Mobile

Apple Cider Vinegar for Flea Control

5 star (88)		88%
3 star (3)		3%
1 star (8)		8%
(1)		1%

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Oldwhatshisname (Usa) on 06/18/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 10 dogs and 4 cats and yes, I live on a farm. The outdoor dogs are infested with fleas and I have tried everything to get rid of the fleas but with so many animals I can't afford the popular vet prescription brands. I read about apple cider vinegar and tried it in a 50% dilution on one of the medium sized, short haired dogs. After about a minute, the fleas started moving to get away from where I applied the solution. I then wet her down all over and used a flea comb to get what I could see off her. So there's one down and nine dogs to go.

I will try adding ACV to their water bowls and see how that works.

Barbjo (Florida) on 05/13/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been giving garlic to my dogs for years. 3 are over 10 years old. In moderation it it not toxic. I've used brewers yeast with garlic tabs for flea control in the past. All dogs are alive and well.

View Entire Thread

Karen (Ecuador) on 04/21/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Hola. One of my cats had a bald spot on his throat. After some research I decided to use ACV, full strength directly on the spot several times a day. In less than a week I could see hair growing back in and the cat licking the spot proved that Apple Cider Vinegar did him no harm. I am a believer. In the move to Ecuador, I discovered that both cats are allergic to fleas here and developed scabs around their heads and bums. I gave each a bath then a rinse in Apple Cider Vinegar water -very traumatic for all us BTW ;) - dried them and then massaged their fur and skin with coconut oil. the scabs have begun to disappear on one cat but the other one just has so much trouble with skin problems I think it will be awhile. They both freak if I spray them, so once a week, more often with one cat, I apply a diluted mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water and rub in everywhere. I do spray all bedding and any other cloth material with the same mixture.

Fleas and ticks are a huge problem here. I just read elsewhere that adding brewer's yeast to their food everyday repels fleas so I will try that as well. Just no instruction on how much! Plus more frequent combing and brushing.

Elise (Sydney, Australia) on 02/23/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you earth clinic for this site. I was going out of my mind with my poor dog's itchy skin and odour For the past 2 years. I tried everything. Yesterday I sprayed a solution of equal parts of Apple cider vinegar- water and baking soda all over her, instantly she seemed better for it. I also have amother dog, sister to the other, who shakes her ear, so will give the apple cider diluted a go and coconut oil. What a relief not to use those horrid flea control sprays anymore, thanks again. Elise.

Theresa

Donate

(Mpls., Mn) on 02/21/2015:

Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Close

5 out of 5 stars

Editor's Choice

ACV works to prevent fleas in two ways; topically in a spray or after bath rinse it helps balance the PH of the skin and smells not attractive to the fleas. Internally in the diet be it food or water it helps balance the ph of your dog's system to make them less appetizing to the fleas -and also has proven helpful in many other ways when taken internally.

For a spray, I use white vinegar and save the expensive for food use; 1 part vinegar into 5 or 10 parts water. In the water bowl it is 2-3 tablespoons per quart or same amount in the food am and pm.

If you are sure you are dealing with a bad case of fleas, consider a simple flea trap made with a small desk lamp and a white plate. Put the lamp on the floor in the area where your pet sleeps or spends a lot of time, and the plate under the lamp. Add water to the plate and then put a few drops of dish soap. Turn the light on at night and check for black specks in the morning. This simple trap can be moved from room to room and can quickly halt an infestation.

Lisa (US) on 02/15/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, I soaked chicken liver in ACV and then cooked it with it. Mixed it up with rice and my dogs loved it. Good way to get it into their system.

Jade (New York, US) on 12/25/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 3 Yorkie's, a Maltese and two German shepherds and have been dealing with fleas for years. I absolutely adore my dogs like children and am very careful about what I give them to ingest, topical flea treatments are also a form of ingestion since it goes through the skin into the body. As a nurse I always felt the flea medications were very dangerous, and when I researched them I found they are in fact Neurotoxins. That's all I needed to hear, there was NO chance I was using any of them again.

I've tried many natural over the counter pet meds and none worked, so I've resorted to flea combing and that only irritates the skin more, I'm at my wits end with fleas. I am SO excited to have stumbled on this wonderful page so I can try ACV, I do believe after reading from all of you and the research on this page that it will work. I'll be out tomorrow to purchase it.

I came on here originally because my GSD has a very red inflamed ear and I don't want the Vet's usual toxic drugs prescribed which will only treat the sickness short term, if their body is not in homeostasis/ balance, it will return. I am going to give this a try for her ear as well and pray!

The reason I am posting prematurely to trying ACV is that I did find after changing their diet, the skin allergies have minimized drastically and their coats are looking healthier, I thought I'd share this with all my fellow dog lovers here as it has helped my dogs. I was feeding what I thought was good food as it claims but was unaware that grain is just a cheap filler that can cause severe allergic reactions. I researched a wonderful site to find a reasonable priced grain free food,

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/brand/

I now give them a combo of "Taste of the wild" grain free kibble, Alaskan Salmon oil, eggs and chicken livers/fats cooked. They not only lick their dishes into the next room, but they are noticeably healthier and it's only weeks since the change. I know when I go off my regular vegetarian diet w/no sugars etc, I feel pretty bad for days. It never occurred to me the same was happening to my dogs. Grain is not part of their natural diet in the wild, and is actually Very unhealthy for them. There are some reasonable brands, even BJ's Berkley and Jensen is grain free and a 4 star choice on a budget. Good luck to all, Happy holidays! I will re-post with an update after I try the ACV.

View Entire Thread

Mage (Australia) on 11/04/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, just add the apple cider vinegar to the dog's bath water. This is all I do, my pets have not had fleas in 4 years

Marianne (Toronto, Canada) on 10/22/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello!

I was given your website by an employee of Global Pets here in Toronto Canada. I have a Shih Tzu who has had a terrible summer of scratching due to fleas and allergies. She specifically mentioned using Apple Cider Vinegar to help rid the fleas. I have used it on Max for the first time today, but wanted to contact you to say how happy I am to have found your site! I'm sure I'll be visiting it often as I really don't like to give Max anything that has toxins/chemicals and am always looking for a natural way of curing his ailments.

Thank you so much for the info and don't ever stop what you're doing! Cheers.

Marianne and Max

Denise B (Georgia, US) on 08/18/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

White vinegar for fleas.

I just had my pug and toy poodles dipped for fleas last week. The pug is already scratching again, rubbing his back on furniture, chewing his tail, and keeping me up all night with his whining. A friend told me about vinegar killing fleas, but I wasn't sure, so remembered to check this site.

I combed the pug out and found a couple of fleas, so I grabbed a spray bottle and filled it with white vinegar. I soaked him down, spraying him from his neck to his tail.

It hasn't even been five minutes, and he is now laying calmly at my feet! Tomorrow, I'll spray the poodles, the bulldog that lives outdoors (that sleeps inside on the sunroom), and the house. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Virginia (Ponca City, Ok) on 08/03/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I came home from work one day and my legs were black from the knee down with fleas. Somewhere I heard I could spray ACV full strength all over my carpet and anything else in the house. It was hot in Los Angeles at the time so I shut the house up, turned off the A/C and let it bake for three days while I was gone to work. I continued spraying for about 3 days just to be sure they were all killed. Amazing how this works, but it does!

Grease cutting blue dish detergent works for bathing my dog. Also, I have used diluted ACV which works too.

Daisy (Los Angeles Ca) on 02/23/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I had just about had it with my dog trixies scratching. I felt so bad for her, she would scratch and bite her vagina. Her hair was shedding like crazy, creating black marks and her belly was red and dry. I thought maybe it was the detergent, smog, house cleaners, or her love of swimming. I've never seen a flea on her so I never suspected it to be fleas.

Yesterday I poured half ACV and half water into a spray bottle and sprayed her down. Half an hour later I bathed her with Dr bronners baby shampoo. It worked!!! Thank god for earth clinic!

Lynnie (Columbus, Ohio, Usa) on 10/06/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Went online this morning to research a "natural" remedy to rid my Miniature Schnauzer of a few fleas. She currently is on flea medication from the vet, but it just wasn't working, also was very pricey. Found this wonderful site & used the 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle. As soon as I sprayed her, the fleas came to the surface of her fur and died. She was so relieved, she laid down for a nap. So nice to have my baby dog not scratching & chewing herself raw. Will also start adding to her water. Thank you so much!

Karen (Fl) on 08/23/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

The apple cider vinegar that is being discussed here is NOT the cheap stuff you get at the grocery. They are talking about raw/unpasturized vinegar. I learned this the hard way. When I changed to the "good" stuff, the fleas did go away, just as advertised. Please check into this and try again. It *does* work!

View Entire Thread

June (Winfield, Kansas) on 07/18/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I never bathe mine in ACV. If they are infested I guess you should bathe them to get the fleas off, probably with soap so it kills the fleas, but you can also just put a few drops of ACV on their fur and rub it in. Also put a few drops in their food every day. You will see the number of fleas decrease within a day or two. All my cats are outside and none of them have fleas. I have been using ACV for several years now. I put a few drops of ACV (organic with the mother) in their food every day. It works like a charm.

There is also this stuff called bug arrest you can buy online. It's non-toxic and contains no pesticides. It has enzymes in it that eats the exoskeletons off bugs. It will get rid of mange, scabies, earmites and all other bugs.

Good luck.

Mrsg (Jupiter, FL, USA) on 06/13/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 10 month old Maltese. I add ACV to my dog's food and water, also use it as a rinse after shampoo and I think I helps keep fleas and ticks away.

Alicia (Mart, Tx) on 05/28/2013:
1 out of 5 stars

I must be doing something wrong. I have 7 dogs and 2 cats. I have been trying ACV to get rid of their fleas and its just not working. I have bathed them all with dawn and then used the ACV / water mix. The next day they are covered with fleas again. What am I doing wrong?

View Entire Thread

Sandee (Huntington Beach, Ca) on 08/19/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

(YEA) My Husband & I came home from a two week vacation to a unhappy flea infested cat and house... Yikes... We had our two Scotty's with us and they showed no signs of fleas till our return... It was misserable for all of us, we were ready to go to a hotel... We took both dogs and our cat to the groomer to get defleaed (with Frontline) while our home was being sprayed... It did not solve either problem... Still we had fleas... For three weeks we treated our dogs & cat with flea shampoo and pest control, still fleas... By now our dogs have soars on them one was getting an ear infection... Yikes... I took the advise of ACV put it full strength into a spary bottle sparyed everything in the house (including pets with 1/2 Water 1/2 ACV solution) no more fleas! I will continue with this natural remedy from here on... Yeaaaaaaaaa! :)

Shawna (Bakersfield, Ca) on 01/07/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

View Entire Thread

Marilyn B (Vancouver, Bc) on 11/24/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello to ALL: Regarding the apple cider vinegar..... Am a skeptic to start with... Nothing ventured/nothing gained.... My wee 3 lb 9 yr old chihuahua, had his first flea EVER!!! Did the dawn dish detergentX2, washed all the bedding and now the apple cider bit..... Well, after bathing him, and rinsing him with water in the kitchen sink, I finished with the appe cider... 2 tsp to 1 pint of warm water, in a spray bottle... His fir looked oh so funny, but AIR DRY ONLY, so that the apple cider seeps into the pores... No harsh chemicals used... I spray him also every time he comes in from the outside.... Also wash all his bedding, and spray 50/50 solution around the living areas..... 50 apple cider and 50 water in a spray bottle. I did this every 12 hours for 2 days!!! ... I also put apple cider in his drinking water, and guess what....... He did NOT even detect any difference!!!

For the drinking water, I used 2 tsp to a pint. Keep it in the fridge... I also find he is drinking way more!! Than without the apple cider and finally...... I find the appe cider is GREAT for his bowels... Take for instance, in the mornings at 7AM, he always did the pee pees... NOW... He does the peepees and the bowels at the same time.... Before he did the bowels at 11AM... The apple cider is definitely a natural laxative...... So bathe your pet regularly X1 weekly, use the rinse with apple cider, a everynd the drinking water also with the apple cider, and spray him 2-3 X daily... He is a happy little man, coming 10 yrs in Feb. And he thinks that I am GREAT! .....

An inexpensive way to control the fleas without a vet trip..... Ps by spraying him X2 daily, apparently, the fleas DONOT like the taste of the apple cider on the outside skin OR coming through his pours on the inside, by way of his drinking it.... Just make sure, you spray the carpets, and mop the hardwood flooring every day... When using the vacuum, try to seperately bag the used bag so that any fleas donot jump out... OR seperately bag the used bag and put it in the freezer, which will kill the fleas until you use the bag again. Donot use the vacuum bag more than twice.... Hope this info helps!

Tiffany (Los Angeles, California) on 08/25/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Dianec (Los Angeles, California United States) on 07/14/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Alyssa (Austin, Tx) on 07/03/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Flourshoppe (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 06/17/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Sidrah (Southport, Ct) on 06/02/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Dee (Jackson, Nj) on 05/22/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Cherie (Poconos, Pa) on 01/16/2011:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

Cedar chips are not a good idea to use for pet bedding as the cedar secretes an oil that can cause blindness in animals.

View Entire Thread

Amy (Madison, Wi.) on 01/07/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Fredia (Mount Vernon, Washington) on 12/05/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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".

Lezlie (Portland, Oregon) on 11/26/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Flea Control for Apple Cider Vinegar +

5 star (88)		88%
3 star (3)		3%
1 star (8)		8%
(1)		1%

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Oldwhatshisname (Usa) on 06/18/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 10 dogs and 4 cats and yes, I live on a farm. The outdoor dogs are infested with fleas and I have tried everything to get rid of the fleas but with so many animals I can't afford the popular vet prescription brands. I read about apple cider vinegar and tried it in a 50% dilution on one of the medium sized, short haired dogs. After about a minute, the fleas started moving to get away from where I applied the solution. I then wet her down all over and used a flea comb to get what I could see off her. So there's one down and nine dogs to go.

I will try adding ACV to their water bowls and see how that works.

Barbjo (Florida) on 05/13/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been giving garlic to my dogs for years. 3 are over 10 years old. In moderation it it not toxic. I've used brewers yeast with garlic tabs for flea control in the past. All dogs are alive and well.

View Entire Thread

Karen (Ecuador) on 04/21/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Hola. One of my cats had a bald spot on his throat. After some research I decided to use ACV, full strength directly on the spot several times a day. In less than a week I could see hair growing back in and the cat licking the spot proved that Apple Cider Vinegar did him no harm. I am a believer. In the move to Ecuador, I discovered that both cats are allergic to fleas here and developed scabs around their heads and bums. I gave each a bath then a rinse in Apple Cider Vinegar water -very traumatic for all us BTW ;) - dried them and then massaged their fur and skin with coconut oil. the scabs have begun to disappear on one cat but the other one just has so much trouble with skin problems I think it will be awhile. They both freak if I spray them, so once a week, more often with one cat, I apply a diluted mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water and rub in everywhere. I do spray all bedding and any other cloth material with the same mixture.

Fleas and ticks are a huge problem here. I just read elsewhere that adding brewer's yeast to their food everyday repels fleas so I will try that as well. Just no instruction on how much! Plus more frequent combing and brushing.

Elise (Sydney, Australia) on 02/23/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you earth clinic for this site. I was going out of my mind with my poor dog's itchy skin and odour For the past 2 years. I tried everything. Yesterday I sprayed a solution of equal parts of Apple cider vinegar- water and baking soda all over her, instantly she seemed better for it. I also have amother dog, sister to the other, who shakes her ear, so will give the apple cider diluted a go and coconut oil. What a relief not to use those horrid flea control sprays anymore, thanks again. Elise.

Theresa

Donate

(Mpls., Mn) on 02/21/2015:

Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Close

5 out of 5 stars

Editor's Choice

ACV works to prevent fleas in two ways; topically in a spray or after bath rinse it helps balance the PH of the skin and smells not attractive to the fleas. Internally in the diet be it food or water it helps balance the ph of your dog's system to make them less appetizing to the fleas -and also has proven helpful in many other ways when taken internally.

For a spray, I use white vinegar and save the expensive for food use; 1 part vinegar into 5 or 10 parts water. In the water bowl it is 2-3 tablespoons per quart or same amount in the food am and pm.

If you are sure you are dealing with a bad case of fleas, consider a simple flea trap made with a small desk lamp and a white plate. Put the lamp on the floor in the area where your pet sleeps or spends a lot of time, and the plate under the lamp. Add water to the plate and then put a few drops of dish soap. Turn the light on at night and check for black specks in the morning. This simple trap can be moved from room to room and can quickly halt an infestation.

Lisa (US) on 02/15/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, I soaked chicken liver in ACV and then cooked it with it. Mixed it up with rice and my dogs loved it. Good way to get it into their system.

Jade (New York, US) on 12/25/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 3 Yorkie's, a Maltese and two German shepherds and have been dealing with fleas for years. I absolutely adore my dogs like children and am very careful about what I give them to ingest, topical flea treatments are also a form of ingestion since it goes through the skin into the body. As a nurse I always felt the flea medications were very dangerous, and when I researched them I found they are in fact Neurotoxins. That's all I needed to hear, there was NO chance I was using any of them again.

I've tried many natural over the counter pet meds and none worked, so I've resorted to flea combing and that only irritates the skin more, I'm at my wits end with fleas. I am SO excited to have stumbled on this wonderful page so I can try ACV, I do believe after reading from all of you and the research on this page that it will work. I'll be out tomorrow to purchase it.

I came on here originally because my GSD has a very red inflamed ear and I don't want the Vet's usual toxic drugs prescribed which will only treat the sickness short term, if their body is not in homeostasis/ balance, it will return. I am going to give this a try for her ear as well and pray!

The reason I am posting prematurely to trying ACV is that I did find after changing their diet, the skin allergies have minimized drastically and their coats are looking healthier, I thought I'd share this with all my fellow dog lovers here as it has helped my dogs. I was feeding what I thought was good food as it claims but was unaware that grain is just a cheap filler that can cause severe allergic reactions. I researched a wonderful site to find a reasonable priced grain free food,

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/brand/

I now give them a combo of "Taste of the wild" grain free kibble, Alaskan Salmon oil, eggs and chicken livers/fats cooked. They not only lick their dishes into the next room, but they are noticeably healthier and it's only weeks since the change. I know when I go off my regular vegetarian diet w/no sugars etc, I feel pretty bad for days. It never occurred to me the same was happening to my dogs. Grain is not part of their natural diet in the wild, and is actually Very unhealthy for them. There are some reasonable brands, even BJ's Berkley and Jensen is grain free and a 4 star choice on a budget. Good luck to all, Happy holidays! I will re-post with an update after I try the ACV.

View Entire Thread

Mage (Australia) on 11/04/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, just add the apple cider vinegar to the dog's bath water. This is all I do, my pets have not had fleas in 4 years

Marianne (Toronto, Canada) on 10/22/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello!

I was given your website by an employee of Global Pets here in Toronto Canada. I have a Shih Tzu who has had a terrible summer of scratching due to fleas and allergies. She specifically mentioned using Apple Cider Vinegar to help rid the fleas. I have used it on Max for the first time today, but wanted to contact you to say how happy I am to have found your site! I'm sure I'll be visiting it often as I really don't like to give Max anything that has toxins/chemicals and am always looking for a natural way of curing his ailments.

Thank you so much for the info and don't ever stop what you're doing! Cheers.

Marianne and Max

Denise B (Georgia, US) on 08/18/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

White vinegar for fleas.

I just had my pug and toy poodles dipped for fleas last week. The pug is already scratching again, rubbing his back on furniture, chewing his tail, and keeping me up all night with his whining. A friend told me about vinegar killing fleas, but I wasn't sure, so remembered to check this site.

I combed the pug out and found a couple of fleas, so I grabbed a spray bottle and filled it with white vinegar. I soaked him down, spraying him from his neck to his tail.

It hasn't even been five minutes, and he is now laying calmly at my feet! Tomorrow, I'll spray the poodles, the bulldog that lives outdoors (that sleeps inside on the sunroom), and the house. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Virginia (Ponca City, Ok) on 08/03/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I came home from work one day and my legs were black from the knee down with fleas. Somewhere I heard I could spray ACV full strength all over my carpet and anything else in the house. It was hot in Los Angeles at the time so I shut the house up, turned off the A/C and let it bake for three days while I was gone to work. I continued spraying for about 3 days just to be sure they were all killed. Amazing how this works, but it does!

Grease cutting blue dish detergent works for bathing my dog. Also, I have used diluted ACV which works too.

Daisy (Los Angeles Ca) on 02/23/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I had just about had it with my dog trixies scratching. I felt so bad for her, she would scratch and bite her vagina. Her hair was shedding like crazy, creating black marks and her belly was red and dry. I thought maybe it was the detergent, smog, house cleaners, or her love of swimming. I've never seen a flea on her so I never suspected it to be fleas.

Yesterday I poured half ACV and half water into a spray bottle and sprayed her down. Half an hour later I bathed her with Dr bronners baby shampoo. It worked!!! Thank god for earth clinic!

Lynnie (Columbus, Ohio, Usa) on 10/06/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Went online this morning to research a "natural" remedy to rid my Miniature Schnauzer of a few fleas. She currently is on flea medication from the vet, but it just wasn't working, also was very pricey. Found this wonderful site & used the 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle. As soon as I sprayed her, the fleas came to the surface of her fur and died. She was so relieved, she laid down for a nap. So nice to have my baby dog not scratching & chewing herself raw. Will also start adding to her water. Thank you so much!

Karen (Fl) on 08/23/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

The apple cider vinegar that is being discussed here is NOT the cheap stuff you get at the grocery. They are talking about raw/unpasturized vinegar. I learned this the hard way. When I changed to the "good" stuff, the fleas did go away, just as advertised. Please check into this and try again. It *does* work!

View Entire Thread

June (Winfield, Kansas) on 07/18/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I never bathe mine in ACV. If they are infested I guess you should bathe them to get the fleas off, probably with soap so it kills the fleas, but you can also just put a few drops of ACV on their fur and rub it in. Also put a few drops in their food every day. You will see the number of fleas decrease within a day or two. All my cats are outside and none of them have fleas. I have been using ACV for several years now. I put a few drops of ACV (organic with the mother) in their food every day. It works like a charm.

There is also this stuff called bug arrest you can buy online. It's non-toxic and contains no pesticides. It has enzymes in it that eats the exoskeletons off bugs. It will get rid of mange, scabies, earmites and all other bugs.

Good luck.

Mrsg (Jupiter, FL, USA) on 06/13/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 10 month old Maltese. I add ACV to my dog's food and water, also use it as a rinse after shampoo and I think I helps keep fleas and ticks away.

Alicia (Mart, Tx) on 05/28/2013:
1 out of 5 stars

I must be doing something wrong. I have 7 dogs and 2 cats. I have been trying ACV to get rid of their fleas and its just not working. I have bathed them all with dawn and then used the ACV / water mix. The next day they are covered with fleas again. What am I doing wrong?

View Entire Thread

Sandee (Huntington Beach, Ca) on 08/19/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

(YEA) My Husband & I came home from a two week vacation to a unhappy flea infested cat and house... Yikes... We had our two Scotty's with us and they showed no signs of fleas till our return... It was misserable for all of us, we were ready to go to a hotel... We took both dogs and our cat to the groomer to get defleaed (with Frontline) while our home was being sprayed... It did not solve either problem... Still we had fleas... For three weeks we treated our dogs & cat with flea shampoo and pest control, still fleas... By now our dogs have soars on them one was getting an ear infection... Yikes... I took the advise of ACV put it full strength into a spary bottle sparyed everything in the house (including pets with 1/2 Water 1/2 ACV solution) no more fleas! I will continue with this natural remedy from here on... Yeaaaaaaaaa! :)

Shawna (Bakersfield, Ca) on 01/07/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

View Entire Thread

Marilyn B (Vancouver, Bc) on 11/24/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello to ALL: Regarding the apple cider vinegar..... Am a skeptic to start with... Nothing ventured/nothing gained.... My wee 3 lb 9 yr old chihuahua, had his first flea EVER!!! Did the dawn dish detergentX2, washed all the bedding and now the apple cider bit..... Well, after bathing him, and rinsing him with water in the kitchen sink, I finished with the appe cider... 2 tsp to 1 pint of warm water, in a spray bottle... His fir looked oh so funny, but AIR DRY ONLY, so that the apple cider seeps into the pores... No harsh chemicals used... I spray him also every time he comes in from the outside.... Also wash all his bedding, and spray 50/50 solution around the living areas..... 50 apple cider and 50 water in a spray bottle. I did this every 12 hours for 2 days!!! ... I also put apple cider in his drinking water, and guess what....... He did NOT even detect any difference!!!

For the drinking water, I used 2 tsp to a pint. Keep it in the fridge... I also find he is drinking way more!! Than without the apple cider and finally...... I find the appe cider is GREAT for his bowels... Take for instance, in the mornings at 7AM, he always did the pee pees... NOW... He does the peepees and the bowels at the same time.... Before he did the bowels at 11AM... The apple cider is definitely a natural laxative...... So bathe your pet regularly X1 weekly, use the rinse with apple cider, a everynd the drinking water also with the apple cider, and spray him 2-3 X daily... He is a happy little man, coming 10 yrs in Feb. And he thinks that I am GREAT! .....

An inexpensive way to control the fleas without a vet trip..... Ps by spraying him X2 daily, apparently, the fleas DONOT like the taste of the apple cider on the outside skin OR coming through his pours on the inside, by way of his drinking it.... Just make sure, you spray the carpets, and mop the hardwood flooring every day... When using the vacuum, try to seperately bag the used bag so that any fleas donot jump out... OR seperately bag the used bag and put it in the freezer, which will kill the fleas until you use the bag again. Donot use the vacuum bag more than twice.... Hope this info helps!

Tiffany (Los Angeles, California) on 08/25/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Dianec (Los Angeles, California United States) on 07/14/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Alyssa (Austin, Tx) on 07/03/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Flourshoppe (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 06/17/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Sidrah (Southport, Ct) on 06/02/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Dee (Jackson, Nj) on 05/22/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Cherie (Poconos, Pa) on 01/16/2011:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

Cedar chips are not a good idea to use for pet bedding as the cedar secretes an oil that can cause blindness in animals.

View Entire Thread

Amy (Madison, Wi.) on 01/07/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Fredia (Mount Vernon, Washington) on 12/05/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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".

Lezlie (Portland, Oregon) on 11/26/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Oldwhatshisname (Usa) on 06/18/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 10 dogs and 4 cats and yes, I live on a farm. The outdoor dogs are infested with fleas and I have tried everything to get rid of the fleas but with so many animals I can't afford the popular vet prescription brands. I read about apple cider vinegar and tried it in a 50% dilution on one of the medium sized, short haired dogs. After about a minute, the fleas started moving to get away from where I applied the solution. I then wet her down all over and used a flea comb to get what I could see off her. So there's one down and nine dogs to go.

I will try adding ACV to their water bowls and see how that works.

Barbjo (Florida) on 05/13/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

I have been giving garlic to my dogs for years. 3 are over 10 years old. In moderation it it not toxic. I've used brewers yeast with garlic tabs for flea control in the past. All dogs are alive and well.

View Entire Thread

Karen (Ecuador) on 04/21/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Hola. One of my cats had a bald spot on his throat. After some research I decided to use ACV, full strength directly on the spot several times a day. In less than a week I could see hair growing back in and the cat licking the spot proved that Apple Cider Vinegar did him no harm. I am a believer. In the move to Ecuador, I discovered that both cats are allergic to fleas here and developed scabs around their heads and bums. I gave each a bath then a rinse in Apple Cider Vinegar water -very traumatic for all us BTW ;) - dried them and then massaged their fur and skin with coconut oil. the scabs have begun to disappear on one cat but the other one just has so much trouble with skin problems I think it will be awhile. They both freak if I spray them, so once a week, more often with one cat, I apply a diluted mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water and rub in everywhere. I do spray all bedding and any other cloth material with the same mixture.

Fleas and ticks are a huge problem here. I just read elsewhere that adding brewer's yeast to their food everyday repels fleas so I will try that as well. Just no instruction on how much! Plus more frequent combing and brushing.

Elise (Sydney, Australia) on 02/23/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you earth clinic for this site. I was going out of my mind with my poor dog's itchy skin and odour For the past 2 years. I tried everything. Yesterday I sprayed a solution of equal parts of Apple cider vinegar- water and baking soda all over her, instantly she seemed better for it. I also have amother dog, sister to the other, who shakes her ear, so will give the apple cider diluted a go and coconut oil. What a relief not to use those horrid flea control sprays anymore, thanks again. Elise.

Theresa

Donate

(Mpls., Mn) on 02/21/2015:

Theresa

The wonderful Theresa from Minneapolis, MN has been helping pet owners and their beloved pets around the world on Earth Clinic since 2013.

About Theresa

Theresa from Minneapolis was born and raised in the inner city, always wishing she had been raised on a farm.

Her love for creatures great and small began at an early age, starting with caterpillars - which continues to this day, along with an interest in all insects and 'creepy crawlies'.

Theresa's interest in pet health started with a bird keeping hobby at age 14, where she learned from another hobbyist that the simple addition of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in a bird's drinking water kept fungal infections away; she was able to share this with her avian vet who in turn prescribed it to her own clients; Theresa was surprised to learn that she could teach her vet a thing or two. This important lesson - that each of us can be a teacher - was a turning point for Theresa, and fueled her quest for the knowledge held in lore, and remedies passed by word of mouth. That quest for knowledge continues to this day, as new and old remedies alike are explored. She may not have experience with a particular issue, but she will research it to the best of her ability and share what she finds freely, in the hopes that you can heal or improve your pet's health.

-----------------------------

How To Show Theresa Your Appreciation

If you would like to thank Theresa for her helpful posts, she asks if you would please consider making a donation to one of her favorite local rescue organizations, or by making a donation to help the genius contributor, Ted from Bangkok, recover from his stroke.

http://www.piperslegacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Get-Bobo-home/1409993732632080?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

http://ted.earthclinic.com

Close

5 out of 5 stars

Editor's Choice

ACV works to prevent fleas in two ways; topically in a spray or after bath rinse it helps balance the PH of the skin and smells not attractive to the fleas. Internally in the diet be it food or water it helps balance the ph of your dog's system to make them less appetizing to the fleas -and also has proven helpful in many other ways when taken internally.

For a spray, I use white vinegar and save the expensive for food use; 1 part vinegar into 5 or 10 parts water. In the water bowl it is 2-3 tablespoons per quart or same amount in the food am and pm.

If you are sure you are dealing with a bad case of fleas, consider a simple flea trap made with a small desk lamp and a white plate. Put the lamp on the floor in the area where your pet sleeps or spends a lot of time, and the plate under the lamp. Add water to the plate and then put a few drops of dish soap. Turn the light on at night and check for black specks in the morning. This simple trap can be moved from room to room and can quickly halt an infestation.

Lisa (US) on 02/15/2015:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, I soaked chicken liver in ACV and then cooked it with it. Mixed it up with rice and my dogs loved it. Good way to get it into their system.

Jade (New York, US) on 12/25/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I have 3 Yorkie's, a Maltese and two German shepherds and have been dealing with fleas for years. I absolutely adore my dogs like children and am very careful about what I give them to ingest, topical flea treatments are also a form of ingestion since it goes through the skin into the body. As a nurse I always felt the flea medications were very dangerous, and when I researched them I found they are in fact Neurotoxins. That's all I needed to hear, there was NO chance I was using any of them again.

I've tried many natural over the counter pet meds and none worked, so I've resorted to flea combing and that only irritates the skin more, I'm at my wits end with fleas. I am SO excited to have stumbled on this wonderful page so I can try ACV, I do believe after reading from all of you and the research on this page that it will work. I'll be out tomorrow to purchase it.

I came on here originally because my GSD has a very red inflamed ear and I don't want the Vet's usual toxic drugs prescribed which will only treat the sickness short term, if their body is not in homeostasis/ balance, it will return. I am going to give this a try for her ear as well and pray!

The reason I am posting prematurely to trying ACV is that I did find after changing their diet, the skin allergies have minimized drastically and their coats are looking healthier, I thought I'd share this with all my fellow dog lovers here as it has helped my dogs. I was feeding what I thought was good food as it claims but was unaware that grain is just a cheap filler that can cause severe allergic reactions. I researched a wonderful site to find a reasonable priced grain free food,

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/brand/

I now give them a combo of "Taste of the wild" grain free kibble, Alaskan Salmon oil, eggs and chicken livers/fats cooked. They not only lick their dishes into the next room, but they are noticeably healthier and it's only weeks since the change. I know when I go off my regular vegetarian diet w/no sugars etc, I feel pretty bad for days. It never occurred to me the same was happening to my dogs. Grain is not part of their natural diet in the wild, and is actually Very unhealthy for them. There are some reasonable brands, even BJ's Berkley and Jensen is grain free and a 4 star choice on a budget. Good luck to all, Happy holidays! I will re-post with an update after I try the ACV.

View Entire Thread

Mage (Australia) on 11/04/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

For fleas, just add the apple cider vinegar to the dog's bath water. This is all I do, my pets have not had fleas in 4 years

Marianne (Toronto, Canada) on 10/22/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello!

I was given your website by an employee of Global Pets here in Toronto Canada. I have a Shih Tzu who has had a terrible summer of scratching due to fleas and allergies. She specifically mentioned using Apple Cider Vinegar to help rid the fleas. I have used it on Max for the first time today, but wanted to contact you to say how happy I am to have found your site! I'm sure I'll be visiting it often as I really don't like to give Max anything that has toxins/chemicals and am always looking for a natural way of curing his ailments.

Thank you so much for the info and don't ever stop what you're doing! Cheers.

Marianne and Max

Denise B (Georgia, US) on 08/18/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

White vinegar for fleas.

I just had my pug and toy poodles dipped for fleas last week. The pug is already scratching again, rubbing his back on furniture, chewing his tail, and keeping me up all night with his whining. A friend told me about vinegar killing fleas, but I wasn't sure, so remembered to check this site.

I combed the pug out and found a couple of fleas, so I grabbed a spray bottle and filled it with white vinegar. I soaked him down, spraying him from his neck to his tail.

It hasn't even been five minutes, and he is now laying calmly at my feet! Tomorrow, I'll spray the poodles, the bulldog that lives outdoors (that sleeps inside on the sunroom), and the house. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Virginia (Ponca City, Ok) on 08/03/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I came home from work one day and my legs were black from the knee down with fleas. Somewhere I heard I could spray ACV full strength all over my carpet and anything else in the house. It was hot in Los Angeles at the time so I shut the house up, turned off the A/C and let it bake for three days while I was gone to work. I continued spraying for about 3 days just to be sure they were all killed. Amazing how this works, but it does!

Grease cutting blue dish detergent works for bathing my dog. Also, I have used diluted ACV which works too.

Daisy (Los Angeles Ca) on 02/23/2014:
5 out of 5 stars

I had just about had it with my dog trixies scratching. I felt so bad for her, she would scratch and bite her vagina. Her hair was shedding like crazy, creating black marks and her belly was red and dry. I thought maybe it was the detergent, smog, house cleaners, or her love of swimming. I've never seen a flea on her so I never suspected it to be fleas.

Yesterday I poured half ACV and half water into a spray bottle and sprayed her down. Half an hour later I bathed her with Dr bronners baby shampoo. It worked!!! Thank god for earth clinic!

Lynnie (Columbus, Ohio, Usa) on 10/06/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

Went online this morning to research a "natural" remedy to rid my Miniature Schnauzer of a few fleas. She currently is on flea medication from the vet, but it just wasn't working, also was very pricey. Found this wonderful site & used the 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle. As soon as I sprayed her, the fleas came to the surface of her fur and died. She was so relieved, she laid down for a nap. So nice to have my baby dog not scratching & chewing herself raw. Will also start adding to her water. Thank you so much!

Karen (Fl) on 08/23/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

The apple cider vinegar that is being discussed here is NOT the cheap stuff you get at the grocery. They are talking about raw/unpasturized vinegar. I learned this the hard way. When I changed to the "good" stuff, the fleas did go away, just as advertised. Please check into this and try again. It *does* work!

View Entire Thread

June (Winfield, Kansas) on 07/18/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I never bathe mine in ACV. If they are infested I guess you should bathe them to get the fleas off, probably with soap so it kills the fleas, but you can also just put a few drops of ACV on their fur and rub it in. Also put a few drops in their food every day. You will see the number of fleas decrease within a day or two. All my cats are outside and none of them have fleas. I have been using ACV for several years now. I put a few drops of ACV (organic with the mother) in their food every day. It works like a charm.

There is also this stuff called bug arrest you can buy online. It's non-toxic and contains no pesticides. It has enzymes in it that eats the exoskeletons off bugs. It will get rid of mange, scabies, earmites and all other bugs.

Good luck.

Mrsg (Jupiter, FL, USA) on 06/13/2013:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 10 month old Maltese. I add ACV to my dog's food and water, also use it as a rinse after shampoo and I think I helps keep fleas and ticks away.

Alicia (Mart, Tx) on 05/28/2013:
1 out of 5 stars

I must be doing something wrong. I have 7 dogs and 2 cats. I have been trying ACV to get rid of their fleas and its just not working. I have bathed them all with dawn and then used the ACV / water mix. The next day they are covered with fleas again. What am I doing wrong?

View Entire Thread

Sandee (Huntington Beach, Ca) on 08/19/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

(YEA) My Husband & I came home from a two week vacation to a unhappy flea infested cat and house... Yikes... We had our two Scotty's with us and they showed no signs of fleas till our return... It was misserable for all of us, we were ready to go to a hotel... We took both dogs and our cat to the groomer to get defleaed (with Frontline) while our home was being sprayed... It did not solve either problem... Still we had fleas... For three weeks we treated our dogs & cat with flea shampoo and pest control, still fleas... By now our dogs have soars on them one was getting an ear infection... Yikes... I took the advise of ACV put it full strength into a spary bottle sparyed everything in the house (including pets with 1/2 Water 1/2 ACV solution) no more fleas! I will continue with this natural remedy from here on... Yeaaaaaaaaa! :)

Shawna (Bakersfield, Ca) on 01/07/2012:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

View Entire Thread

Marilyn B (Vancouver, Bc) on 11/24/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

Hello to ALL: Regarding the apple cider vinegar..... Am a skeptic to start with... Nothing ventured/nothing gained.... My wee 3 lb 9 yr old chihuahua, had his first flea EVER!!! Did the dawn dish detergentX2, washed all the bedding and now the apple cider bit..... Well, after bathing him, and rinsing him with water in the kitchen sink, I finished with the appe cider... 2 tsp to 1 pint of warm water, in a spray bottle... His fir looked oh so funny, but AIR DRY ONLY, so that the apple cider seeps into the pores... No harsh chemicals used... I spray him also every time he comes in from the outside.... Also wash all his bedding, and spray 50/50 solution around the living areas..... 50 apple cider and 50 water in a spray bottle. I did this every 12 hours for 2 days!!! ... I also put apple cider in his drinking water, and guess what....... He did NOT even detect any difference!!!

For the drinking water, I used 2 tsp to a pint. Keep it in the fridge... I also find he is drinking way more!! Than without the apple cider and finally...... I find the appe cider is GREAT for his bowels... Take for instance, in the mornings at 7AM, he always did the pee pees... NOW... He does the peepees and the bowels at the same time.... Before he did the bowels at 11AM... The apple cider is definitely a natural laxative...... So bathe your pet regularly X1 weekly, use the rinse with apple cider, a everynd the drinking water also with the apple cider, and spray him 2-3 X daily... He is a happy little man, coming 10 yrs in Feb. And he thinks that I am GREAT! .....

An inexpensive way to control the fleas without a vet trip..... Ps by spraying him X2 daily, apparently, the fleas DONOT like the taste of the apple cider on the outside skin OR coming through his pours on the inside, by way of his drinking it.... Just make sure, you spray the carpets, and mop the hardwood flooring every day... When using the vacuum, try to seperately bag the used bag so that any fleas donot jump out... OR seperately bag the used bag and put it in the freezer, which will kill the fleas until you use the bag again. Donot use the vacuum bag more than twice.... Hope this info helps!

Tiffany (Los Angeles, California) on 08/25/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Dianec (Los Angeles, California United States) on 07/14/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Alyssa (Austin, Tx) on 07/03/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Flourshoppe (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 06/17/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Sidrah (Southport, Ct) on 06/02/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Dee (Jackson, Nj) on 05/22/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

View Entire Thread

Cherie (Poconos, Pa) on 01/16/2011:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

Cedar chips are not a good idea to use for pet bedding as the cedar secretes an oil that can cause blindness in animals.

View Entire Thread

Amy (Madison, Wi.) on 01/07/2011:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

Fredia (Mount Vernon, Washington) on 12/05/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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".

Lezlie (Portland, Oregon) on 11/26/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

1.. 3 4

Go Back