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Does spraying white vinegar on my dog repel fleas and is it safe?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 5 months old

I read online that white vinger can be used to repel fleas from jumping on dogs, that just a light spray of vinger and water dose the trick ? Is this true? And is this safe to do so?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2019

No. This does not work very well. Pets that ingest large amounts of vinegar may also get G.I. upset so it is generally not recommended. The best products for fleas are oral products like Simparica and Nexgard. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 30th, 2018
No, this is not true, this will not help getting rid of fleas unfortunately, neither will any other natural product or home remedies that you may try, it just doesn't work. only good quality product can help protect your dog from fleas.here is the list of the best flea products on the market.

Spot ons:
Revoulution
Advantage
Advantage Multi
Frontline (ticks as well)

Tablets:

Trifexis/comfortis
Bravecto (ticks as well) - for dogs

Collar: Seresto ( (ticks as well)

House spary: Indoorex
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 5th, 2018
No this isn't true at all, unfortunately the only thing that prevent fleas are high quality flea products. here is the list of the best flea products on the market.

Spot ons:
Revoulution
Advantage
Advantage Multi
Frontline (ticks as well)

Tablets:

Trifexis/comfortis
Bravecto (ticks as well)

Collar: Seresto ( (ticks as well)

House spary: Indoorex
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on June 17th, 2019
The vinegar may upset your puppy stomach and it will not be effective against fleas. I recommend to use an oral flea preventative such as Simparica or Nexgard. Feeding vinegar is not recommended. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

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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Does apple cider vinegar work to repel or kill ticks on dogs?

It is safe to do that but it probably won't work. You really need a chemical product. "Natural remedies" do not work on parasites, especially ticks. You are better off with a Seresto collar - once you put it on it works for 8 months and it is very effective and cost effective. It is also a lot less work for you. ( https://www.budgetpetsupplies.co.za/seresto-collar-for-small-dogs-upto-8kg-pack.aspx?utm_source=googleshopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgezoBRDNARIsAGzEfe4Be68gs5yQEEholjfB9YB_V2EDksungI7ALxaaGEZciXBwKzmPG0oaAkHJEALw_wcB )

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Are vanillin and citric acid safe for topical dog flea & tick control?

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Is apple cider vinegar safe for dogs and what are its common uses?

Hello and thank you for your questions about Apple Cider Vinegar. Most people use the vinegar topically. They apply it to skin rashes, the under side of the feet or other areas of redness. Vinegar is an astringent so it will help remove pathogenic microbes on the skin and it also soothes the skin. Some people feed it to their dogs to acidify the GI tract but I don't think there's much value in that and thus I don't recommend it. Some people also use it the clean ears but again, I've seen problems when it stays in the ear and is not properly dried out. I think there are much better ear cleaners that are made for dogs and actually dry on their own or remove water within the ear. Some people also see a value in this for a flea repellent but once again, I don't think it works well and that there are much better products. So I don't recommend it for that purpose. Anytime you use the vinegar you want to mix it water in varying concentrations depending on the intended use. Always get the organic formula. For skin issues, I think it has benefits, I don't recommend to use it for the other listed properties. Be careful using it on open wounds, it can sting. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Is diatomaceous earth safe for my dog's flea and tick control?

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