Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic natural substance. It’s made from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life. Through a microscope, the particles look like bits of broken glass.

• When the razor-sharp particles touch the pests, they pierce the insects’ protective coating. The bugs quickly dehydrate and die. The particles affect larvae in the same way.
• Though deadly to any insect, it is completely harmless to animals. It can kill fleas, ticks, lice or mites on your dog.
• It doesn’t poison insects or paralyze them like some pharmaceutical products do. The way it works is purely mechanical.

Benefits:

• Repels and eliminates parasites:
  • Control internal parasites like roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms by giving FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth with your dog's food. It can work in as little as 7 days of daily feeding.To be most effective use for at least 30 days. This will catch the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.
  • Note: The  diatomaceous earth product that’s in gardens and pool filters is NOT food grade and is processed differently. It can be harmful. So ensure you are using food grade.
  • Note: Diatomaceous earth works for intestinal worms. It will not kill heartworms.
  • Kill external parasites and insects. Dust your dog’s skin with diatomaceous earth. For flea infestation sprinkle on bedding and carpeted areas.
• Detoxification
  • Some sources report that diatomaceous earth may absorb methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses, organophosphate pesticide residues, drug resides, and protein. It may even remove the proteinaceous toxins from some intestinal infections. There’s research showing it can remove heavy metals from waste water. This means diatomaceous earth can be very useful as a detox solution, digestive aid and colon cleanser.
• Food supplement
  • Full of minerals like:magnesium, silicon, calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, phosphorous, selenium
  • Nutritional supplement:  According to Wolf Creek Organics, better sleep, more energy, healthy skin, hair and nails are all potential benefits. Research by the University of Innsbruck, Austria, showing it can even improve cholesterol numbers; lowering LDL and triglycerides and increasing HDL.
• Low cost and easy to find at health stores or online.
• Natural/chemical-free deodorizer. Sprinkle it on your dog’s coat and leave it in, or brush it out after a few hours. You can dust your carpet or other smelly area; leave it for about a day, then vacuum or sweep it up. Sprinkle it in the litter box. It can help eliminate dampness and odors.
• Safe garden pest control. No harm to beneficial earthworms in your garden. But it repels and kills most other bugs such as ants, caterpillars, army worms, cockroaches, snails, spiders, termites, silverfish, earwigs, bed bugs, fruit flies and beetles and ticks!
• Avoid chemical pesticides. It’s safe for your dog, as well as birds and other non-bug wildlife. Sprinkle it in your garden, or mix it with water and spray on trees. According to Wolf Creek Ranch, about a cup per 1/2 gallon of water should do the trick. Make sure to apply repeatedly.

Dosage:

Internal:
It’s best to mix it with raw or other moist food. If you feed dry food, add some water or broth to moisten the powder.
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External:
For external pest prevention, rub the powder into your dog’s coat. Start near the tail and pull back the hair to get it on the skin. Avoid the eyes, nose and mouth as it can irritate mucous membranes. Using it externally can also get rid of fleas on your dog.Sprinkle on bedding and carpets too. Let it sit for up to 3 days, then launder or vacuum.

Cautions:

• Make sure you purchase and use food grade DE only. DE can cause lung irritation so please be careful you and your dog don’t inhale any dust.
• Diatomaceous earth can be drying for your dog’s skin. If you notice any dryness, bathe your dog with a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner.