Diatomaceous Earth Question

[SalemWitchChild]

For those that use DE instead of other tick preventive. I've saw where a website says its safe for children and pets. So if they ingest it it won't hurt them at all?

Its a powder right? So you just put the powder on the dog? And how often?
Kota hasn't had any flea protection for a couple years now but I also haven't saw any fleas on her or in the house. But its always good to gather information if I ever see any.

What about other uses. Our house is basically built on an ant farm. And if you walk outside at night there are always bugs on my back porch.

EDIT * I found the MSDS for it. It does say to keep out of reach of children and to not ingest it.
http://www.diatect.com/msds_results.pdf

Other than that its not regulated and sounds fairly safe. It doesn't go into detail about any trial testing and what the results were though.

[RoughCollies]

You can ingest it. If you buy food grade DE, it's completely ingestable. It is a powder. I don't put it on my dogs, but give it to them to prevent internal parasites. Dixie's the only one getting it nightly as she's the only high risk dog. The others get it a couple nights a week. I mix in two tablespoons with their dinner. They like it.

People and children can take it for internal parasites as well.

[~WelshStump~]

There is actually a 3rd kind of DE I found (didn't go to the link, but it may be the other I buy). This other kind is sold at lowes and such stores as a pest control and due to the fact that its with other pesticides I wouldn't recommend ingesting that one. As well I noticed its been bleached white from the off gray/brown of the food grade stuff. Personally because its easier to get I buy that one just to use in the lawn and garden, there really isn't anything in it else wise that is synthetic/toxic.

[FairyDogMother]

So this is a good place to start my research on use of DE.
Do you apply this kind from Lowes externally or with food to be ingested?
Lowes is easy and right by my house to get started anyhow.

[~WelshStump~]

No, the one from lowes in NOT to be ingested. I also would not use it directly on a dog for safety sake as well (says on the box/bag "do not ingest"). If you have problems though with fleas (and other critters like silverfish, earwigs, and ants) in the house you can sprinkle it into cracks and crevasses, and into carpets wait a few hours and vacuum. I also use it in the garden for pest that eat plants, and you can use it in the lawn for fleas/ticks.

[FairyDogMother]

Thanks WS... won't help me with worms then

[OnyxsMom]

FDM - I too am in the process of researching DE for my use. I found this link

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

It has loads of info on DE, home use, use on animals, usage on people, effects, just an overall wealth of info, and information how to order Food Grade DE online if you cannot find in a retail store. I found it quite useful! Hope it helps you.

[OnyxsMom]

And yes, information on controlling worms with DE

[FairyDogMother]

Originally Posted by OnyxsMom

FDM - I too am in the process of researching DE for my use. I found this link

http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html

It has loads of info on DE, home use, use on animals, usage on people, effects, just an overall wealth of info, and information how to order Food Grade DE online if you cannot find in a retail store. I found it quite useful! Hope it helps you.

Thanks so much! Saves me time searching myself

[SalemWitchChild]

Originally Posted by RoughCollies

You can ingest it. If you buy food grade DE, it's completely ingestable. It is a powder. I don't put it on my dogs, but give it to them to prevent internal parasites. Dixie's the only one getting it nightly as she's the only high risk dog. The others get it a couple nights a week. I mix in two tablespoons with their dinner. They like it.

People and children can take it for internal parasites as well.

What kind of parasites? And I would assume it would be a good idea to check for worms before giving it? I know a vet will not start you on heartworm meds until they are checked.