In short: using vinegar solution or white vinegar on your pet's fur or in their drinking water will not kill fleas. There is a chance ACV could repel fleas because they don't like the taste, but it is only a mild detergent and is not the best flea remedy.
Vinegar. Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo or liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations.
White Vinegar Sprays
Start with areas you suspect to be infested with fleas such as your pet's sleeping areas, bedding, upholstery, carpets and rugs. Though this mixture will not kill the fleas directly, it repels them, enough for your home to be rid of these pesky pests.
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.
Make a homemade flea treatment by mixing six cups apple cider vinegar, four cups water, and a pinch of salt. Spray DIY treatment on the dog's coat — avoid eyes and wounds.
Keeping Fleas and Ticks Away
Morgan recommends one teaspoon per quart of water.
Citronella oil is a natural flea repellent, and making a mixture out of this and other oils will be sure to keep the pests at bay. Add 20 drops of citronella oil, ten drops of tea tree oil, ten drops of lemongrass oil, and five drops of geranium oil to warm water, and use the solution to mop your home.
Apple Cider Vinegar Flea Shampoo For Dogs
1 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar. 1 Quart of Warm Water. 1 Cup of Liquid Dish Soap (If your dog has sensitive skin, Dawn has a unique soap that is tailored to be gentle).
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.
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. Salt. When it's sprinkled on to the carpet salt will work as a drying agent to kill flea eggs and larvae.
Most pet owners choose apple cider vinegar to eliminate fleas on their dogs while using white distilled vinegar to keep their homes clean and flea-free, but you can switch roles and use both kinds of vinegar for any reason.
Dogs can have distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV) as long as you use it in moderation. Serve your dog one tablespoon of diluted vinegar in their water bowl or let it soak into their kibble. Keep in mind there is always the possibility your specific dog might have an allergy or intolerance to vinegar.
If your dog has skin irritation, bathe with water and vinegar to relieve inflammation and soothe the itchiness. Use a 1:1 ratio of vinegar and water and apply it to the affected area with a clean cloth. Be careful not to apply the mixture to broken skin or open wounds.
Once a week, spray your dog's fur with the mixture. Although not scientifically proven to get rid of flea, the acidic taste of the vinegar may repel fleas and other parasites. If your dog dislikes being sprayed, dip a washcloth into the mixture and rub your dog's coat. There is no need to rinse your dog afterward.
Lemon spray
To make this flea spray, slice a lemon thinly and add to a pint of water and bring to the boil. Let the citrus solution sit overnight and pour into a spray bottle. The next day take the citrus solution and spray it on the infested areas in your home – sofas, pet bedding, chairs etc.
Using Citrus to Repel Fleas
Just as with apple cider vinegar, fleas are repelled by the sharp, pungent scent and flavor of citrus juices, especially lemon juice. That makes lemon juice one of the great natural home remedies for dog fleas.
Lemon bath: mix fresh lemon juice with water (1:2 ratio) and a splash of pet shampoo (no flea & tick shampoo!). Use a spray bottle to spread the solution all over the coat and skin. Apple cider vinegar bath: mix 6 cups of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
“When used topically as a flea or tick deterrent, for allergy and itchy skin relief, or in ears it should be diluted as well,” she says. “A good dilution ratio is one part ACV to two parts distilled water.” For use on the skin, you can place the solution into a spray bottle for ease of use, Dr. Jackson advises.
Make an ACV solution.
Mix up two cups of ACV and two cups of water. Pour the solution into a clean spray bottle. Make sure the bottle is completely clean and did not formerly contain cleaning solution or other chemicals that may harm your pet. You can make more if you want, depending of how many pets you have.
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.
CAPSTAR® (nitenpyram) starts killing fleas within 30 minutes to give your pet quick relief.