Dogs can get fleas from other dogs, even if they're well-groomed. Fleas can also be brought into the home on people's clothing or on items like blankets.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural flea remedy, but white vinegar can also be effective. It's recommended to use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar to water for a flea bath.
Adding a cup of white vinegar to your dog's bath water can help kill fleas and prevent new ones from hatching. This method is gentle on dogs and can be repeated as needed.
Related reading: Vinegar and Water for Dogs
Natural Home Remedies for Dogs
You can use natural home remedies to keep fleas out of your home and off your dog. These remedies are simple and effective.
To start, it's essential to control fleas outdoors. Use natural outdoor flea control methods to prevent fleas from entering your home.
Some of my favorite home remedies for fleas on dogs include using natural flea remedies to get rid of fleas and prevent them too.
For your interest: Dog Flea Home Remedy
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Use
Apple cider vinegar is a natural and effective way to help dogs with various health issues, from flea control to skin conditions.
It's made from just apples and water, and has strong antioxidant and antibacterial qualities.
The pH level of apple cider vinegar is slightly acidic, ranging from 3.1 to 5, which can help soothe a dog's overly alkalized digestive tract.
You can add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog's water bowl to aid digestion and regulate weight and blood sugar.
ACV is packed with potassium, containing 11 grams in a tablespoon.
Cleaning produce with a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water can remove 98 percent of bacteria, making it more effective than anti-bacterial soap.
For minor flea infestations, washing your dog with a gentle shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse and spraying on apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of warm water can help deter fleas.
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The vinegar rinse will acidify your pet's skin, making it unattractive to fleas and ticks.
You can bathe your pet in warm water, then rinse them with a solution of 1 part ACV to 3 parts water to help with dry itchy skin, hot spots, or skin infections.
This vinegar rinse will also leave their coats soft and shiny.
Spraying apple cider vinegar on your dog's coat and skin can help with flea control, but be careful not to get it in their eyes.
You can use apple cider vinegar to disinfect dog toys and bedding, making it a great deodorizer and safe for your dog.
A fresh viewpoint: Skin Allergies
Getting Rid of Dog Fleas
Fleas are a seasonal or year-round problem depending on where you live, but they're usually the biggest menace during the summer.
To find out if your dog has fleas, check for black specks on their coat and skin, which are flea droppings, or rub a white tissue across your dog's fur to see if specks appear.
Use a natural shampoo like citrus Castile soap each week, followed by a final rinse with ACV, to kill fleas and stop flea bites instantly.
Keeping your dog's coat clean with a flea comb is essential to getting rid of fleas and flea eggs. Use the flea comb to comb from the top of her head to the underside of the tail, neck, underbelly, and legs.
Washing all of your dog's bedding in hot water with a natural, unscented detergent once a week can help get rid of fleas.
Vacuuming your carpets and floors each week, paying special attention to places your dog hangs out, can also help get rid of fleas.
A diatomaceous earth carpet treatment can help keep fleas from multiplying, but be sure to follow the instructions for use.
The flea's entire life cycle can be as long as several months, so you'll need to repeat these steps to make sure the flea infestation is completely gone.
Here are the steps to follow to get rid of dog fleas:
- Wash your dog with a natural shampoo and rinse with ACV.
- Use a flea comb to comb your dog's coat.
- Wash your dog's bedding in hot water.
- Vacuum your carpets and floors.
- Use a diatomaceous earth carpet treatment.
Pet Care and Grooming
Apple cider vinegar is a simple and effective way to prevent and treat fleas in your pet.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle to create a topical spray for your dog or cat.
Use a cotton ball to apply a vinegar and water solution to the back of your pet's neck each day.
The solution should be half vinegar and half water.
Cover your pet's eyes to avoid getting vinegar into them, as it can sting.
Spray your pet daily with the vinegar spray to help keep fleas at bay.
On a similar theme: Homemade Dog Flea Spray
Sources
- https://www.thewildest.com/dog-health/how-get-rid-fleas-dogs-naturally
- https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/best-home-remedies-fleas/
- https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-can-help-your-dog/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/does-apple-cider-vinegar-kill-fleas
- https://www.earthclinic.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-fleas-in-dogs-and-cats.html
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