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Is apple cider vinegar safe and effective for flea control on pets?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

While using an Apple Cider Vinegar & water solution for flea control, is there any risk of over-exsposure?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There isn't any concern for over-exposure to the vinegar or water, but I would recommend a different approach for flea control. That mixture will not control fleas. The best treatment is monthly flea prevention from your veterinarian, given every 30 days for at least 3 months. Products purchased over the counter and flea collars don't work. You must treat all the pets inside and outside your home. I would also recommend a product called Knockout Spray for inside the home. You need to focus on dark areas, like under furniture, and treat any hard floor surfaces as well. After the product dries, vacuum thoroughly and throw out the bag or clean out the canister if bag-less. Apple cider vinegar will not fix your flea problem, and will only prolong the discomfort to your pet. I know the products seem expensive, but they truly work and in the long run is cheaper if you follow the flea treatment steps. Good luck and kisses to Gracie!

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Eryn Taormina, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 11th, 2018

    Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about Vader's unwanted visitors! I am not sure to be honest if the apple cider vinegar really works, and it may upset his tummy. Therefore, I would avoid that. What I would do is call Vader's veterinarian. There are some prescription strength flea products that are labeled for use in puppies and kittens 6 weeks and older, like Revolution. A few monthly doses of the flea preventative should really do the trick and take care of the flea problem once and for all. In the meantime, if you have some Dawn dish detergent available, you can bathe the puppy in some water with just a couple of drops of the dawn. This will help get rid of some of the fleas and make him more comfortable. Do not get the soap in Vader's eyes, and again, just 2-3 drops max lathered on his coat should do the trick. It is important to note too that fleas carry tapeworms in their midgut. When animals ingest the fleas by licking or biting at themselves, they will usually then become infected with tapeworms. Vader will need some tapeworm treatment, as well as the flea treatment, so this is another reason why he needs to visit his veterinarian. I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 16th, 2017

    If you have a flea infestation, home remedies will not be successful. I would recommend talking to your vet about an oral flea medication like Bravecto, Nexgard, or Comfortis. These are very effective and can start killing fleas in 30 minutes. I would also recommend vacuuming all carpeted areas in your house and washing all of the let's bedding. Even with the best flea control (like those mentioned above) it can take up to 2-3 months to get the flea problem under control. Make sure you treat all the pets in the household as well.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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