Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe For Pets To Walk On
Fleas and other parasites can be harmful to both pets and humans not to mention a serious nuisance.
Is diatomaceous earth safe for pets to walk on. Is diatomaceous earth safe for dogs. Do not apply diatomaceous earth directly to your pet. So if you like being extra careful about what you give your pet then there s nothing wrong with de. However even non toxic substances can be harmful if used inappropriately.
To date the only observed exception to this is use with reptiles and beneficial insects such as honey bees. Also the powder allows liquids to flow. You can safely ingest it as well. Most diatomaceous earth is a composition of amorphous silicon dioxide and food grade d e.
Food grade diatomaceous earth isn t just safe for pets. It s also used by food manufacturers to filter beverages during the production process. And i can vouch for that. Diatomaceous earth also known as de resembles a fine white or off white powder.
Diatomaceous earth is thought to kill insects by dehydrating them or drying them out. One of the biggest appeals of diatomaceous earth is that it is non toxic. Filter grade diatomaceous earth is the stuff typically used in pools and it can damage your pet it has a higher silica content and is not suited for human or animal use. It is also dusty.
Diatomaceous earth is safe to use with and around almost all animals. De comes in the form of a fine powder and is extremely rich in biogenic silica. There are three main grades of diatomaceous earth of which only one can be hazardous to health. Diatomaceous earth has the ability to absorb moisture and therefore it is not recommended for use with reptiles due to the fact that it may dry out their skin.
Most veterinarians approve the use of diatomaceous earth for dogs as long as owners follow the product guidelines. Jennifer coates a veterinary writer editor and consultant based in fort collins colorado. It is not effective for flea control when used in this manner and could potentially result in lung damage if inhaled says dr. Veterinarians generally advise against the use of diatomaceous earth for fleas on cats and dogs.
If you re using diatomaceous earth on your dogs or cats then be sure to use food grade de instead of filter grade. There do appear to be some diatomaceous earth benefits for dogs but before we get into the details let s talk about safety. Yes food grade diatomaceous earth de is completely safe for all types of animals. It s available at most pet stores home improvement and gardening stores and many multipurpose department stores.
Diatomaceous earth is a powder containing about 80 90 silica. We ve been using it on our dogs regularly for the last couple of years for flea and tick control with great success and no adverse effects. Diatomaceous earth is most effective when dry. Food grade diatomaceous earth and pest control grade diatomaceous earth are both entirely inert and safe free from chemicals or toxins and can be used around pets children and food.
Is chemically inert and virtually harmless for pets and their people when used for pest control and consumed as a supplement.