Make an apple cider vinegar (ACV) solution. Mix up 1 cup of ACV, 1 quart warm water, and 1 ounce of Castille soap. This diluted solution is powerful enough to deal with fleas and ticks, but not so strong that you will be able to smell it.
Fleas don't like the smell or taste of it, so they're likely to avoid your pet if they have it on their fur. Dilute apple cider vinegar in water and add it to a spray bottle. If your pet doesn't enjoy getting sprayed, dip a brush in the mixture and distribute it into their fur with a grooming session.
While Apple Cider Vinegar does not kill fleas, it may repel them because fleas dislike its smell and taste. One of the most simple ways to use this natural flea repellent is to make a solution out of equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
For minor flea infestations, washing your dog with a gentle shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse then spraying on apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of warm water. Allow your dog to drip or shake dry. The vinegar rinse will acidify your pet's skin making it unattractive to fleas and ticks.
Apple Cider Vinegar Spray
Make a solution of six cups of ACV and four cups of water (in a 6:4 ratio). To make it even more effective, add a pinch of salt and thoroughly spray the mixture on your dog's or cat's coat and underbelly while avoiding their eyes or any wounds they may have.
Using a DIY flea spray of apple cider vinegar on a rug or dog bed will not kill fleas of any life stage. That's because the acid in vinegar is not strong enough to penetrate the shell of flea eggs or larvae.
Create a flea spray by mixing 4 liters of vinegar, 2 liters of water, 500 ml of lemon juice and 250 ml of witch hazel in a large spray bottle. Before applying the product around your home, you should vacuum properly, emptying the contents into an outside bin, and wash any bedding/cushions that could be infested.
Never give undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to your dog. For skin and ear issues, topical use is ideal. Use a diluted 50/50 water and apple cider vinegar mixture in a spray bottle or on a cotton ball to clean out the ears.
Give your dog a quick second rinsing with clear warm water to get any vinegar scent out of your dog's fur. Use this rinse to get off any residue from the vinegar and shampoo. Once your dog is washed and double rinsed with water and apple cider vinegar and then water again, towel dry him.
Spray your dog's coat to repel fleas.
If your dog spends a lot of time romping around during the summer, using ACV may keep fleas away. Mix two cups of water and two cups of ACV in a clean spray bottle. Once a week, spray your dog's fur with the mixture.
An oral fast-acting tablet that contains Nitenpyram is the safest way to kill fleas on dogs instantly. You can also bathe your dog in hot soapy water with Dawn to kill adult fleas, but this is not a good long-term solution.
Baking soda does not kill adult fleas and will do nothing to protect your pets. It is excellent at absorbing smells and has been suggested by some online pet sites for use as a flea killer because it “may” dry out flea eggs and larvae. But there is no evidence that using baking soda to kill fleas is effective at all.
How do I Treat My Dog's Irritated Paws? ACV will soothe the irritation on paws that are infected by bacteria due to excessive licking and scratching. Soak the paws of your pooch in two-part water to one part Apple Cider Vinegar bath for 5 minutes. Just pat dry the paws and do not rinse them.
However, natural doesn't always mean safe. Apple cider vinegar can cause dry skin, potentially worsening itching and dandruff. Some dogs can also have an allergic reaction to apple cider vinegar, worsening skin issues. Apple cider vinegar can also get into your dog's eyes, causing a burning sensation and irritation.
Vinegar. While this non-toxic household substance is safe for use around your home, your dog won't appreciate it. The strong, acidic smell of vinegar is one most dogs don't like. This dislike includes apple cider vinegar.
According to Courtney Jackson, DVM, a veterinarian and owner of the Pets Digest blog, apple cider vinegar is safe for dogs to use on their skin and take internally if given in moderation and at recommended doses.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Itchy Dogs
To avoid getting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar to target affected areas. If your dog walked through a patch of poison ivy, oak, or sumac, soak their paws in the solution for up to five minutes.
Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a 300ml-400ml of water and spray directly onto your dog's coat.
White vinegar.
If fleas have spread throughout your house, you can make a white vinegar solution with equal parts water and vinegar to spray on carpet, baseboards, furniture and under furniture.
Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is an effective way to ensure that there are no fleas on your hard surfaces. Wash your floors and wipe your countertops and tables with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water, to get rid of fleas [source: Home Remedy Care].
Lemon spray
Lemon can be used in a lot of ways around the house, but aside from being a good way to treat wasp stings, it's also a great natural home remedy for fleas. Treatment using this natural remedy to get rid of fleas consists of making a citrus spray to use on infected furniture.
Raid® Flea Killer Plus Carpet & Room Spray kills adult fleas on contact and kills hatching eggs for up to four months on carpet and upholstery. Available in 16 oz.
Salt can dehydrate fleas, and it's thought a swim in the sea, or a salty bath can kill the fleas on your dog. However, salt can also cause irritation and dryness on your dog's skin. So don't overdo it.