Apple Cider Vinegar for Flea Control

5 star (88) 
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1 star (8) 
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(1) 
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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.

April (Scio, Ohio) on 10/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   4      

Cheesetazmallyshadow (Chicago, Il) on 09/29/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

I just tried the acv bath and the smallest little sucker fleas just started falling off, so many I had no idea how small they could be. I tried it on my two 10 yr old cats and my two pups one 3yr old 20lb guy and one 7yr old 35lb fella. My dogs did very well with it but I my cats stomach turned and they started throwing up. If anyone can help it would be great. They've stopped now and its better than when my dog threw up blood after I used a toxic spray, so I'm not too worried but if someone could tell me if 1/2 avc to 1/2 water is too much should I cut it more? Thanks now off to wash the floor with avc too!

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REPLY   5      

Melissa (Budd Lake, Nj) on 09/25/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   5      



Amber (Altamont, Ny) on 08/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!!!
REPLY   8      

Rebecca (Oxford, Mississippi) on 08/02/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   7      

Doby girl (Ozark, Al) on 07/15/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   7      

Mary (Rhome, Tx) on 07/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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REPLY   3      

Betty (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/23/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV- is what I use...I wouldn't be writting if I didn't see results for myself...I have been putting a TBSP. daily in dogs food and also spraying him with water/ACV mix every other day....I must say that it is working great...My dog Zeek (Sharpei mix) was tearing his legs and back side by his tail up!!!! His Vet had me try the prescription diet to rule out food allergies...it wasn't working...so before I spent more $$$$ on allergy tests I researched and came across the uses of ACV for possible flea allergy etc...I prayed that this would help...guess my prayers are being answered...he no longer has sores on his legs and back side by his tail....I'm so happy and feel so great that he is no longer mutalating himself...he has an occasional itch or scratch here and there...but nothing compared to before I started using ACV...I also give him a TBSP. or two of plain yogurt or cottage cheese ever so often in his food...Tuna in oil and sardines...I do bathe him with Medicated shampoo but it was the ACV that I truly feel has healed his sores and has prevented him from biting and scratching himself as before...I hope it continues to work and for others as well!!!
REPLY   4      



Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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
REPLY   5      

Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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 spray and none of my pets have ever had fleas or ticks . Thanks R.L.W & kitty crew Chaparral N.M
REPLY   1      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   3      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   2      

Suzanne (Harrisburg, PA) on 10/06/2008:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

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.
REPLY   7      



Aprilluvv (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/23/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

Borax in the carpet for a few days before vaccuming works and the ACV does work in the house but it will make you house stink. I didn't care, I had GHETTO FLEAS FROM HELL for 2 months. ACV works well on your body too.

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REPLY   5      

Virginia (Cushing, OK) on 08/07/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

FLEAS/TICKS and ACV: Full Strength ACV on dog that was scratching constantly. His hair under his tail and on his abdomen had a red tint to it (he is white) and I am not sure it wasn't some kind of mange problem too since it had a terrible odor which wasn't helped by bathing. After spraying him down with full strength ACV the odor dissipated and his scratching has stopped. I sprayed him for 3 consecutive days at first but skip a day or two now. Thank you for saving me a vet bill...
REPLY   2      

Rachel (Johns Island, SC) on 07/22/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

REPLY   2      

Linda (Miramichi, Canada) on 07/10/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

My little Venus has been going nuts with itching and biting..had 2 spots size of toonies on her rump..one with a scab, one with hair off and bald. She is on a regime from vet for fleas etc. In desperation, one hot day I sprayed apple cider vinegar and water {half and half}all over her skin and especially on those 2 spots. She stopped scratching for about an hour and a half. So we now put 5 ml/ 1 tsp. mixed with a tsp/ water in a 5 ml. syringe and shoot it into her mouth once a day. She wouldn't eat if we put it in food or drinking water. VOILA!!! NO MORE ITCHING AND BITING
REPLY   2      

Brandy (Dallas, TX) on 04/12/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   3      



kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   3      

kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   2      

Kathy (Danville, Indiana) on 07/21/2007:
1 out of 5 stars

I was really hoping this natural inexpensive remedy would work for my dog but unfortunately, it didn't. The poor dog is still infested after several days of drinking nothing but acv mixed with the water. I have sprayed him as well with the solution and the poor dog is still miserable. I'm afraid I will have to resort to Advantage to give him some relief. It's breaking my heart to see him so miserable. The fleas are making him miserable. I wanted it to work so badly. Maybe it depends on the coat of the dog. One dog doesn't scratch at all and the other one is miserable. Thanks anyway, it was worth a try.
REPLY   4      

JOYCE (NEW CASTLE, IN) on 07/09/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IS WONDERFUL! WE STARTED USING IT FOR OUR THREE DOGS TO KEEP THEM FROM GETTING FLEAS. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND THAT IT ACTUALLY WORKS! I WAS FURTHER AMAZED TO SEE THAT IT HAD CURED AN ALMOST RAW ARE ON MY PUG. HE HAD AN AREA (ABOUT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER) THAT HE HAD RUBBED UP AGAINST & SCRATCHED UNTIL ALL THE HAIR WAS GONE! (NOT TO MENTION HIS PITIFUL CRIES!) I HAD TAKEN HIM TO THE VET & HE WAS PUT ON AN EXPENSIVE ALLERGY PILL, BUT I'M REALLY DISTRUSTFUL OF MEDICATIONS, SO I QUIT USING IT. I USE ABOUT 3 TABLESPOONS OF THE ACV IN A GALLON OF THEIR DRINKING WATER. IT IS AMAZING! I THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE & FOR ACV!
REPLY   1      

Christy (Waxahachie, Tx) on 06/25/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 12 year old dog named Shelby.She has suffered with hot spots and has lost quite a bit of her hair.I also have a 4 yr old named Madyson.The fleas at my house were taking over. Since trying the Apple Cider Vinegar, our lives have become better. No more fleas on my dogs or in my house. Shelby's hair has started to grow back. It has been fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I have passed it on with hopes that many pets will live happy lives :)
REPLY   1      



Debbie (Oklahoma) on 04/24/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

I am a Dog groomer. I ran across this remedy about 4 months ago and tried it on my dogs..I was unhappy with products like frontline (which I was a firm believer) because it seemed like I would still see a flea or "flea dirt"... Nothing is on my girls. NOTHING!!! So now I am letting all of my customers know. I tell them it can take 4-6 weeks to see the benefit. I put it my girls drinking water... 1 tsp.ACV to 1 quart water. When I started trying the acv, I thought what the heck.. If it doesn't work for the fleas it has alot of other benefits.
REPLY   2      

Simon (Victoria, Australia) on 03/01/2004:
1 out of 5 stars

We tried bathing his 10 dogs religiously in Apple Cider Vinegar (as prescribed above) for days to get rid of fleas. No luck.
REPLY   6      

Deirdre (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

she doesn't need to use flea dips in the winter when she adds a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to her dogs' meals (2x a day) every day. This doesn't work so well in summer months, she reports.
REPLY   2      

Vickie (Tampa Florida) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I have found great success with ACV ...My Boxer has no fleas or ticks & a shiny coat.
REPLY   1      

Katie (Emporia, KS) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

If ACV doesn't seem to work on fleas, try Brewer's Yeast vitamin tablets and cedar chips for bedding. Most dog beds have cedar chips inside them, but you can also buy them straight for dog houses and such.
REPLY   1      



Lyn (Jeannette, PA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to comment on the fleas section. It is true that any shampoo will kill fleas, but it needs to be left on for 30 min. Also, if you have a flea infestation in your house, just spraying your animal wont help. You must treat where the fleas live. See, they only feed on your animal. I have tremendous luck using table salt and food-grade diatomaceous earth all over the house to kill fleas and prevent. The salt (I prefer organic unprocessed sea salt) cuts into the body of the flea and then allows the DE to dehydrate the animal. Salt by itself does seem to work also, I just like a faster approach. Keep in mind though that this means of defense does take up to 2 months to work as some fleas are still hatching. In really bad infestation, it could take longer. I think flea eggs can survive up to 280 days. I would also like to recommend quadruped pet products. I work at a holistic pet care center and this is what we use to bathe the animals. They do not contain(unlike most pet shampoos) any harsh chemicals. Also, all their products are concentrates so it is much cheaper than buying the harmful stuff from pet shops or grocery stores.
REPLY   1      

Sheerec (San Antonio, TX) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV for Fleas, itching and scratching works. My dog was itching and scratching everywheree very badly to the point,he had a small raw spot on his neck. I can say that it works. I put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, sprayed him down and let him air dry. The severe scrathing stop and the raw place under his neck has healed.
REPLY   1      

Flea Control for Apple Cider Vinegar +

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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.

April (Scio, Ohio) on 10/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   4      

Cheesetazmallyshadow (Chicago, Il) on 09/29/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

I just tried the acv bath and the smallest little sucker fleas just started falling off, so many I had no idea how small they could be. I tried it on my two 10 yr old cats and my two pups one 3yr old 20lb guy and one 7yr old 35lb fella. My dogs did very well with it but I my cats stomach turned and they started throwing up. If anyone can help it would be great. They've stopped now and its better than when my dog threw up blood after I used a toxic spray, so I'm not too worried but if someone could tell me if 1/2 avc to 1/2 water is too much should I cut it more? Thanks now off to wash the floor with avc too!

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REPLY   5      

Melissa (Budd Lake, Nj) on 09/25/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   5      



Amber (Altamont, Ny) on 08/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!!!
REPLY   8      

Rebecca (Oxford, Mississippi) on 08/02/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   7      

Doby girl (Ozark, Al) on 07/15/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   7      

Mary (Rhome, Tx) on 07/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

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REPLY   3      

Betty (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/23/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV- is what I use...I wouldn't be writting if I didn't see results for myself...I have been putting a TBSP. daily in dogs food and also spraying him with water/ACV mix every other day....I must say that it is working great...My dog Zeek (Sharpei mix) was tearing his legs and back side by his tail up!!!! His Vet had me try the prescription diet to rule out food allergies...it wasn't working...so before I spent more $$$$ on allergy tests I researched and came across the uses of ACV for possible flea allergy etc...I prayed that this would help...guess my prayers are being answered...he no longer has sores on his legs and back side by his tail....I'm so happy and feel so great that he is no longer mutalating himself...he has an occasional itch or scratch here and there...but nothing compared to before I started using ACV...I also give him a TBSP. or two of plain yogurt or cottage cheese ever so often in his food...Tuna in oil and sardines...I do bathe him with Medicated shampoo but it was the ACV that I truly feel has healed his sores and has prevented him from biting and scratching himself as before...I hope it continues to work and for others as well!!!
REPLY   4      



Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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
REPLY   5      

Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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 spray and none of my pets have ever had fleas or ticks . Thanks R.L.W & kitty crew Chaparral N.M
REPLY   1      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   3      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   2      

Suzanne (Harrisburg, PA) on 10/06/2008:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

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.
REPLY   7      



Aprilluvv (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/23/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

Borax in the carpet for a few days before vaccuming works and the ACV does work in the house but it will make you house stink. I didn't care, I had GHETTO FLEAS FROM HELL for 2 months. ACV works well on your body too.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   5      

Virginia (Cushing, OK) on 08/07/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

FLEAS/TICKS and ACV: Full Strength ACV on dog that was scratching constantly. His hair under his tail and on his abdomen had a red tint to it (he is white) and I am not sure it wasn't some kind of mange problem too since it had a terrible odor which wasn't helped by bathing. After spraying him down with full strength ACV the odor dissipated and his scratching has stopped. I sprayed him for 3 consecutive days at first but skip a day or two now. Thank you for saving me a vet bill...
REPLY   2      

Rachel (Johns Island, SC) on 07/22/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

REPLY   2      

Linda (Miramichi, Canada) on 07/10/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

My little Venus has been going nuts with itching and biting..had 2 spots size of toonies on her rump..one with a scab, one with hair off and bald. She is on a regime from vet for fleas etc. In desperation, one hot day I sprayed apple cider vinegar and water {half and half}all over her skin and especially on those 2 spots. She stopped scratching for about an hour and a half. So we now put 5 ml/ 1 tsp. mixed with a tsp/ water in a 5 ml. syringe and shoot it into her mouth once a day. She wouldn't eat if we put it in food or drinking water. VOILA!!! NO MORE ITCHING AND BITING
REPLY   2      

Brandy (Dallas, TX) on 04/12/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   3      



kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   3      

kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   2      

Kathy (Danville, Indiana) on 07/21/2007:
1 out of 5 stars

I was really hoping this natural inexpensive remedy would work for my dog but unfortunately, it didn't. The poor dog is still infested after several days of drinking nothing but acv mixed with the water. I have sprayed him as well with the solution and the poor dog is still miserable. I'm afraid I will have to resort to Advantage to give him some relief. It's breaking my heart to see him so miserable. The fleas are making him miserable. I wanted it to work so badly. Maybe it depends on the coat of the dog. One dog doesn't scratch at all and the other one is miserable. Thanks anyway, it was worth a try.
REPLY   4      

JOYCE (NEW CASTLE, IN) on 07/09/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IS WONDERFUL! WE STARTED USING IT FOR OUR THREE DOGS TO KEEP THEM FROM GETTING FLEAS. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND THAT IT ACTUALLY WORKS! I WAS FURTHER AMAZED TO SEE THAT IT HAD CURED AN ALMOST RAW ARE ON MY PUG. HE HAD AN AREA (ABOUT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER) THAT HE HAD RUBBED UP AGAINST & SCRATCHED UNTIL ALL THE HAIR WAS GONE! (NOT TO MENTION HIS PITIFUL CRIES!) I HAD TAKEN HIM TO THE VET & HE WAS PUT ON AN EXPENSIVE ALLERGY PILL, BUT I'M REALLY DISTRUSTFUL OF MEDICATIONS, SO I QUIT USING IT. I USE ABOUT 3 TABLESPOONS OF THE ACV IN A GALLON OF THEIR DRINKING WATER. IT IS AMAZING! I THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE & FOR ACV!
REPLY   1      

Christy (Waxahachie, Tx) on 06/25/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 12 year old dog named Shelby.She has suffered with hot spots and has lost quite a bit of her hair.I also have a 4 yr old named Madyson.The fleas at my house were taking over. Since trying the Apple Cider Vinegar, our lives have become better. No more fleas on my dogs or in my house. Shelby's hair has started to grow back. It has been fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I have passed it on with hopes that many pets will live happy lives :)
REPLY   1      



Debbie (Oklahoma) on 04/24/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

I am a Dog groomer. I ran across this remedy about 4 months ago and tried it on my dogs..I was unhappy with products like frontline (which I was a firm believer) because it seemed like I would still see a flea or "flea dirt"... Nothing is on my girls. NOTHING!!! So now I am letting all of my customers know. I tell them it can take 4-6 weeks to see the benefit. I put it my girls drinking water... 1 tsp.ACV to 1 quart water. When I started trying the acv, I thought what the heck.. If it doesn't work for the fleas it has alot of other benefits.
REPLY   2      

Simon (Victoria, Australia) on 03/01/2004:
1 out of 5 stars

We tried bathing his 10 dogs religiously in Apple Cider Vinegar (as prescribed above) for days to get rid of fleas. No luck.
REPLY   6      

Deirdre (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

she doesn't need to use flea dips in the winter when she adds a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to her dogs' meals (2x a day) every day. This doesn't work so well in summer months, she reports.
REPLY   2      

Vickie (Tampa Florida) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I have found great success with ACV ...My Boxer has no fleas or ticks & a shiny coat.
REPLY   1      

Katie (Emporia, KS) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

If ACV doesn't seem to work on fleas, try Brewer's Yeast vitamin tablets and cedar chips for bedding. Most dog beds have cedar chips inside them, but you can also buy them straight for dog houses and such.
REPLY   1      



Lyn (Jeannette, PA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to comment on the fleas section. It is true that any shampoo will kill fleas, but it needs to be left on for 30 min. Also, if you have a flea infestation in your house, just spraying your animal wont help. You must treat where the fleas live. See, they only feed on your animal. I have tremendous luck using table salt and food-grade diatomaceous earth all over the house to kill fleas and prevent. The salt (I prefer organic unprocessed sea salt) cuts into the body of the flea and then allows the DE to dehydrate the animal. Salt by itself does seem to work also, I just like a faster approach. Keep in mind though that this means of defense does take up to 2 months to work as some fleas are still hatching. In really bad infestation, it could take longer. I think flea eggs can survive up to 280 days. I would also like to recommend quadruped pet products. I work at a holistic pet care center and this is what we use to bathe the animals. They do not contain(unlike most pet shampoos) any harsh chemicals. Also, all their products are concentrates so it is much cheaper than buying the harmful stuff from pet shops or grocery stores.
REPLY   1      

Sheerec (San Antonio, TX) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV for Fleas, itching and scratching works. My dog was itching and scratching everywheree very badly to the point,he had a small raw spot on his neck. I can say that it works. I put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, sprayed him down and let him air dry. The severe scrathing stop and the raw place under his neck has healed.
REPLY   1      

April (Scio, Ohio) on 10/08/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   4      

Cheesetazmallyshadow (Chicago, Il) on 09/29/2009:
0 out of 5 stars

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!

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   5      

Melissa (Budd Lake, Nj) on 09/25/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   5      



Amber (Altamont, Ny) on 08/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!!!
REPLY   8      

Rebecca (Oxford, Mississippi) on 08/02/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   7      

Doby girl (Ozark, Al) on 07/15/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   7      

Mary (Rhome, Tx) on 07/03/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   3      

Betty (San Antonio, Texas) on 03/23/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV- is what I use...I wouldn't be writting if I didn't see results for myself...I have been putting a TBSP. daily in dogs food and also spraying him with water/ACV mix every other day....I must say that it is working great...My dog Zeek (Sharpei mix) was tearing his legs and back side by his tail up!!!! His Vet had me try the prescription diet to rule out food allergies...it wasn't working...so before I spent more $$$$ on allergy tests I researched and came across the uses of ACV for possible flea allergy etc...I prayed that this would help...guess my prayers are being answered...he no longer has sores on his legs and back side by his tail....I'm so happy and feel so great that he is no longer mutalating himself...he has an occasional itch or scratch here and there...but nothing compared to before I started using ACV...I also give him a TBSP. or two of plain yogurt or cottage cheese ever so often in his food...Tuna in oil and sardines...I do bathe him with Medicated shampoo but it was the ACV that I truly feel has healed his sores and has prevented him from biting and scratching himself as before...I hope it continues to work and for others as well!!!
REPLY   4      



Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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
REPLY   5      

Romana (Chaparral, Otero County) on 02/10/2009:
5 out of 5 stars

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 spray and none of my pets have ever had fleas or ticks . Thanks R.L.W & kitty crew Chaparral N.M
REPLY   1      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   3      

Pat (Monticello, Georgia) on 10/20/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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.
REPLY   2      

Suzanne (Harrisburg, PA) on 10/06/2008:
1 out of 5 stars

Warning

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.
REPLY   7      



Aprilluvv (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/23/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

Borax in the carpet for a few days before vaccuming works and the ACV does work in the house but it will make you house stink. I didn't care, I had GHETTO FLEAS FROM HELL for 2 months. ACV works well on your body too.

 View Entire Thread

REPLY   5      

Virginia (Cushing, OK) on 08/07/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

FLEAS/TICKS and ACV: Full Strength ACV on dog that was scratching constantly. His hair under his tail and on his abdomen had a red tint to it (he is white) and I am not sure it wasn't some kind of mange problem too since it had a terrible odor which wasn't helped by bathing. After spraying him down with full strength ACV the odor dissipated and his scratching has stopped. I sprayed him for 3 consecutive days at first but skip a day or two now. Thank you for saving me a vet bill...
REPLY   2      

Rachel (Johns Island, SC) on 07/22/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!

REPLY   2      

Linda (Miramichi, Canada) on 07/10/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

My little Venus has been going nuts with itching and biting..had 2 spots size of toonies on her rump..one with a scab, one with hair off and bald. She is on a regime from vet for fleas etc. In desperation, one hot day I sprayed apple cider vinegar and water {half and half}all over her skin and especially on those 2 spots. She stopped scratching for about an hour and a half. So we now put 5 ml/ 1 tsp. mixed with a tsp/ water in a 5 ml. syringe and shoot it into her mouth once a day. She wouldn't eat if we put it in food or drinking water. VOILA!!! NO MORE ITCHING AND BITING
REPLY   2      

Brandy (Dallas, TX) on 04/12/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

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!
REPLY   3      



kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   3      

kim (sebring, florida) on 03/01/2008:
5 out of 5 stars

I got my german shepard from wretched people, they had taken him off his mother at 3 weeks old, the feeding and watering was horrific. I immediately began him on mothers milk for 4 weeks.

Later when he was 4 months old, i bathed him and treated him with flea treatment. IMMEDIATELY he broke out in a terrible rash with lesions and such. The odor made me physically sick. My dog is allergic to flea treatments, AND fleas. It was so bad, that i considered putting him down, it broke my heart to see him suffer so much. what kind of life is that? always constantly itching and bleeding. I found this site, i bathed him in acv and sprayed him down three times a day. all gone. now he is 9 months old. my son flea treated him for me while i was out of town. BAM, horrible, and i do mean horrible rash blood red, lesions, sores, constant itching and crying. I immediately sprayed him down with the acv solution and he fell asleep in about ten minutes, relief from the itching. I began just two days ago adding it to his water, and I can not believe the difference. A dog that is allergic to the chemicals in monthly flea treatments AND allergic to FLEA's has a miserable life. Thankfully due to the acv my dog has a chance at a good itch free life. I cannot thank you enough. It made me cry to see him in such torment. thank you to everyone who shares their stories, it saves lives and the quality of those lives.

REPLY   2      

Kathy (Danville, Indiana) on 07/21/2007:
1 out of 5 stars

I was really hoping this natural inexpensive remedy would work for my dog but unfortunately, it didn't. The poor dog is still infested after several days of drinking nothing but acv mixed with the water. I have sprayed him as well with the solution and the poor dog is still miserable. I'm afraid I will have to resort to Advantage to give him some relief. It's breaking my heart to see him so miserable. The fleas are making him miserable. I wanted it to work so badly. Maybe it depends on the coat of the dog. One dog doesn't scratch at all and the other one is miserable. Thanks anyway, it was worth a try.
REPLY   4      

JOYCE (NEW CASTLE, IN) on 07/09/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IS WONDERFUL! WE STARTED USING IT FOR OUR THREE DOGS TO KEEP THEM FROM GETTING FLEAS. I WAS AMAZED TO FIND THAT IT ACTUALLY WORKS! I WAS FURTHER AMAZED TO SEE THAT IT HAD CURED AN ALMOST RAW ARE ON MY PUG. HE HAD AN AREA (ABOUT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER) THAT HE HAD RUBBED UP AGAINST & SCRATCHED UNTIL ALL THE HAIR WAS GONE! (NOT TO MENTION HIS PITIFUL CRIES!) I HAD TAKEN HIM TO THE VET & HE WAS PUT ON AN EXPENSIVE ALLERGY PILL, BUT I'M REALLY DISTRUSTFUL OF MEDICATIONS, SO I QUIT USING IT. I USE ABOUT 3 TABLESPOONS OF THE ACV IN A GALLON OF THEIR DRINKING WATER. IT IS AMAZING! I THANK GOD FOR THIS WEBSITE & FOR ACV!
REPLY   1      

Christy (Waxahachie, Tx) on 06/25/2007:
5 out of 5 stars

I have a 12 year old dog named Shelby.She has suffered with hot spots and has lost quite a bit of her hair.I also have a 4 yr old named Madyson.The fleas at my house were taking over. Since trying the Apple Cider Vinegar, our lives have become better. No more fleas on my dogs or in my house. Shelby's hair has started to grow back. It has been fabulous!!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information. I have passed it on with hopes that many pets will live happy lives :)
REPLY   1      



Debbie (Oklahoma) on 04/24/2006:
5 out of 5 stars

I am a Dog groomer. I ran across this remedy about 4 months ago and tried it on my dogs..I was unhappy with products like frontline (which I was a firm believer) because it seemed like I would still see a flea or "flea dirt"... Nothing is on my girls. NOTHING!!! So now I am letting all of my customers know. I tell them it can take 4-6 weeks to see the benefit. I put it my girls drinking water... 1 tsp.ACV to 1 quart water. When I started trying the acv, I thought what the heck.. If it doesn't work for the fleas it has alot of other benefits.
REPLY   2      

Simon (Victoria, Australia) on 03/01/2004:
1 out of 5 stars

We tried bathing his 10 dogs religiously in Apple Cider Vinegar (as prescribed above) for days to get rid of fleas. No luck.
REPLY   6      

Deirdre (Los Angeles, CA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

she doesn't need to use flea dips in the winter when she adds a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to her dogs' meals (2x a day) every day. This doesn't work so well in summer months, she reports.
REPLY   2      

Vickie (Tampa Florida) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I have found great success with ACV ...My Boxer has no fleas or ticks & a shiny coat.
REPLY   1      

Katie (Emporia, KS) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

If ACV doesn't seem to work on fleas, try Brewer's Yeast vitamin tablets and cedar chips for bedding. Most dog beds have cedar chips inside them, but you can also buy them straight for dog houses and such.
REPLY   1      



Lyn (Jeannette, PA) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to comment on the fleas section. It is true that any shampoo will kill fleas, but it needs to be left on for 30 min. Also, if you have a flea infestation in your house, just spraying your animal wont help. You must treat where the fleas live. See, they only feed on your animal. I have tremendous luck using table salt and food-grade diatomaceous earth all over the house to kill fleas and prevent. The salt (I prefer organic unprocessed sea salt) cuts into the body of the flea and then allows the DE to dehydrate the animal. Salt by itself does seem to work also, I just like a faster approach. Keep in mind though that this means of defense does take up to 2 months to work as some fleas are still hatching. In really bad infestation, it could take longer. I think flea eggs can survive up to 280 days. I would also like to recommend quadruped pet products. I work at a holistic pet care center and this is what we use to bathe the animals. They do not contain(unlike most pet shampoos) any harsh chemicals. Also, all their products are concentrates so it is much cheaper than buying the harmful stuff from pet shops or grocery stores.
REPLY   1      

Sheerec (San Antonio, TX) on 03/01/2004:
5 out of 5 stars

ACV for Fleas, itching and scratching works. My dog was itching and scratching everywheree very badly to the point,he had a small raw spot on his neck. I can say that it works. I put some apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle, sprayed him down and let him air dry. The severe scrathing stop and the raw place under his neck has healed.
REPLY   1      
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