Photo Credit:  Findavet.us

If you have pets that go outside regularly then more than likely, they have encountered a flea or 2…or 2000!  I have a Rat Terrier dog, named Pepper, who has had her fair share of flea encounters!  If you’ve had trouble with them, then you know how miserable it is for the poor pooches so I’m here to tell you how to get rid of fleas – the natural & thrifty way!

We live in the country where fleas are abundant!!  I usually associate the word abundant with GOOD things, but fleas are – well…the pits!! We’ve tried all of the medications, shampoos, pills, and sprays known to man to help us get rid of fleas, but they kept coming back.  I would even give her her monthly dose of “down the back” medicine a week early and it still didn’t keep them at bay!

I started doing some research and found that there is a little household staple that works in getting rid of fleas and I decided to give it a try. Within a week, she was FLEA FREE…literally!!!  Apple Cider Vinegar! Yep…that’s it!  Now, I will say that since we’ve been doing this (which has been for about 3 months now) I still see a flea or 2 every once in awhile when she’s been outside but they don’t stay on too long.

Fleas can’t stand the smell or taste of the Apple Cider Vinegar, however,  for humans vinegar is a natural remedy for many ailments…some even say for Cancer!

Side note: check out this Health book on the Benefits of Vinegar…it’s crazy what all vinegar can do for our bodies!!

Personally, I use about a teaspoon a day of Apple Cider Vinegar added to Peppers food.  You can also add it to their water, but I tried that and she wouldn’t drink it so I just started putting it in her food daily.  Also, I have a small spray bottle that I add a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water to.  I use it to spray her down sometimes before going outside to keep those little buggars from jumping on her.

The Apple Cider Vinegar is very good for many other reasons…check out how I clean with vinegar!  Getting back on track – if your dog has skin that is too dry or too oily, this will help in balancing the PH in their skin!  It’s also great for dogs who suffer from arthritis or even dust mite allergies.  When you give them a bath, put a drop or 2 in their ears and it dries up any excess water which can cause ear infections.

Extra piece of advice.  If your dog has fleas bad enough that you’re finding them on your couches, in your carpet, or in your bed – lightly spray those areas with the mixture I mentioned above. After the sprayed areas dry, vacuum really REALLY well. Take your vacuum away from the house immediately AFTER you’ve vacuumed and dump the filter/canister so the fleas don’t get back out and any eggs don’t hatch.  I recommend doing this EVERYDAY or even a few times a day until you see less and less, then eventually none!

If you’re tired of paying all those high prices for Flea medications and shampoos that just aren’t working…give this a try.  I think you’ll have success like I have!!  Be sure and let me know if this works out for you!