Diatomaceous Earth Benefits for Pets

| Modified on May 21, 2024
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Side Effects
Posted by Horrrified (USA) on 05/21/2024

I didn't realize that diatomaceous earth is also being used in certain dog food brands. It has caused major skin problems with my dog, internal disorders, loss of hair and loss of nutrition. I had no idea about this product and I'm horrified! This shouldn't be ingested or even included in a dog food! These things don't show up right away but with continued use it will affect your pet.


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.


Infections
Posted by Katzie (Calgary, Canada) on 07/30/2023

Diatomaceous Earth use Topically for infections in Dogs

A week ago I encountered a puppy (approx 3 months), who had a massive infection in both shoulders! The puppy was in agony and was crying out in pain. I picked up the little fella and took him home.

I figure he was maybe hit by a car, as I have never seen infection pockets on both shoulders! Pockets of infection were on both sides, big ones. The first night he was crying out in pain every 10 mins; it was awful. I did spray him with colloidal silver, but he was scared of my spray bottle and would limp away when he saw it.

Knowing from previous experience that D.E. will draw an infection to the surface, I threw some on him the next day. Within 20 mins, one of the shoulders (the worst one) started draining! I could smell the infection coming out of him. Well, I kept doing this every day and the infection was so massive it took 4 days to drain both sides! I had been wishing for a vet to be nearby (one wasn't, and we wouldn't be near one for a week), so he could get a needle aspiration and remove all that puss. But D.E. did the trick for us.

So for this particular puppy, born in the forest, injured and in agony, D.E. topically brought the infections to the surface and facilitated draining. I remember reading on here a poster that said infection has a negative charge and D.E. has a positive one (or maybe the reverse)? Anyways, on both humans, cats and dogs, an infection has been brought out and drained. So D.E. was used on my new puppy "Leo", on his ear mites, his fleas, for deworming AND topically on his massive infections! All for about the cost of $2!!!

I Love Diamotacepus Earth!! For humans and animals!

Stay well, everybody. Bless us all!!


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.


Potential Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (CA) on 06/15/2023

I would like to give my dog DE for a uti and arthritis. However, she has dry eyes. Can this dry her eyes more taking it internally?

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.


Side Effects in Dogs
Posted by Frankie (Ft. Myers, FL) on 02/13/2022

Does anyone have experience giving this internally ie with food to senior dogs, dogs with liver issues and Cushing's Disease? Is it okay to dispense with Vetoryl, Denamarin, Gabapentin…? Thanks.


Fleas, Ticks, Yard Hoppers
Posted by Jan (Victoria BC) on 03/30/2021

Years ago, I read it only kills the hard shell insects like fleas, ticks and maybe scorpions. Doesn't harm bees etc.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Rebekah (Spotsylvania, VA ) on 03/28/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have horses and dogs.

I had a dog, she passed from old age. But at age 12 she started to have troubles getting up in the morning after a long sleep and also had problems climbing a flight of stairs. I started her on 1 tablespoon of DE and within 2 days saw a dramatic improvement, on the third day it was as if she never had a problem and got up as her usual self and climb those stairs without a problem for the next 1.5 yrs until she started to decline as old age was getting to her. The DE helped her live her old age life to its fullest without mobility issues.

I have a horse that has been on DE for 5 years now. He use to get bad Abscess on 1 hoof. After just 6 months on DE he had no more issues. I transitioned him from an expensive all natural joint health supplements to DE over a period of 1 year. No experience of joint issues at all or Abscess.

I have another horse who doesn't digest dry foods at all. Meaning Hay, or any type of pellets (dry), or sry feed. I put her on 2 cup of DE and within 3 weeks she didn't only gain weight but was getting over weight. Had to slow down on her morning feed significantly, about half the amount. She maintained her nice shape all through winter. Once she was on Pasture, I lower the DE dosage to 1 cup during the Spring through end of Fall for benefits purposes. Saved me several hundred dollars a month on feed including lots of Alfalfa.

Just a basic idea of how much I fed her before starting her on DE to even help a little with weight. 2 full huge scoops of Alfalfa cubes daily including her, Alfalfa pellets, Oats, garlic powder, coconut powder and flaxseed. I use to spend at least 300 a month if not more just on her feed. Now, it's down to $100 every 2 months. Instead of Alfalfa pellets, I give her Timothy pellets. And I only give Alfalfa cubes as treats now.


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 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 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


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

Praise God for this story


Parasites
Posted by Jennifer (San Angelo, Tx) on 01/27/2017
★★★★★

Diatomaceous earth,

I ordered a ten pound bag on Amazon for $22 (10 lbs is excessive haha oops didn't read the fine print when I ordered) I have been ingesting it, 1tbs in a glass of water in the morning & noticed the effects that evening.

Originally bought it to treat my dog of suspected hook worm & I kid you not in ten minutes he was more like himself than he had been in weeks. After a week he's gained all his weight & zest for life! I'm going to make toothpaste next BC I read it's remineralizing & the contents of commercial toothpaste is horrifying so I'm sold even without my personal experience in a week's time!


Ear Infections
Posted by Karen (Ohio) on 12/18/2016

MARISA, ONLY use Food Grade DE Powder, the one for swimming pools can KILL your Pet


Fleas
Posted by Theresa (Mpls., Mn) on 10/01/2016

Hey Matthew!

Hardware stores do carry DE however it is not the kind for applying to your pet or taking internally. The type to be used on the pet- and safe for your pet to lick up - is the food grade DE, not the hardware store kind. Only use the product from the hardware store outside.


Fleas
Posted by Matthew (Onamia, Mn) on 10/01/2016

How much of this food grade DE stuff do you put your dogs and cats? I'm planning to go buy some somewhere (i heard hardware stores carry it).


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


Ear Mites
Posted by Julie (England) on 09/12/2016

HI, for ear mites in dogs, cats, rabbits use Thornit Powder. Try Amazon or Ebay


Ear Mites
Posted by Soazburrolady (Southern, Az) on 09/01/2016
★★★★★

About 6 years ago, I trapped 2 kittens who were playing in a major retail store garden department. One of them, Rosebud, had the worst ear mites I have ever seen. Her ears had scabs in them. I used the diatomaceous earth to eliminate the mites by dipping my little finger in it and rubbing directly into her ear (no wetting) - at least twice a day. I think it probably took a few weeks to eradicate the little buggers. The good news is that she has never had them again - and to this day she is the only one of my kitties who willingly allows me to touch her ears. All the best.

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!


Diatomaceous Earth Side Effects in Dogs
Posted by Natalya (Florida) on 07/02/2016

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.


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.


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.


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.


Fly Control, Parasites
Posted by Joycelyn (New York) on 11/08/2015

Is this stuff good for mice and roaches?


Fleas
Posted by Wendy (Alabama, US) on 01/21/2015

The Diatomaceous Earth. cuts them and dries them as well as the salt dries them.


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.


Ear Infections
Posted by Binxy (Brisbane Australia ) on 01/01/2014
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

In response to Marisa from San Jose, USA:

Never, EVER use pool grade DE. It has been specially treated and its crystalized structure is dangerous to your health (and your pets). ONLY use food grade DE with living creatures.


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!!!!!


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 Tee (St Joe, Mo) on 07/24/2012

Your animal will not be breathing in shards of glass! Diatomaceous earth FOOD GRADE is nothing more than diatoms (algea) and ground shell etc. All organic all natural nothing toxic and nothing dangerous in it. for Gosh sakes who in heaven said it was glass???? It DOES work. If you didn't see results, you didn't use enough or you didn't use consistently. I have been taking it for nearly a month now myself with excellent results, it took care of our flea problem within 24 hours and my nieces bed bug problem! It is awesome - read before you scare people!


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.



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