Diatomaceous Earth is Not a Safe Supplement or Topical Treatment for Dogs and Cats

 

In this article you'll learn why diatomaceous earth is not a safe supplement or topical treatment for your dog and cat. You'll also learn about safe, natural alternatives to help keep your dog and cat naturally flea, tick, mosquito and intestinal parasite free.

 

★ 4 min read

In this article: 

1. What is Diatomaceous Earth  
2. Why Diatomaceous Earth is Harmful to your Dog and Cat 
1. DE and your animal's gut
2. DE and your animal's lungs
3. Mineral loss and deficiency 
4. Toxic Heavy metal contamination
5. Topical use of DE can cause harm 
3.  Safe Natural Alternatives to Diatomaceous Earth
1. Natural supplements and supplemental foods
2. Herbal wormers and worming support aids
3. Natural flea, mosquito and tick dips, sprays, rubs and rinse recipes
4. Natural flea, tick, mosquito collar drops and balms
   
5. Natural alternative for treating household surfaces (carpet, hard floors, etc.)

Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is not a safe supplement or topical treatment for dogs and cats. Some dog and cat owners use DE as an anti-parasitic ingested treatment (worming aid), and a topically applied flea deterrent. But DE is not a safe choice. The good news is that there are many natural foods, herbs and nutraceuticals that are safe to use instead of DE.

1.0 What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a type of sand naturally formed by the fossilized skeletons of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms (plankton). DE powder is ground fossilized diatom skeletons.

DE is a desiccant. It kills parasites by removing moisture from the parasites body. The microscopic particles of DE are very **SHARP**. 

 

These sharp edges are abrasive, and cut into the parasites exoskeleton and body. The damage from the cuts results in more moisture loss which speeds the drying out process. 

These sharp edges also harm your dog and cat's gut, lungs and skin.

2.0 Why Diatomaceous Earth is Harmful to Your Dog and Cat

 

2.1 Diatomaceous Earth and Your Animal's Gut

Parasites cause inflammation of your dog and cat's stomach. So does DE. When your dog or cat ingests DE the sharp abrasive powder cuts and dries out the parasite's body. DE powder also causes dehydration and inflammation of your animal's gut.

 

2.2 Diatomaceous Earth and Your Animal's Lungs

If your dog or cat inhales DE powder while consuming her food:

- The sharp particles can cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs.

- Permanent damage of the lungs can occur.

- For animals with underlying respiratory issues the risk is even greater.

The adverse effects of DE on the respiratory system is well documented. Repeated inhalation of silica  (*silica is the primary component of DE) can accumulate in the tissue of the respiratory system: bronchi, lungs, lymph nodes and pulmonary alveoli. Long-term exposure has been linked to lung cancer, non-malignant respiratory issues and disease, and silicosis. This is well documented in humans. Consider that cats and most dogs are significantly smaller than an adult human.

2.3 Mineral Loss and Mineral Deficiency

 

 

 

Diatomaceous earth is 80% to 90% silica. Ingesting too much silica can result in displacement (loss and deficiency) of essential minerals. 

 

If your dog and cat's diet contains nutrient blocking dietary components such as grains, rice, beans, peanut butter or starchy root vegetables, their risk of mineral deficiency is increased further.

 

A diet lacking in bioavailable minerals contributes to and causes short and long-term health issues and conditions.

2.4 Toxic Heavy Metal Contamination

 

DE is composed of:

• 80% to 90% *silica
• 2% to 4% alumina
• 0.5% to 2% iron oxide
• And a lesser amount of heavy metals, arsenic, cadmium and lead.

Arsenic, cadmium and lead are known to cause and contribute to: 

1. Acidification of the body
2. Poor immune system function
3. Parasitic infestations
   
4. Inflammatory disease including cancer

 

2.5 Topical Use of Diatomaceous Earth Can Harm Your Dog and Cat

 

 

DE kills by intensely dehydrating (desiccation) and cutting the body of insects and parasites. The desiccating action of DE can damage your dog and cat's fur and skin resulting in, for example:

1. Minor to major skin rash.
2. Dry, fragile skin.
   
3. Dry brittle fur.

When applying the DE to your dog or cat's fur and skin, to carpets, furniture etc., DE particles can become airborne. The particles can end-up in your animal's eyes, or respiratory tract resulting in temporary or long-term harm.

3.0 Safe, Natural Alternatives to Diatomaceous Earth

There are many natural, safe alternatives (ingested and topically applied), that replace the need to use diatomaceous earth. Examples are provided in the article links just below.
 

3.1 Natural Supplements and Supplemental Foods 

 

 

Learn about natural foods, herbs and nutraceuticals that help:

1. Prevent fleas and treat flea infestations.
2. Prevent and treat intestinal parasite infestations.
3. How to include these supplemental items in your dog and cat's diet.
   

Go to  go this article.

 

 

3.2 Herbal Wormers and Worming Support Aids

 

 

Learn about natural wormers and worming support aids:

1. Prevent worm (intestinal parasite) infestations.
2. Treat intestinal parasite infestations.
3. How to include the wormers and support aids in your dog and cat's diet.
   

Go to this article.

 

 

3.3 Natural Flea, Mosquito and Tick Dips, Sprays, Rubs and Rinses 

 

 

3.3.1 Natural, Herbal Recipes for Flea Dips, Sprays, Rubs and Rinses

 

For the:

1. Recipes.
   
2. Learn more about a layered natural approach to insect prevention.
   

Go to this article.

 

 

3.3.2  Neem Spray, Dip and Rub Recipe

 

For the recipes and to learn about neem oil:

Go to this article.

 

 

3.3.3 Rosemary Flea Spray and Dip Recipe 

 

For the recipe:

Go to this article.

 

 

3.3.4 Natural Flea, Tick and Mosquito Collar Drops and Insect Balms

 

For the Insect Repelling Collar Drop recipes:

• Go to this article.

For the Insect Repelling Balm recipes:

• Go to this article.

 

3.4 Natural Alternative for Treating Household Surfaces

 

Salt, such as fine ground Himalayan pink salt, Hawaiian or sea salt can be generously sprinkled on household surfaces to assist in the eradication of fleas. Once sprinkled on the require surfaces, leave the salt in place for 24 hours, then vacuum-up the salt.

 

Salt acts as a desiccant, as it draws moisture from the body (of fleas and other insects) resulting in dehydration and death. 

Full spectrum salt is non-toxic to dogs and cats when ingested in small amounts, however it should not be ingested in large amounts. 

 

Learn more about choosing salt in this article, what to avoid and what to choose:

• Go to this article.

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition and wellness services, visit my holistic wellness services page.

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

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To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services for Your Dog

For information about my holistic behavioral services, visit my holistic behavioral services page.

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

My behavioral services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎 USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

📱FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email, go to my contact me page.

 

Affiliations to Companies  

✓ None. 

✓ I don't sell food, supplements, or other products.

✓ I'm not aligned with any companies. 

 

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld.