10 Uses of White Vinegar with House Pets

Lets face it most of us absolutely love our house pets. As we get older these little guys become more and more like family, and we often treat them like kids. I know this from personal experience. However, pets can show some difficult behavior like have accidents, throw up, scratch furniture (especially cats) and of course they can get sick like humans and need medical care.

Animals also need a varying amount of attention from us, though cats need the least amount of attention due to their independent nature. Cats generally eat when hungry and use their litter box when necessary. Dogs need to be fed regularly and love going for walks. Most cats and dogs do shed leaving a trail of fur or hair everywhere.

Make a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water and put in a spray bottle. This mixture will be used for for most solutions of cleaning and deodorizing. Spray some of this mixture on a paper towel and go over all fabric surfaces. Not only will you pick up the fur and hair but will sanitize the fabric. Test a small amount of vinegar on the backside of anything where youapply vinegar to make sure it will not discolor the fabric.

Wipe the empty litter box out with a damp paper towel. Put one cup of white vinegar in the box and allow to soak for thirty minutes. Dump out the vinegar and wipe with a paper towel and plain warm water. Allow the box to dry completely, and sprinkle a little baking soda on the bottom before adding the litter. Put in the cat box liner if you use one. Remember to add only two inches of fine litter to the box.

Clean the bird cage by spraying with the mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Rinse with plain water. Dry the inside and outside with a microfiber rag. Add the newspaper back to the bottom of the birdcage.

You can spray your houseplants and outdoor plants with the vinegar and water blend to keep most animals away from destroying your plants. If you let your dog out in the yard and see he is busy dining on your plants, give the plants a spritz with the vinegar blend. Spray the plants about once a week and your plants will stay intact. This works well for both indoor and outdoor greenery. If you have some exotic plants, check to be sure there is no reaction to vinegar application by putting a few drops on a leaf.

Pets--especially cats--often have an affinity for scratching furniture. They love to sharpen their claws and mark their territory. Spray with the water and vinegar mixture all the pieces of furniture they seem to favor-- including upholstered and wooden pieces. Cats generally hate the smell of vinegar so they will stay away. Spray about once a week. Remember to trim their claws.

Wipe a small amount of straight vinegar on the inside and outside of your dog's ears and this will stop the constant scratching. Do this application about once a week.

This step is simple and just requires two or three drops of white vinegar added to the pet's water bowl. This is an easy solution to keep the fleas and other pests away all year long.

Add about two cups of white vinegar a gallon of water to clean your cat or dog. You can make half the amount of this mixture if you choose to clean with a spray bottle. Your cleaning method will depend on the size and breed of your pet. Rub the mixture gently with a soft rag on the dog or cat's coat. Rinse the pet off with plain warm water and dry thoroughly with a towel. Brush your cat or dog when dry, and you will be amazed at the shiny clean coat.

At some time or another your pet is most likely going to have a bathroom accident in the house. This is more of a challenge if it occurs on a carpet. With a paper towel and straight white vinegar blot the urine spot. Sprinkle the spot with baking soda and allow to sit overnight. The next day vacuum up the baking soda. Squirt the water and vinegar mixture liberally on the spot and wipe off with plain water. Allow to dry about one hour and give it the once over with the microfiber rag. You may need to repeat this process a second time.