Using Diatomaceous Earth for Internal and External Parasite Control in our Pets

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:03:53 -0700

What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is the remains of microscopic one-celled plants (phytoplankton) called diatoms that lived in the oceans and lakes that once covered the western part of the US and other parts of the world. It is completely organic and safe for people, pets and the environment.

How does Diatomaceous Earth work?
Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action, not chemical, by puncturing an insect or worms exoskeleton and absorbing the moisture in their bodies. It desiccates the bugs. Because DE is not absorbed by the body there is no concern for chemical toxicity or adverse reactions. Equally important is that parasites cannot develop resistance to DE as they can and are to insecticides and chemicals used in current pest control.

What is Anthelmintic Resistence?
Anthelmintics are the substances used in traditional animal dewormers. Continued use of these substances, is allowing selective retention of worms with innate resistance to a particular anthelmintic. A population of resistant worms is resulting and the resistant worm population may then be transmitted to other animals. Side resistance to other anthelmintics in the same chemical group is also occurring. This has been observed in the benzimidazole group of compounds and in the levamisole-morantel group, both of which are used in the treatment of worms in pets and livestock. Because DE works in a physical not chemical manner, worms cannot develop resistance to its effects.

Using DE for Internal parasite control
At Basalt Canyon Kennels we have exclusively used DE for internal parasite control for many years with 100% success. We start our puppies on it at 4-5 weeks of age and use with our adult dogs as needed. DE works for roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, hookworms,...

The key to success with DE is to use it daily and for a long enough period of time to cover the entire life cycle of the parasite you are trying to get rid of. The life cycle of some common internal parasites are
Roundworms-- 4-6 weeks
Tapeworms-- 3-4weeks
Whipworms-- 11-12 weeks
Hookworms-- 8-12 weeks

For internal parasites, we have found mixing DE into our pets food is the easiest way to administer it. The table is a guideline for how much DE to feed your pet. Because DE is not actually absorbed by your pet, amounts can be doubled with no ill effects.

The current use of insecticides for external parasites
The current use of Spot On flea killers is allowing an increase in the population of parasites resistant to these chemicals and in turn manufacturers are having to increase the amount of insecticides and the number of insecticides in their products. These insecticides have all been linked to serious health effects in animals. In 2008 more than 44,000 severe reactions and 1,200 deaths were reported from the use of Spot-On flea killers. Once again, because DE works in a physical not chemical manner, external parasites cannot develop resistance to its effects.

Using DE for external parasite control
DE is also effective for controlling external parasites and can be used as a preventative or during an infestation of fleas, ticks, lice, and other external parasites. It can be used directly on pets and around their environment which is key to eradicating these pests.

For external parasites DE can be sprinkled directly on your pets fur and worked down to the skin with a comb or brush. Take care to avoid your pets eyes. DE can also be sprinkled in your pets environment--bedding, carpets, couches, or wherever your pet hangs out. If desired, DE can be vacuumed up after parasite control has been achieved. DE can be used in your pets outdoor environment also. Sprinkle DE in the outdoor areas your pet frequents at a rate of 8-16 oz per 1000 square feet. Reapply as needed. For a more detailed Integrated Pest Management program for eliminating external parasites read “Eliminate Fleas Without Poisons” http://www.homevet.com/petcare/documents/fleacontrol.pdf.

More useful information about DE
Fossil Shell flour is the name given to food grade diatomaceous earth.

DE labeled Food grade tells us it is safe to consume orally

DE is given a chemical Codex rating because it acts like a chemical by simply dehydrating insects and can be used externally like a chemical pesticide would be used.

DE can be used for pregnant or lactating females with no ill effects to the dam or the offspring.

Sprinkling DE around baseboards and entryways keeps ants and other insects from entering.

DE is also effective against ants, aphids, flea beetles, fleas, earwigs, bed bugs, sowbugs, mites, etc.

Caution
Pool grade DE has been chemically treated and should never be used internally or externally for animals.

DE is a mineral dust and not something you want to breath in on a constant basis or in large amounts, so taking precautions when applying DE is recommended. Avoiding the eyes when using on animals and applying close to the object or animal you are applying DE to is suggested.

Further Reading
Are “Spot-On” Flea Killers Safe? http://www.apnm.org/publications/resources/fleachemfin.pdf

Eliminate Fleas Without Poisons http://www.homevet.com/petcare/documents/fleacontrol.pdf

More Bad News for spot on Flea and Tick Treatments http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/367/1/More-Bad-News-for-spot-on-Flea-and-Tick-Treatments/Page1.html

Resources
Aubry, M.L., Cowell, P., Davey, M.J., and Shevde, S. (1970). Aspects of the pharmacology of a new anthelmintic: pyrantel. Br. J. Pharmacol. 38, 332–344. Abstract

Brockie, P.J., and Maricq, A.V. (January 19, 2006). Ionotropic glutamate receptors: genetics, behavior and electrophysiology, WormBook, ed. The C. elegans Research Community, WormBook, doi/10.1895/wormbook. 1.61.1, http://www.wormbook.org.

"Merck Veterinary Manual." The Merck Veterinary Manual. 17 June 2009 <http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/191506.htm>.

Which oil should I feed my dog? Salmon Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Sardine-Anchovy Oil or Flax Seed Oil

Mon, 11 May 2009 17:53:33 -0700

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids, meaning they must be provided through diet, as the body does not manufacture them. There are three major types of Omega 3 Fatty Acids used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For the body to benefit from ALA it must first be converted to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega 3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.

Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential supplement to every dogs diet and provide a multitude of benefits. They can improve skin and coat health, aid with digestion, lubricate stiff and sore joints and reduce shedding. Omega 3 fatty acids also thin the blood and reduce inflammation in the joints and blood vessels thereby reducing the strain on the heart and enhancing easy blood flow to the brain.

With the many choices there are for omega 3 fatty acids it can sometimes be confusing when trying to choose one for our dogs. Salmon oil, cod liver oil, sardine-anchovy oil, or flax seed oil are all options with their own unique nutritional offerings.

Salmon Oil is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids as well as omega 6 fatty acids, another essential fatty acid, beneficial to dogs. Omega 6 fatty acids are crucial in brain function and normal growth and development.

For those animals with skin or coat issues, Sardine-Anchovy Oil is an excellent choice. Of the fish oils, sardine-anchovy oil contains the highest naturally occurring level of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and therefore may provide the quickest healing.

Cod Liver Oil as the name suggests is derived from the livers of cod. While it contains the lowest level of Omega 3 Fatty Acids of the fish oils, it has the benefit of being an excellent source of Vitamin A (vision health) and Vitamin D (immune system and bone health). Vitamin D supplementation is essential for those pets who are strictly indoors and therefore cannot manufacture it with the help of the sun.

While flax seed oil may be a good choice for humans to supplement their diet with omega 3 fatty acids, it is a poor choice for our dogs. Flax seed oil contains an omega-3 called alphalinoleic acid (ALA) and other fatty acids. ALA is the precursor of the Omega 3 oils (EPA and DHA) found in fish oil. ALA must be converted to EPA and DHA to be of any nutritional benefit to dogs. ALA is not readily converted to EPA and is severely restricted in its conversion to DHA, especially for carnivores who are not designed with the proper enzymes to digest and convert vegetables or grain products in the first place. Fish oil is readily processed by the digestive system, resulting in more available essential fatty acids per serving. Fish oils contain a highly digestible form of Omega 3 fatty acids that flax seed oil does not.

Just as it is important to rotate among a healthy variety of foods to maintain a healthy digestive system, and provide nutritional balance for your dog, so it is important to rotate supplements. Rotating between a variety of fish oils, offers your dog the unique benefits each has to offer. Rotating oils also provides a taste alternative. Just as you would get tired of having the same tastes day after day, our companion animals get tired of the same supplement on their foods month after month. Variety is the spice of life.

Now a quick note on packaging oils. Many companies continue to house their oils in plastic containers. You may have seen bottles of oil on store shelves that appear to be collapsing in on themselves or shrinking. This is happening because over time the oil is causing the break down of chemicals used in the manufacturing of the plastic. This is not something we should be feeding our pets. When looking to purchase a fish oil never purchase a bottle that is shrinking or buckled, but instead look for one that is not or choose a product like Iceland Pure Fish Oils that are housed in aluminum bottles lined with a product that has the properties of glass and will not breakdown and contaminate the oil.

Effect of an omega-3/omega-6 fatty acid-containing commercial lamb and rice diet on pruritus in atopic dogs: results of a single-blinded study. D W Scott, W H Miller, Jr, G A Reinhart, H O Mohammed, and M S Bagladi Can J Vet Res. 1997 April; 61(2): 145–153. PMCID: PMC1189391

"Omega-3 fatty acids." University of Maryland Medical Center. 11 May 2009 <http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm>.

"Omega-6 fatty acids." University of Maryland Medical Center. 11 May 2009 <http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-6-000317.htm>.

Basalt Canyon Dog Blog

Using Diatomaceous Earth for Internal and External Parasite Control in our Pets

Which oil should I feed my dog? Salmon Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Sardine-Anchovy Oil or Flax Seed Oil