Diatomaceous earth is a nontoxic solution to several pet care issues such as flea and odor problems. It is also used as a natural de-wormer, as well as a dietary supplement. Make sure you are using food-grade diatomaceous earth in all your pet care applications, because other grades are not safe for pet consumption. Richard Pitcairn, D.V.M., states in his book that food-grade diatomaceous earth is harmless to pets and people but lethal to all parasites with an exoskeleton.
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Parasite Control
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According to Dr. Pitcairn, diatomaceous earth is used effectively as a flea treatment. Sprinkle it along walls, in cracks, under furniture and wherever else a vacuum cleaner cannot reach. Wear a dust mask if performing a dry application. A safer way to apply it in the home is to mix one cup of diatomaceous earth in one gallon of water, put it in a spray bottle and spray everything with it. Shake it often to keep the diatomaceous earth suspended in the water. Diatomaceous earth lacerates the outer waxy skeleton of fleas and then dehydrates them, states Holistic Livestock. It is also effective against lice, ticks and mites.
De-Wormer
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Diatomaceous earth is also used as a de-wormer. Dr. Pitcairn recommends a treatment of diatomaceous earth for roundworms. Holistic Livestock adds that diatomaceous earth is also effective against lungworms. A quarter to one teaspoon of diatomaceous earth is fed to dogs and cats every meal for a minimum of 30 days. Larger pets require a higher dosage per meal. Holistic Livestock gives the assurance that higher dosages do no harm. Pets will never form an immunity or tolerance to it, because it works mechanically and not chemically.
Dietary Supplement
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According to Holistic Livestock, diatomaceous earth contains several trace minerals, including calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc iron, copper, selenium and phosphorus. Pets fed diatomaceous earth on a regular basis have shinier coats and eyes. Overall health and reproduction improve.
Odor Control
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Diatomaceous earth keeps litter boxes dry and odor-free. Holistic Livestock states that diatomaceous earth absorbs and deodorizes offensive smells. Sprinkle it in pet runs to keep them clean and odor-free. Sprinkle it in pet chicken runs to keep their areas free from insects and smells. Only a small amount is needed.
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