As a pet owner, there is nothing more irritating than having to deal with an infestation of fleas. These annoying parasitic bugs are the carriers of a variety of diseases. Additionally, they cause unbearable itching and irritation. It is important to get control of the infection as soon as possible, however, most of us are concerned about all the chemicals in conventional pest control medicine. Would you believe that one of the most effective pest killers is probably in your kitchen cupboard at this moment?
How Does It Work?
You may be quite surprised to learn that apple cider vinegar does not actually cause the fleas on your pet to die. However, the highly acidic nature of this vinegar causes extreme discomfort to these pests. Although you can use apple cider vinegar to effectively treat an infestation of fleas it is far more effective if you use it to prevent your pet from becoming infected in the first place. Apple cider vinegar is a great option for pet care as it is safe for animals and children and it is unlikely to cause any irritation to your pet. It is important to choose a safe and natural option for flea and pest control because the majority of commercial flea repellent products contain dangerous chemicals that are harmful to both you and your pet.
How Should I Use It?
When you first learn about the amazing properties of apple cider vinegar you may feel the urge to dip your dog into a large vat of this vinegar. However, this is not likely to be very effective. Instead, consider adding some apple cider vinegar to your pets drinking water. However, it is always important to dilute the vinegar before you give it to your pet to ensure that it does not damage the enamel on their teeth or their delicate digestive systems. Another way to use apple cider vinegar on your pet is to make a solution that your spray onto your pet’s coat. The solution should contain equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar. Then when you notice any fleas on your pet you should begin spraying their coats once every day. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to your spray to make it even more effective. Lavender oil and cedar oil are particularly effective for reducing pests on your animals.
Other Home Remedies
One of the most effective home remedies for getting rid of fleas on your pet is essential oils. lemongrass, cedarwood, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme are essential oils that are particularly good at warding off pests. Dilute eight to ten drops of essential oils in a little water and place the solution on the back of your pets’ neck below the collar. Just take care never to use tea tree oil on your animals as it is highly toxic to them. Alternatively, you can add the juice of half a lemon to your pets drinking water to ward off ticks and fleas.
