Apple Cider Vinegar Spray

[drjsiems]

I am looking for a natural flea, tick, and mosquito (hopefully) deterent for both my cats and dogs and am wondering if anyone knows if apple cider vinegar is harmful to cats if they should (probably will) lick themselves or the dogs?

Thanks,
Judy, Jake, & Boomer

 

[Vidya & Boo]

Apple cider vinegar is not harmful to cats (or dogs); in fact, it's very good for a variety of feline health problems, and many cats really enjoy the taste of it. (Here's a webpage detailing people's experiences using ACV for their cats' health issues: http://www.earthclinic.com/Pets/acv_for_cats.html )

 

[drjsiems]

Oh thank you so much for this. I am so sick and tired of using the old standby (s) for flea, tick, and mosquito prevention that are full of neurotoxins and whatever else that is not good for our furkids. I put my foot down when one of my beagles had head tremors after getting one of these preventatives - not sure which one was the culprit, but doesn't matter. Both Frontline and Heartgard are just too toxic.

Judy, Jake, Boomer, and the beagle sisters

 

[Vidya & Boo]

I hope it works for you. You might try a few drops of ACV in an additional bowl of drinking water too, if they'll drink it, so that it's working to make the animals less attractive bug-hosts 'from the inside out' as well as externally.

 

[Mindy & Max]

Catnip essential oil is also supposed to be a pretty strong tick deterent. It might make your cat go a little nuts, but then again, if they're covered in it, they might get used to it. You could buy some of the oil (last I checked it runs about $30 for a 1/2 oz) and put a few drops in your ACV spray, or you could soak some catnip in ACV and let it sit for a week or so, then strain it out.

I wouldn't spray this on your dog, tho, as it might make your cats attack...