Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Here I'll explain what food grade diatomaceous earth is, how it works for canine flea control and internal parasites like worms.

There's also a few advantages it may have for you and your pets that you don't know about.

Since DE is a natural substance, it cannot be patented. That may be why there is not a lot of hoopla about it. You won't see advertisements, but its a great addition to your arsenal of natural remedies.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

It is not really earth or soil at all. DE is made up solely of diatoms. These microscopic, single celled creatures live in water for about 6 days. There are thousands of types of diatoms with different shapes.

How it Works for Canine Flea and Tick Control

DE is very hard and sharp to insects and parasites. You can rub it into your dog's coat, bedding, carpet or even the yard. When an insect comes in contact with it, it pierces the body's protective coating and the insect dehydrates and dies without pesticides.

This usually takes about 24 hours. Unlike pesticides, fleas and ticks cannot build up an immunity to it!

For other natural ways to keep your dogs free of fleas, please read A Natural Remedy for Fleas.

How it works for Canine Internal Parasites

DE is very hard and sharp, even after mixed with food or water. Once inside your dog's intestinal tract, internal parasites, like tapeworms will also die.

For other natural ways to kill intestinal worms in dogs, please read Dog Worm Medicine.

Other Health Claims

I watched a video from Earthworks Health on You Tube which I thought was really interesting. While I've known for the last 30 years that DE is great for garden pests, I have never taken it internally, as some of my readers do. Here are a couple of other interesting claims:

• Helps lower high blood pressure
• Lowers cholesterol levels
• Improves skin health when skin is dry/flaky
• decreases joint pain
• Ladies, our finger nails and hair grow longer and stronger

I can see where taking it internally could really help clean out the colon for us and our dogs. That would help with digestion and assimilation.

The Difference Between Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
And the Swimming Pool Stuff

Eloquent wording with the 'stuff' wasn't it? You must be aware that anything other than food grade has been processed and dangerous to our dog's health (and ours of course). The stuff used in swimming pool filters has been heated to an extremely high temperature and a chemical or chemicals have been added to it.

Even without the chemicals, remember that anything heated to very high temperatures should not be consumed. An example would be coconut oil. It enhances our health when its cold processed and causes an increase in bad cholesterol when its hydrogenated.

Outdoors - For yards you can buy a special broadcaster to do the entire yard to kill fleas and ticks, or use a light dusting around flowerbeds.

Indoors - For carpets, bedding etc. you can buy a broadcaster or use an empty powder container, such as baby powder. Sprinkle lightly and rub or brush in with a broom. For more complete instructions, scroll down to "Tools Needed for Application" of boric acid, since it will be the same. Find this at Fleas In House.

On Dogs - A small amount sprinkled near butt and around neck should be rubbed in well. Your dog will love the rub down!

In Dogs and People - One teaspoon to one tablespoon daily is recommended for people. One teaspoon daily for dogs, however, I would use 1/2 teaspoon if I had a small dog. You can add it to any liquid.

Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth

Your best bet is probably online. I like earthworkshealth.com but here's what you should know before you buy. Shipping is a very large part of the cost. Here's an example (as of 5/14/2011):

One gallon container = 2.5 lbs

cost: $11.00
shipping: $13.00

but...

Four gallon containers, or 10 lbs

cost: $23.00
shipping: $14.00

Of course it has many uses and I believe it keeps well, so the ten pounds would be a much better deal.

Please keep in mind that any one product is not a cure all for everything and healthy homemade dog food with supplements will help your canine stay pest free and live a long healthy life.

For the most often recommended dog health supplements, see Ordering Dog Health Supplements. As always, you can always contact me for recommendations.

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