Fleas can be a big problem for dogs and cats, especially during summer months, but there is a bigger problem: the commercial chemical-laden treatments that–in my opinion–do more harm than good.
Flea collars, sprays, powders, shampoos and the like may be mildly effective, but the dangers outweigh the benefits. As your skin does, your pet’s skin absorbs everything you put on it, so topical treatments make their way into the bloodstream. If the products are filled with chemicals (most of them are), those chemicals also enter the bloodstream. Over time, they pose serious health risks. These products can also cause respiratory issues.
Natural Flea Prevention
I’ve talked before about how adding Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to your pet’s diet can help the overall health of your pet in so many different ways. Natural flea prevention and control is one of these ways. Regularly giving your pet ACV can help with long-term flea control. ACV can also be used topically in the form of a rinse or spray if your pet is already flea-infested.
Before treating your pet with ACV, do your best to remove as many of the buggers as you can. You can pick them out or use a flea comb, which will also help remove some of the eggs.
As a rinse, shampoo your dog as you normally would, and rinse thoroughly. Then rinse your pet’s coat thoroughly with ACV and massage. Fleas do not like the odor or taste of the vinegar, so they should bail out or rinse off when you next rinse off the ACV. As an added bonus, the ACV will likely improve your dog’s skin and coat. It can help with dry skin and increase the shine in your pet’s coat. It can also help with odor.
As a spray, you can use an ACV mixture for flea prevention and control. You can make a simple mixture with one part ACV to two parts water. Another commonly used recipe is as follows:
Natural Flea Prevention Spray Ingredients
- 8 oz of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 4 oz of warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3 lemons, sliced
- 5 stalks lemongrass
Directions
- Steep the stalks of lemongrass and sliced lemons in 4 ounces or warm water for 1 hour.
- Remove the lemongrass and sliced lemons and strain out any little bits.
- Mix the salt and ACV into the water and pour into a spray bottle.
- Shake gently, as the mixture will foam.
- Apply to your pet and comb or massage through fur.
- Be careful not to spray in your pet’s eyes (or your own) because it will sting, and do not use on open cuts our wounds. Again, ouchie.
There are many brands of ACV, but we use Bragg. You’ll want to make sure that whichever type of ACV you choose, it has “the mother,” strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.
The greatest part of this natural flea prevention is how safe it is for your pet and for your family. Don’t forget, while we’re cuddling our creatures, whatever they have on their fur gets transferred to us. Natural flea treatments keep the whole family safe and happy.
If you have tried ACV for flea control, please share your story!
Janet Roberson says
How will this affect a cat’s health since the lick to groom themselves?
Kristen–well minded says
Thanks for asking, Janet. ACV is beneficial for cats as well as dogs. They can reap all of the benefits dogs can from using it topically or ingesting it. So feel free to let your cat groom away…especially when you compare the safety to the chemical alternatives.
kristi says
How often do you apply?
wheaton says
Hello, my cat shows signs of poor health when I apply commercial flea liquid. His coat and over all personality have improved since clearing his system of these products. How often do I need to apply your ACV mixture to prevent fleas? thanks
Jennifer says
My understanding is that you should apply it at least once a week.
Theresa says
My shihtzus had horrible fleas
Still fighting them, gave Nexguard and helped a lot
But one pup has lost her hair on one side and continues to have more loss
What can I do to help her
Jennifer says
Hi Theresa! I would try rubbing coconut oil onto the area with the hair loss. It really helps regenerate hair. Good luck!