Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

by Marilyn Angelena August 17, 2023

When it comes to the well-being of our furry companions, finding natural and effective solutions is a top priority. One such solution gaining popularity among dog owners is diatomaceous earth (DE). Derived from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms known as diatoms, DE offers an array of benefits for dogs without resorting to harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable benefits that diatomaceous earth can provide for your beloved canine friend.

What is Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs?

Diatomaceous earth, often abbreviated as DE. It is a fine grayish-white powder that comes from the long-dead remains of diatoms, a type of algae. DE is mostly made up of silica, a very hard mineral, and it has a very coarse texture and absorbent properties.

Diatomaceous earth has been used as pest control for thousands of years. These days, you can purchase it for many different purposes. You can even get food-grade DE that is safe for human or pet consumption. Read on to find out!

Types of Diatomaceous Earth

It is essential to understand that there are two types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and non-food grade. Food grade DE is safe for human and pet consumption and is the type you should use for flea control. Non-food grade DE, typically used for industrial purposes, may contain harmful additives and should not be used on your pets or in your home.

Top 6 Benefits of Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

1. Kills Fleas and Ticks and Other Bugs

The most common use for food-grade DE is to effectively eradicate fleas, ticks, bed bugs, and other insects on your dog or in your home and yard. Fleas and ticks are little blood-sucking parasites that cause extreme irritation for our beloved pets, and for us when an infestation occurs. But, they also can carry and spread harmful diseases like tapeworms and Lyme disease.

How to Use

For effective use, first vacuum carpets, dog beds, blankets, and other areas before applying DE with a duster. Leave the powder on for a minimum of 3-4 days and then vacuum and reapply. Best if left for 3-4 weeks. Similarly, you can lightly sprinkle DE on your dog’s fur and then either rub it in with your gloved hands or comb it through your dog’s fur. After several days, bathe your dog and assess the situation. It’s unlikely that the fleas will survive the dusting, bathing, and combing. Plus, it’s much less expensive than the flea and tick medications and it’s a healthier option for your dog.

It’s important to note that the DE must remain dry to be effective in these instances of external parasite eradication.

2. Natural, Chemical-free Deodorizer

The same DE that you sprinkled on the carpets, blankets, and bedding to kill pesky external parasites also acts as a natural deodorizer. Think of it as the new form of carpet fresh. It will help neutralize odors on pets too.

3. Natural de-wormer

Diatomaceous Earth is also an effective deworming supplement for pets. It helps to eradicate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms and hookworms in dogs and cats. Add Diatomaceous Earth to your pooch or kitty’s daily meals for at least a month to kill hatching eggs and worms moving around in their stomach. Remember to mix the diatomaceous earth thoroughly into your pet’s food as he or she may inhale the powder which may cause sneezing or irritation in the lungs.

4. Good for joints, cartilage and bone health

All the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and all organs in the body need silica for strength and resilience. As silica is an essential ingredient in Diatomaceous Earth, pets with joint problems will definitely benefit from regular doses of this supplement.

5. Improved Coat and Skin Health:

Topical application of diatomaceous earth can help alleviate skin irritations, such as itchiness and redness, thanks to its mild abrasive properties. It can also absorb excess oils, promoting a healthier coat and reducing the risk of fungal infections.

6. Garden Pest Control

Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent insect repellent and controls garden pests such as snails, worms, ants, spiders, cockroaches, caterpillars, beetles, fruit flies and termites. If you have pets that spend lots of time in the garden and you aren’t happy about using chemical pesticides - then Diatomaceous Earth is exactly what your garden needs! Mix Diatomaceous Earth in water and spray onto plants, shrubs or trees or sprinkle some onto the area around the plants.

Safety of Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs

When used correctly, food-grade diatomaceous earth is considered safe for dogs. However, there are some precautions you should take to ensure the safety of your pet:

Always use food-grade DE, not industrial-grade DE.
Avoid applying DE to your dog's face, particularly around their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Keep DE out of reach of your dog to prevent ingestion in large quantities, as it can be harmful if consumed in excessive amounts.
Be cautious if your dog has respiratory issues, as the fine particles of DE can be irritating to the lungs when inhaled.

However, it is essential to follow the proper application techniques and safety precautions to ensure the well-being of your dog. In addition to using DE, maintaining a clean environment and grooming your dog regularly can help prevent future flea infestations.

We hope you’ve found these diatomaceous earth benefits for dogs informative. DE can provide improved health and happiness for your furry friends and you too. With its many health benefits start incorporating it into your dog’s daily diet and add it to yours as well.