Diatomaceous Earth for Pets
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring plant-based powder. The chalky white powder is composed of 'diatoms' which are algae-like plants that have been around for millions of years. The Diatomaceous Earth products available to consumers may also have other diatom derivatives mixed together and can be formulated as 'food grade' or 'filter grade'.
How does it work?
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, non-toxic, chemical-free and safe way to keep your cat or dog free of parasites both internally and externally. The fine powder kills parasites while doing no harms to your pets or you! Under a microscope, the powder has microscopically sharp edges that are safe for your pet but are deadly to parasites and insects. Diatomaceous Earth has been used for decades to kill parasites, insects, larvae, and eggs when their sharp edges pierce through and dehydrate these pests.
How safe is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is perfectly safe when used on dogs, cats, and even humans! Just be sure that you are ONLY using 'food grade' versions of Diatomaceous Earth as the 'filter grade' Diatomaceous Earth can be harmful to your pets.
How is it used internally?
Diatomaceous Earth can be fed to your pet to clear out any internal parasites including:
Roundworms
Pinworms
Hookworms
Whipworms
It should be fed for at least 30 consecutive days to ensure both adult and hatching eggs have been destroyed. To feed it to your pet simply sprinkle it over their food. If your pet is a little unsure about eating the powder you can also try mixing in a little warm water or crush a small amount of treat on their food to encourage eating.
Feeding Guideline
How is it used externally?
Diatomaceous Earth can be used externally to help prevent and treat fleas and ticks. To use the product, simply sprinkle a liberal amount on your pet's entire body and work it though their coat and skin. After about 8 hours of application, you can wash the powder off of your pet with a gentle, herbal infused shampoo (Note: For cats, please check labeling to ensure the herbal shampoo used is appropriate.). Please follow with a rich conditioner to re-hydrate the coat as diatomaceous earth will dry out the coat and skin of your pet(s).
How to use it for flea infestations?
If you have a case of flea infestation at home, diatomaceous earth can also be used to treat your home to rid of parasites. Simply sprinkle and dust a light film of diatomaceous earth evenly over your floors, carpet, bedding, furniture and directly on your pet. After 3-4 days, vacuum the powder from all surfaces, followed by mopping and wiping down of all dusted surfaces. Reapply as needed.
To maintain a pest-free yard, dust about 1 lb per 500 sq. ft of diatomaceous earth all over the yard. However, it doesn't work immediately, so please do so on a day that's not raining and reapply as needed on a monthly basis.
Why use Diatomaceous Earth over other methods?
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and toxic free product in comparison to 'spot-on' type treatments. Remember, 'spot-on' type treatments are pesticides and, therefore, can be harmful to your pets (Read our blog on safe and natural alternatives to flea and tick control.). They have been reported to cause:
Rash
Vomiting
Redness
Diarrhea
Loss of hair
Lack of coordination
Itching with discoloration
Seizures
Drooling
Lethargy
Increased excitability
Tremors
Changes in body temperature
Final Notes
Diatomaceous earth is an effective and natural treatment for preventing and removing both internal and external parasites from your pets. It is a cost efficient alternative to spot-on' type treatments currently in the market and is safe for dogs, cats and humans!