Apple Cider Vinegar as Flea Control for Dogs
If you've ever dealt with a flea infestation in your home, you know that it isn't much fun at all. It can be difficult to break the fleas' life cycle and get rid of them for good.
Apple cider vinegar has been suggested by many is a good flea treatment for dogs. But is it true?
The Case for Apple Cider Vinegar for Fleas in Dogs
Fleas don't seem to like the smell and taste of apple cider vinegar, and it does seem to repel them from dogs.
Using apple cider vinegar on your dog as a flea deterrent might be adequate if you use it routinely and are in an area that isn't particularly flea-dense.
Mixing equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and applying it to your dog before going outside (avoid the eyes, nose, and ears) is a good way to use it. Check with your veterinarian first to ensure that your dog doesn't have any skin conditions which may be aggravated by this protocol.
Cautions About Relying on Apple Cider Vinegar for Canine Flea Control
Fleas are more than just a nuisance. They can cause illness and disease in dogs and even kill a young, small, old, or sick dog by causing severe anemia. They can also transmit diseases. If your dog is allergic to flea saliva, even one flea bite may cause an entire reaction that leads to scratching, hair loss, and secondary skin infection.
While apple cider vinegar may be able to keep fleas at bay when used routinely and in areas where there aren't a lot of fleas, it's probably wise not to rely on it as your only source of flea prevention and probably won't be sufficient to clear an infestation out of your home.
You can learn more about flea preventatives here: "Flea Control for Dogs."
Ultimately, your personal veterinarian is the best person to help you evaluate your flea prevention and treatment needs and help you choose products and methods.
You May Also Like These Articles:
Dog Fleas: How to Look for Fleas on Your Dog
Tips for Finding Fleas on Your Dog: VIDEO from VetVid
Bubonic Plague: The Role of Dogs in the Spread of Plague
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.
Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Then, you will be transferred to a human. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of DogHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian.
