Diatomaceous Earth is a dirt cheap way to control external and internal parasites in your dog.
It’s a non-toxic, safe substance made up from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life. Crushed to a fine powder and observed through a microscope, the particles resemble bits of broken glass.
Diatomacous Earth is deadly to any insect yet completely harmless to animals. Diatomaceous Earth’s mode of action for insect and parasite control is strictly mechanical. The microscopically sharp edges contact the insect or parasite, and pierce their protective coating, so they soon dehydrate and die. The larvae is affected in the same way.
The Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs
Internal parasites can be controlled by giving Diatomaceous Earth internally. It is very important to note that it must be food grade – the earth used in gardens and pool filters can damage your dog.
Diatomaceous Earth can eliminate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days of being fed daily.
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To be most effective, Diatomaceous Earthshould be fed for at least 30 days, to catch all newly hatching eggs or the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.
Another use for Diatomaceous Earth is the control of external parasites and flies. This is achieved by dusting your dog with Diatomacous Earth, along with his bedding area and surrounding carpeted areas.
Other Uses
Diatomaceous Earth has also been reported in scientific literature to absorb methyl mercury, e-coli, endotoxins, viruses, organophosphate pesticide residues, drug resides, and protein, perhaps even the proteinaceous toxins produced by some intestinal infections. Given this, Diatomaceous Earth is very useful as a detox solution, digestive aid and colon cleanser.
Dosage
For dogs, use one tablespoon per day of food grade Diatomaceous Earth in his food for dogs over 55 lbs. and one teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies. For external parasite control, simply rub the powder at full strength into the coat for fleas and sprinkle on bedding.
Bonus! 3 Ingredient Flea & Tick Recipe
Use this safe and effective flea and tick powder recipe to protect your pet from fleas and ticks:
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
- NEEM (dry form)
- Yarrow (dry form)
Simply mix the three together in equal parts and rub the dust mixture into your dog’s coat.
Use caution around the eyes and mouth of your dog as DE can irritate the mucosa. Once the dust settles however, there is no harm.
Cautions
Make sure you purchase and use food grade DE only. DE can cause irritation on the lungs so please ensure you and your dog don’t inhale any dust.
Original Article: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/