How to Protect a Dog from Fleas: Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Answers
Name Surname
•
Keeping fleas away from your dog is like trying to keep a toddler away from candies - exhausting and often unsuccessful! This is no easy task, especially if you faced this issue in the past, or even if you just want to prevent an infestation.
Do you know that around 65% of pet owners surveyed by the Colorado State University vets use alternative medical approaches to help their pets through various health issues? We understand this because pet owners just want to avoid the harsh chemicals and find a more natural approach.
One remedy that will often pop up when you google “natural remedies for fleas in dogs” is apple cider vinegar (ACV). But this is just one from the long list of natural remedies.
The real question is, “Does apple cider vinegar kill fleas for real”? But more important is if it is safe and the best available option!
Stay with us, and we will discuss the safety of this natural remedy and other effective strategies to keep your dog safe and sound!
Table Of Contents
Why Do We Need to Keep Away Fleas?
To explain to you how serious this issue is, you should know that there are more than 2,200 species of fleas around the world. They are not just some itchy nuisance, they transmit many diseases that thrive in your dog’s blood.
Fleas are attracted to dogs because they are warm-blooded animals, and this is the perfect environment for them. Also, they sneak into the dog’s fur and hide there. But their philosophy does not stop here.
These tiny creatures also have a favorite hiding spot on your dog. This is a place they choose, and there they can feed themselves and reproduce. The most common areas include the following:
- Neck and ears
- Base of the tail
- Between toes
- Around the belly and the inner thighs
In these places, they reproduce rapidly and lay up to 50 eggs per day. These eggs fall off the dog, onto the bedding, carpets, furniture, etc. They hatch in a period of 1 to 6 days, and then comes the larvae which hide in dark places.
Fleas prefer warm and humid conditions to survive. Then, fleas develop in stages and start “attacking” your dog. The worst thing is that an infested dog can “introduce new fleas” into the home. These fleas can even be a threat to you as an owner or to other pets in the same household.
If you notice your dog is fighting with these “little demons,” react immediately. If you leave them and ignore this issue, you will have a dog that is constantly itching and in discomfort.
And the problems don’t stop here. They can even get a serious infection or allergy. The most common is flea allergy dermatitis. This is a severe reaction due to flea saliva that results in inflamed, red, and infected skin.
Even if there is no infection, the constant itching could lead to hairless patches on your dog’s skin that are prone to serious threats from the environment.
Puppies and senior dogs are sensitive dog categories, and they are at a high risk of anemia that can cause weakness or fatigue. Worst case scenario, if a dog ingests a flea carrying tapeworm larvae, they can develop an intestinal parasite. Other common diseases due to fleas are:
By ignoring it, you will only put yourself at a high risk of flea infestation in your home.
So, if you are into alternative medicine, you will probably think about the natural solution. And the first thing you might think of is apple cider vinegar.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Fleas?
Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient in cooking, but many people don’t realize it has a variety of other uses beyond the kitchen. I personally used it while I was trying to lose weight, but I’ve heard that this kitchen ingredient also has other purposes. It has a strong smell, and its acidity makes it an effective flea repellent.
The harsh truth is that this ingredient DOES NOT kill fleas; it only repels them. Fleas just don’t like the smell and taste of it, and if your pet has it, they will avoid it.
But this is not the only problem. When you apply ACV to your pet, it can cause them discomfort because of the stickiness.
So, if you thought of using apple cider vinegar for fleas while your dog is having a serious infestation, it won’t help them. In these cases, proven treatment solutions are the best idea.
Side Effects of ACV
The first problem when applying ACV to your dog is that there is no scientific proof that this remedy is safe and efficient. There are some possible side effects of it, including:
- Skin irritation - Some breeds might be more allergic than others. If your pet had some previous allergies in the past, be careful what you offer them.
- Stomach upset - This might sound unrealistic, but the truth is that pets are curious and will try to lick “the thing” that you applied. If they lick too much and are sensitive, they can develop a stomachache.
- Eye and nose sensitivity - Do you know that dogs have around 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about 5 to 6 million in humans? Well, do you understand now how sensitive they can be to this smell. Try preparing a salad with apple cider vinegar, and if you put a bit too much, you will notice a weird feeling inside your nose. Well, imagine what happens to dogs when they smell this.
If your decision to use ACV is strong, then you should apply it to a small area of skin. Then, wait to see if your dog gets any skin irritation. But even if it doesn’t have any negative consequences in this “trial” period, no one guarantees that your dog won’t experience any side effects.
Disclaimer: There is a trend toward natural remedies, and almost 55% of pet owners are highly receptive to the idea of giving to their pets. But you should always consult with a veterinarian before you give your dog any new alternative medicines.
What Really Works to Protect Your Dogs?
If you have decided that you don’t want to gamble with your pet’s health and want to try the proven solution, then you can choose from the wide range of already available products on the market. It sure can be challenging to pick the right one for your pet.
The product needs to be effective, proven, affordable, and with many good reviews. So, here comes Furlife - a brand that offers many anti-flea and anti-tick products that provide the perfect protection for your pet. You can find products from collars to pendants, sprays, and even chews.
The best thing is that you can choose only one, but you can also choose a few and combine them. This way, you will know that your pet has 100% protection!
Many pet owners trust Furlife’s products, thanks to their effectiveness and commitment to quality.
Let’s start with the first thing that we buy to avoid fleas on our dogs - collars!
Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs
The main ingredients of this product are a synergistic blend of Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Rosemary Oil, Geranium Oil, and Cinnamon Oil. This product was designed to protect your pet from dangerous diseases, which will repel bugs due to the natural ingredients.
Your pet can fully enjoy its water activities because this collar is waterproof and is an all-in-one solution. To use it, you will only need your pet. You put the collar around its neck and fasten it.
Our advice is to leave a few inches' margin for additional adjustment. The ingredients from the collar will spread over your pet’s fur, and voila - your pet is protected.
Flea & Tick Chews for Dogs
Another great option is the flea and tick chews, which contain a unique blend of natural ingredients like pumpkin powder, papaya powder, and probiotics. This mix acts as pre, probiotics, and postbiotics, which improves the overall digestion of your pet.
As mentioned before, fleas and ticks can lead to serious gastrointestinal diseases. And this supplement is the perfect way to prevent issues like vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and stress.
Flea & Tick Pendant for Dogs
Furlife also offers a pendant for dogs. This powerful product contains Citronella Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Peppermint Oil, Geranium Oil, and Rosemary Oil.
The product is highly concentrated and slowly releases the substances thanks to the updated SmartRelease concept. It creates an invisible shield around your pet and protects your dog from pesky parasites.
Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs
And finally, the flea and tick spray for dogs. This is a multipurpose spray which you can use for protecting both dogs and cats, but also for protecting your home. Its active ingredients are Cedarwood Oil, Spearmint Oil, and Sesame Oil.
When applying to your pet, you should focus on areas like the neck, belly, tail, and legs. You need to gently massage the spray into the coat for an even coverage. The best time to use this spray is before outdoor adventures. This spray’s ingredients create a protective shield over your pet’s fur.
Final Thought
So, does vinegar kill fleas? The short answer is no, it does not kill fleas. It is only a strong repellent with possible side effects. If you want to achieve better results, you should buy a real product from the market.
If you have any concerns, you can contact your vet to help you with the choice. We also stand by your side, so you can also contact our Furlife team at any time for consultations.
Name Surname
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia.
