Diatomaceous Earth Benefits for Pets

Fleas

Posted by Keener (Larryville Ks) on 07/20/2018
★★★★★

It REALLY works for fleas and ticks. I live in an area of the US known for having lots of fleas and ticks. I started using the diatomaceous earth in May and it's now July and I have had NO fleas on my dog or in my house :) I simply put it in one of those red ketchup bottles from the dollar store. I put it on my dog and on his bedding. We have been flea free all summer :)

Parasites

Posted by Gardengirl (Gallatin , Tn. U.s.a.) on 04/19/2013
★★★★★

I just want to share my good news about getting rid of parasites in my mixed hound dog (Lucy), she was coughing, losing weight and starving all the time. I had already tried worm pills ( didn't do the job). I really was getting worried that I might lose her. Started putting 1 T. Of DE in her food, which was a lot for her body weight (25lbs. ), wanted to make sure it worked good. Well, that was 3 weeks ago , now no coughing, has gained weight, lots of energy. I also have 2 other dogs, so it a great cure for fleas( dust them ) works GREAT!!!!!

Parasites

Posted by Neil (Morgantown WV) on 12/22/2024
★★★★★

Since food grade diatomaceous earth is 84 to 95 percent opal silica it is the silica that is a mechanical wormer and it kills all parasites as they cannot avoid the silica in any way since it goes to every single cell in your body. For bad parasitic infections you will need at least double the usual dose to get the desired outcome. There are standard doses and then there are therapeutic doses and the higher dose is what works best. It takes time to kill something as big as a tapeworm but if you stick to daily DE it will kill them in time. Consistency is key.

Parasites

Posted by Jazz (Blackpool, United Kingdom) on 05/21/2011

Yes it means the diatomaceus earth(DE) was working. As the worms die they release toxins, your cat must have a large amount of worms. However DE absorbs the toxins once u start giving DE you should not stop for at least 3 weeks until all the eggs have died.

Parasites

Posted by Lorie (Richmond, Virginia) on 05/06/2012

It was probably a detox symptom. Parasites will go everywhere in the body, including the lungs. I would keep giving it to the cat.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Lesley (Neenah, Wi) on 03/13/2010
★★★★☆

Ted, or anyone else, have any of you tried food grade diatomacious earth (DE)? It sure SEEMS to dry everything up fast, including MY white heads, dogs white heads, dogs' black heads (which came pooping out themselves, to be combed out easily with a flea comb) much else. It seems to be so effective at drying out shells/bodies of insects (fleas etc) and so safe, it made me try to use it as a dusting powder on the dog at the site of demodex infection. It certainly SEEMED to work.

I was so pleased (this before Dx with demodex). The vet thought TOO drying and told me to stop as antibiotics were started. My little old shih tzu girl became worse and worse.

When I restarted, (after visiting dog dermatologist who also said not to use, and AFTER things were looking really bad again) once again it all seemed to calm right down.

I also contacted a holistic vet who endorsed it on the site that I purchased the product from and she said it could be used as a cure for generalized demodex, but that I had to purchase her "package" ($125) for her further help.

Somehow, that seemed funny to me--my experience is vets who have answers try to give out that info as much as possible. Am I overly suspicious?

Lesley

Fleas

Posted by Tony C. (Calif) on 01/25/2021
★★★★★

I used to mix the Diatomaceous earth in my kennel to get rid of the fleas. I would buy large bags of the earth. It worked good, never saw a flea.

Fleas

Posted by Peggy (Delbarton, WV US) on 12/20/2014
★★★★★

I was reading all the comments. I have used FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth on all my dogs and cat for years. It eliminates worms, and handles the fleas. During the worst season for fleas I use it around my doors. I only use it on their wet food, not dry and just a pinch once a month. I have yet to see any ill effects from the use of Food Grade DE. Pool Grade is very dangerous for humans and animals, make certain you purchase Food Grade, I get mine at Tractor Supply.

Parasites

Posted by Don (Gardner, Ma) on 04/15/2011
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

The only Diatomaceous Earth products you should use inside your home are those that are Human Grade Formula. Many outdoor Diatomaceous Earth products/posions contain added chemicals that can be harmful to humans/pets.

Be Safe, Not Sorry.

Diatomaceous Earth Side Effects in Dogs

Posted by Natalya (Florida) on 07/02/2016
0 out of 5 stars

Hi, I started giving to my dog diatomaceous about 5 weeks ago. She is 105 lb and I started minimum dose and increase to 1 1/2 table spoon. Two days ago she got a urine infection, which she never had it before, and she is almost 10 years old.

My question is, can the diatomaceous cause that? The doctor said if it has a high calcium, it can develop the bladder stones.

Parvo

Posted by Wanda (Georgia) on 08/08/2017

Praise God for this story

Parasites

Posted by Neil (Morgantown, WV) on 12/07/2022

The food grade Diatomaceous Earth was actually doing it's job and removing the parasites as it should but then you got scared and stopped it. The fact that your other cats were doing well should have been the indication everything was fine. This was classic respiratory parasite elimination.

Ear Infections

Posted by Pam E. (SW California) on 12/27/2024 165 posts

"Swimming pool filter grade" is sold & labelled:

For *INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY* for a reason!

NEVER use it to apply or give to a living creature in ANY way!

ONLY use FOOD GRADE Diatomacious Earth for health reasons!

Wounds

Posted by Katzie (Cancun, Mexico ) on 04/10/2024
★★★★★

Diamotaceous Earth (aka fossil flour), is literally dirt cheap. Sprinkle some over the area! Another poster in a D.E. thread here mentioned to not use a metal spoon when handling D.E. as that would negate the charge. I can attest it sure feels that way when I rub D.E. on an infection of mine, ie tiny electrical discharges). When I found Dog#2, both shoulder blades had massive infection with large pus pockets. He was in agony. I could see small slits on each blade so I knew the D.E. would have them draining in 15-20 minutes, and I was right. I was able to sprinkle some D.E. on him and it was so light it didnt cause him additional pain. 20 mins later I could smell the pus just leaking down from the wounds. The dog was out of agony for about the cost of about 25cents. I haven't found that post again yet to thank that guy, but D.E. has saved me and my rescues from many different infections, sores & bites, burns, and alot of pain! D.E. contains silica, which is something our skin has/needs, but not for too many days in a row, as it can be drying to the skin. I only use it in the initial healing phase. Our bodies do heal themselves very well, if infection is kept out of the way. After infection is no longer a concern, you want to moisturize the area to aid in cellular turnover, which speeds healing.

Fleas

Posted by Suseeq (Sydney, Australia) on 06/25/2016

I would go all raw and spray their coat with apple cider vinegar and water. Also put some in drinking water. Diatomaceous earth dosages can be found on this site. I have never used it so can't speak from experience here.

Parasites

Posted by Mirra (Cullowhee, Nc) on 05/16/2011
★★★★★

Don't worry about your kitties inhaling the earth if you properly mix it in with wet food. It's fine.

Parasites

Posted by Teresa (Gulfport, Ms/usa) on 04/16/2011
★★★★★

DE is available in food grade. I've given to my chihuahua for parasites with no problems! Found in most garden centers.

Fleas

Posted by Jp (Monroe, Ny) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★

Hi Pennie from Indpl, I also use food grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is awesome stuff. I use it around my foundation to kill fleas and ticks, instead of pesticides. I also mix 1/2 cup, with 1 tablespoon of dish washing soap, into a gallon of water. I mix this into a pump sprayer and spray my lawn. It's alot less messy looking, than spreading it dry. No tick and fleas;0) You can also give it to your dog as a dewormer. I don't use it as a dewormer, because I use garlic and RAW ACV. Garlic will get rid of heartworms and intestinal parasites and ACV will get rid of fleas. I've also used Diatomaceous Earth, to get rid of bed bugs. Fill up a sock and pat around your house. Wear a dust mask while doing this. Than leave your house until the dust settles. Leave it there for 3 weeks and say goodbye to the bed bugs and roaches;0)

Parasites

Posted by Patti (Coconut Creek, Fl) on 04/10/2010 3 posts
★★★★★

I wanted to add I give my horses and dog DE for parasite control. I've taken it myself from time to time, too. It's very important to know that there is a Food Grade DE ....and there is diatomaceous earth product that is sold for use in pool filters. That product is toxic. Be sure to buy Food Grade diatomaceous earth.

Ear Mites

Posted by Lisa (Athens, Tn) on 08/31/2016

What would you say the ratio is for DE & water. How much did you put in the ears? I brought my mom's cat home to live with me after her recent passing. I'm in dire need of help. My vet wants me to use Ivamec he mixed with mineral oil & I've read to my bad things about it. Urgent need of some help for him. Than you!

Fleas

Posted by Lyn (Jeannette, PA)
★★★★★

I just wanted to comment on the fleas section. It is true that any shampoo will kill fleas, but it needs to be left on for 30 min. Also, if you have a flea infestation in your house, just spraying your animal wont help. You must treat where the fleas live. See, they only feed on your animal. I have tremendous luck using table salt and food-grade diatomaceous earth all over the house to kill fleas and prevent. The salt (I prefer organic unprocessed sea salt) cuts into the body of the flea and then allows the DE to dehydrate the animal. Salt by itself does seem to work also, I just like a faster approach. Keep in mind though that this means of defense does take up to 2 months to work as some fleas are still hatching. In really bad infestation, it could take longer. I think flea eggs can survive up to 280 days. I would also like to recommend quadruped pet products. I work at a holistic pet care center and this is what we use to bathe the animals. They do not contain(unlike most pet shampoos) any harsh chemicals. Also, all their products are concentrates so it is much cheaper than buying the harmful stuff from pet shops or grocery stores.

Potential Side Effects

Posted by Possum (PA) on 06/16/2023

In my experience, I no longer needed to use eye drops for dry eyes when I used DE instead.

Ear Mites

Posted by Lisa (Athens, Tn) on 09/20/2016

Thank you for your reply. I will start doing the treatment. I have also read using yellow dock but all of the remedies use dried herbs or tincture to make a tea. I have it in powder form and don't know what ratio yellow dock/water to use. Thanks again Soazburrolady

Fly Control, Parasites

Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 11/09/2015

Hello Joycelyn,

DE is not good for roaches; it is a mechanicide that will get into their joints which then causes wear resulting in perforations in their exoskeleton which in turn causes them to bleed out and die. I suppose it is good for killing them, but if you keep pet roaches avoid exposure at all costs. DE is not good for mice in that you don't want any critter to inhale the dust because it can be irritating, but it won't kill the mice like it will for roaches. If you are trying to rid your home of roaches for sure put down the DE and consider a bottle trap, and if you are trying to rid your home mice consider a bucket trap.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Vreed27 (Seattle, Wa) on 07/28/2012

Yes she is trying to get your money. You can buy ten pounds of Food Grade DE on the internet for about $20 with shipping included!

Parasites

Posted by Melissa (Florida ) on 08/20/2017

If you read about it tapeworm is not one of the worms it helps get rid of. Research research research

Fleas

Posted by Sherry (Virginia Beach, Virginia ) on 06/25/2016

Help! I adopted 2 ferals who I can't put collars on because they are still warming up to me. What can I put in their food that they will eat? How much is it? I have 1 adult and 2 6 month olds.