Q&A for How to Make a Natural Flea and Tick Remedy with Apple Cider Vinegar

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Can part of the solution be replaced with white vinegar if I don't have enough apple cider vinegar?

Community Answer

No. Regular vinegar is not the same. Apple cider vinegar is made from natural rotting apples, which is much stronger and a more natural compound.

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Question

Where can I find castille soap?

Community Answer

In the soap isle of any grocery store. I've even seen it at the dollar store.

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Question

How do I get rid of the smell after my dog was infested with ticks and fleas?

Community Answer

Give them a bath and then you can spray them with the ACV mixture with lavender or peppermint.

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Question

Does tree tea oil help with fleas?

Community Answer

Tea tree oil is very toxic to pets since they lick themselves. Do not use it!

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Question

Can I use coconut oil to repel fleas?

Community Answer

No. That will not work.

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Question

Can I use vinegar and dish soap for fleas?

Community Answer

Yes. It is great for killing fleas.

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Question

Can this be used on puppies?

Community Answer

Yes, this can be used on puppies.

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Question

Can I still use the vinegar remedy if the dog has made a wound by scratching and biting the affected area?

Community Answer

A teaspoon of gentle dish soap in a gallon of distilled water works if the wound is open.

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Question

What if the animal's skin is very sensitive?

Community Answer

Put one teaspoon of Dawn dish soap (scentless) in a gallon of distilled water. Soak a wash cloth in the water, then wipe the animal down.

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Question

I have seven small dogs. How can I give them the ACV orally and be sure they get the right amount each?

Jeri Lynn Fortune Horn

Community Answer

You can put it on their skin and you can also put the ACV in their water dish mixed into the water. Don't use too much or they won't drink it.

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Question

Can I use white vinegar?

Sonja Prag Faupel

Community Answer

Yes, but it will probably not be the same. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and will keep the PH balance of the dog's skin and coat healthy. It will make the dog's coat soft and shiny too.

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Question

Can this solution be used as an added preventive for a dog that is already on oral flea and tick medication?

Community Answer

Yes, this should be fine as some additional protection for your dog.

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Question

Can I use this on a ferret?

Community Answer

No, as the vinegar will be harsh on its delicate skin. Stick to tick and flea repelling shampoo or spray meant for ferrets.

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Question

Can I use this remedy on bunnies? If I see my bunny scratching, should I assume he has fleas and treat him?

Community Answer

No. If you think your rabbit it has fleas, run a flea comb through his hair to check for black dust and/or fleas. If your rabbit does have fleas, your vet should prescribe a cat flea medicine such as Revolution.

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Question

What is the equivalent to Castille soap in South Africa?

Community Answer

Castille soap is made with olive oil. It is one of the gentlest soaps and is marketed as the best of the "complexion" soaps. I'd be surprised if you did not have it in stores in South Africa, though it may well be stocked in the "health and beauty" section rather than the section devoted to bath soaps. If no luck there, you might go to a specialized market where people gather to sell homemade crafts (or online: Etsy, eBay, and others). Homemade soap is a huge trend in the United States, and I imagine the same is true in South Africa. You're looking for a soap with olive oil listed as the only oil component (true Castille) or the main one (olive oil plus a solid oil, such as coconut oil).

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Question

What about humans? How do I get rid of the itch from fleas?

Community Answer

Apply rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and gently rub the bitten area. It should relive the itchy feeling.

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Question

What other soap is to be used for a dog with ticks and fleas?

Community Answer

I find Napa Soap or Dawn dish soap along with ACV works well. Wet your dog then put the soap on for 10 minutes, then comb and rinse. Do twice if needed.

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Question

Can I use lemongrass oil instead of cedar or lavender oil for my cat?

Community Answer

Essential oils are not safe for cats. I would avoid them altogether, and you should check with a vet before putting anything on your cat.

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Question

Can I use red wine vinegar?

Community Answer

You can try it, but the low acid level of this vinegar may not be strong enough to do an adequate job.

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Question

Are the methods in this article safe? My vet said that apple cider vinegar is too harsh on a dog's skin.

Community Answer

Some dogs have sensitive skin; test a small area and see how it affects the dog. Nothing happened with my 12-week-old puppy except getting rid of his fleas.

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Question

Are there any tricks to getting a cat into a bath of apple cider vinegar?

Community Answer

You may find the advice in Bathe a Cat helpful.

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