I assume or distilled?)

Thank you, Toni"

02/06/2009: Dan from Brooklyn, Iowa replies: "I don't have hardwood floors, I have vinyl and carpet, what I use for fleas on my floors may work for your hardwood floors. Since I have 10 cats,I use one box of baking soda to 4 tablespoons of table salt, mix them togethor and sprinkle on the floors covering the whole floors leave standing for 24-48 hours, then vaccum repeat process every 15 days for 6-8 weeks depending on how bad the infestation is. Why does this works for me is the baking soda kills live fleas, and the salt dries up the eggs, bonus its safe to use around your pets (no hazardous chemicals), and it leaves my carpets smelling fresh. For my cats I put 3 drops using a eyedropper of ACV into their water, this leaves their coats shiney, velvety soft, and thick, plus it gets rid of fleas, its been proven fleas don't like acidic skin. I hope this helps you."

11/16/2009: Barbara from Wichita, Ks replies: "Wish I had found this site before I wasted my money on Advantage. My cats don't go out, but the maintenance men or visitors sometimes bring fleas in to the apartment. I'm going to try the vinegar solution.

On a side note, those who are interested in DE (diatomaceous earth) should be aware of two things: 1) Use only garden or food grade DE, not pool grade and 2) DE is only harmful to shelled insects such as fleas and roaches. It will not harm your pet."

12/01/2009: Melissa from Easley, Sc replies: "just wondering if you can use white vinegar?"

[YEA]  10/20/2008: Pat from Monticello, Georgia writes: "My 5 month old kitten unfortunately has fleas and so he is constantly scratching and biting. I read on another website (written by a vet) about using ACV. You use 1/2 water & 1/2 ACV or just regular vinegar in a spray bottle. While you spray it on you also rub it into their skin. Apparently the fleas don't like the smell or the taste of it and won't stay on the cat.The article also said that cats don't like the smell of vinegar. It seems to be working. My kitten isn't scratching as much (hardly at all), but boy is he licking at the vinegar and water combination. The article also said that the vinegar and water combo will help heal the sores that were created from the scratching and biting. I just thought I would pass this on."

[WARNING!]  10/06/2008: Suzanne from Harrisburg, PA writes: "I used organic apple cider vinegar in the past in my dogs water, but lately I have gotten a flea infestation. One of my dogs is allergic to fleas and has lost hair and had open sores on his body because of his biting. I just wanted to let people know who use the apple cider vinegar NOT TO SPRAY THE DOG WITH OPEN SORES WITH THE VINEGAR. Some people may know this and some people may not. I had flea bites myself and put some on the bites and about cried it burned so bad. So please if your animal has open sores don't spray them with this. I would rather put it in the water."

10/15/2008: Denise from Butler, PA replies: "Rub your dog's coat with Avon's Skin So Soft. It repells fleas, dont over do it because it makes the fur a little greasy, it works."

11/13/2008: Rachel from Underwood, Indiana replies: "I use to have a ferret that was allergic to fleas. She had loss of hair, and weight, she had become animic due to the blood loss of the flea bites. I just read this post and it reminded me of not only Skin -so-soft but Avon's Intensive Care lotion. I would give my ferret baths with Dawn dishsoap,(which kills fleas instantly without having to let the animal sit with the soap waiting for it to work)Dawn does remove all the natural oils on the skin though. So it works great for killing the fleas, but then they are still itching from the dry skin. So to try to help with the dry skin I put the lotion on, then I discovered that the lotion repelled and killed the fleas for a couple of days. Then I would just put some more lotion on. She gained all her weight back and her hair grew back even thicker and lusher than ever before. The only problem I had with it was it did make her coat oily looking and she loved to lick it. It must taste good but it did not apparently hurt her."

09/23/2008: Jillian from Omemee, Ontario writes: "I have a 9 year old german shepard mix and she has had fleas for about a month now and nothing has worked. It has resulted in my house being infested with fleas and now I am being bit by them and it's so bad that they are turning into open sores. I guess i'm allergic to the fleas too. I've tried everything and now am at a loss for words. I now have searched the internet for help and found this site. I have an appointment tonight to have my carpets steam cleaned to see if we can have any result in riding my house of these nasty little creatures. I am also going to try the whole Apple Cider Vinegar thing. It sounds like it might help. Also before my carpets get cleaned i'm going to wash my dog with Dawn dish soap and see if it makes a difference. If anyone could help me find some info on why I myself am being bit so bad and what I could do because they have opened up to quarter sized sores I would be very grateful. Thanks so much!"

09/23/2008: M from Oz, KS replies: "hope this helps googled info:
Borax Eliminates Fleas

Mix four parts of Borax with one part of salt, and sprinkle over your carpet. The mixture gets down amongst the fibers, and dehydrates the fleas and eggs, and prevents them re-hatching. This works great, and it is much more effective and cheaper than "flea bombs."

Laura G

editor's note: Some parents prefer to keep Borax away children. Especially if the children crawl or play on the carpets.

Flea Advice from a Vet

As a veterinarian in Louisianna, I have been dealing with fleas for over 20 years. If Donna takes the following steps her fleas will be gone in 45-60 days and will not return.

1. Bring the cats to her vet and get a Program injection every six months.

2. Give her dog Program (or Sentinel) monthly.

3. Treat all four pets with Frontline spray monthly.

All of these products are the safest fleas products we've ever had. No Premise treatment will be necessary! The total cost of this program is less than thirty dollars a month."

08/30/2008: Laurie from Fort Valley, GA writes: "To all of those that have moved into homes and got mad at previous occupant. Remember the cycle of the insect. If they steam cleaned the carpet they did a good job....BUT the eggs then hatched and the breeding began. I used the type that sends the spray in the air. We went to new home and set it up. Only to come back to a total infestation. So all well intentions should be followed up by spraying the home with Apple Cider Vineager. (Yes sometimes people are just pigs) (Previous cleaning company owner) Good luck to all. By the way vineager in a natural deoderizer, the smell will go away. If you like fish after cooking, set a small bowl of vineager on counter and it will asorb the oder. Then send down drain, kills bad oders there also. (straight in a bug sprayer) Also use in my yard."

09/11/2008: Nancy from Gloucester, MA replies: "The fleas are on my Flat Coated Retriever-seems like the same time last year. I tried putting ACV in his water, but he wouldn't drink it. Is there another way to get it in his system-droppers or mixing it with food so he can't detect the taste? For right now I've sprayed him down with it, but would like to get it inside him. Thank you."

[YEA]  10/01/2008: Leslie from Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico replies: "I have used apple cider vinegar for several purposes for my dogs. I give it to them the way I drink it, in warm water with honey. This way the ph is balanced also. You can also try to give it to your dog in yogurt."

07/14/2009: Angela from Rutland, VT replies: "For Laurie From Fort Calley. I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with fleas but your comment about some people are just pigs was uncalled for. Fleas go into any type of home with any type of people. And yes sometimes if a place has been unocupied for a while and windows are left open ( in your case probably cuz they cleaned the place out and cleaned the carpets as u said) Fleas will get inside and even chiggers. Which are just as bad if u ask me. SO my point is Fleas dont are not selective on where they infest. Piggy people and Clean people are equal in that aspect. Get over it. Believe me i keep clean and it offends me to think that u may as well be sayin cuz i have fleas i'm a Pig. Who are u??????"

01/02/2010: Anna from Ocala, Florida, United States replies: "I think you were taking something personally in Laurie's post that was a long way from applying to you. Her statement did not apply to Fleas it applied to the fact that she owned a cleaning company and that there are people who DO NOT do the things that were mentioned prior to moving out of a house. I recently leased a home that when I took possession of the keys, I had to do much more than wipe down and surface clean. It seems as if the previous occupants had never so much as swept the floor so yes "SOME" people are pigs. Get over it. She was not talking about you."

[YEA]  07/22/2008: Rachel from Johns Island, SC writes: "After reading all the feedback about Apple Cider Vinegar, I was eager to try it. I originally researched it because of the horrid flea infestation on my dogs. I have two Great Danes, one of whom recently experienced a bad reaction to the Frontline we had been using (weird!) for years.

So, I bathed them in baby shampoo and then sprayed some Apple Cider Vinegar on them both. Poof! Within two weeks of spraying every other day and adding a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to each gallon of their water, they practically live outside (Johns Island is notorious for fleas) and not a single flea. I'm not sure about ticks, though, because they rarely get them in the first place.

So, meanwhile, my son is getting eaten alive in our house. The fleas didn't touch the cat (I used the same process on the cat), my husband or myself but apparently my son was delicious. We tried gentle bug-repellent, natural bug-repellents, nothing worked to keep them off. I bombed the house, but then the eggs hatched and we went 'round and 'round again. To top it off, he developed an allergy to flea bites so now instead of just itchy little bites, each bite turns into about a dollar-bill-sized rash.

So, I began to give him a light tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar per day mixed in with 8 oz. of water. Not three times like you'd do for weight-loss, but like you would do for the dogs or the cat and lo and behold, after another week of benedryl and calamine lotion, he stopped getting bitten. It took almost three weeks to really work for my son, though, so be patient if you want to try this. I also talked to my doctor and he says it's alright (for my son, not medical advice!) just as long as he kept drinking lots of water and kept up his vitamins because, apparently, a high dosage of vinegar can sometimes deplete you of necessary vitamins and minerals as well as speed dehydration, not much but enough to notice.

I kept this up until I didn't spot a single flea for about a month, then took my son off the vinegar (about two and a half months).

Now, I don't know if this was a side effect of the vinegar or just getting rid of the stress of the flea bites, but my son stopped wetting the bed about halfway through the vinegar "treatment". The only reason I mention it is because someone else posted on here that her grandfather? (sorry, not sure) gave her a spoonful of vinegar and honey in water to help her to stop wetting the bed. But, like I said, it could have been either and most likely taking away the rash-stress was the determining factor.

I just started reading the comments on how Apple Cider Vinegar can help you shed those few extra unwanted pounds, so I'm trying it. I'll try to keep you guys updated, I'm pretty excited about it!"

[YEA]  04/12/2008: Brandy from Dallas, TX writes: "I have a one and a half year old pekignese/pomeranian mix who in the last couple of months has shown symptoms of flea allergies, constant licking biting and scratching of her hind legs and rear end as well as her feet. We would find maybe 3-4 fleas on her a week. Which on a dog without allergy probably would not cause this kind of reaction. I wanted to only use natural treatments to try to cure this problem so I looked online and found alot of information. To treat my yard I used diacomateous earth, which is a fossil that kills bugs by injesting/breathing these sharp peices of fossil. Inside my house I did a salt and borax detergent on the floors and furniture. I did this every two weeks attempting to rid my house of any fleas. My dog still had hot spots, and was losing hair and getting scabs from her itching. I also tried lavender essential oil on her collar, and in the bath, and I used Dawn dishwashing detergent to try and drown any fleas that may be on her. This was all in addition to the advantix monthly treatment. These monthly treatments kill the flea when they bite the treated animal, the problem was keeping the fleas from even getting on her. One bite meant misery for my sweet pup. My vet told me to try benadryl and I did that to try to prevent her from itching, while I looked for another remedy. I came upon this site and started using it in her water just a small drop in her water once a day. Then last weekend I tried the half water half ACV rinse after her bath and let her air dry. I have seen MAJOR improvement this week, and have cancelled my appointment with a specialist to find a better way to treat my dog. I am a beleiver now, and will continue using this method as it really has proven itself to me. It is peak flea season here in Dallas and I am amazed at these results, and have even shared them with an online dog allergy group that I belong to. I am so thankful that I dont have to medicate my dog, or use unatural treatments. Thank you so much to this site and everyone who shared their success and failures, My little Nilly thanks you also!"

05/17/2009: Melissa from Arcola, Tx replies: "I am in Tx & have a Pomeranian who is also scratching & losing hair. It drives here CRAZY. We give them liquid drops for heartworm. It also does fleas & ticks. When I check her she only has 1 or 2 fleas but she is still scratching & losing hair. I'm going to try what you said."

09/10/2009: Roni from Marietta, Ohio replies: "If your dog doesnt really have a lot of fleas and is still so bad that there losing fur/getting hot spots it may not JUST be a flea allergy your dog can be allergic to pretty much all the things we can be allergic to my Lab mix is like that he has seasonal allergies his brother and his mother dont its rather difficult so u might wanna try changing food could be allergic to wheat or corn.

Be careful giving alot of baths the vinegar wash that could really dry out their skin and that could itch even more hope this helps"

    

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