Pet Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth.......D.E for Pets and Animals~
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a plant~ based powder that occurs naturally
within the earth. The powder gets it's unique name because it
derived from "diatoms" which are algae like plants that have existed
on earth for years......
As diatoms broke down they left behind a chalky white powder called
diatomite. Today Diatomaceous earth manufacturers harvest this
powder, combine it with other diatom derivatives, and release it as
diatomaceous earth. 
The earth is popular for all sorts of different purposes, including
gardening (where it acts as a natural insecticide) and house cleaning
(where it helps fight off bed bugs, cockroaches, and other bug
problems).
Today, more and more pet owners are also using diatomaceous earth
to solve flea~releated problems in pets. 
Many pet owners use diatomaceous earth as a naural pest~killer on
dogs. Just like diatomaceous earth fights pests in your gardens and
home, it can also fight pests on your cats and dogs.
BEST of all diatomaceous earth kills pests usuing natural methods
instead of a chemical~based toxic solution. 
If your're using diatomaceous earth on your dogs or cats, then be sure
to use food~grade DE instead of filter grade. Filter~grade earth is the
stuff typically used in pools and it can damage your pet (it has higher
silica) content and is not suited for human or animal use.
Food~grade diatomaceous earth isn't just safe for pets: you can easily
ingest it as well!!! So if you like being careful about what you give
your pet, then there's nothing wrong with DE:
There are MANY ways to use diatomaceous earth on your pets:
Feeding Diatomaceous Earth to your Dogs and Cats Can Eliminate:
Roundworms
Whipworms
Pinworms
Hookworms
If you're feeding diatomaceous earth to your pet, then you should feed
the animal for at least 30 days. This will destroy adult worms while
also targeting hatchling eggs and smaller worms throughout the lungs
and stomach.
Dusting your Pet's Fur with Diatomaceous Earth can:
Control external parasites, like fleas and flies
Kill any ticks and eggs on fur
Be applied to your pet's fur or to the bedding and carpet areas
wherever your pet lies down....
.....In addition to targeting pests and critters, there's also some
evidence that diatomaceous earth can absorb methyl mercury, e~coli,
endotoxins, viruses, organophosphate pesticide residues, drug residues,
and the bacteria created by intestinal infections. This can make it an
effective overall cleanser for your pet.
How to use Diatomaceous Earth on your Pet......
As a food~
For dogs, you sould add one tablespoon per day of food~grade diatomaceous earth to dog~food for dogs over 55 lbs.
For puppies, smaller dogs, and normal~sized cats, use one teaspoon
per day.
Larger cats (cats over 13 lbs.) can safely be given 1 ~1/2 teaspoons of
food~grade DE. Kittens and smaller cats (2 to 6 ~ 1/2 lbs.) can be given
1/2 teaspoon of food~grade DE.
If the kittens are still nursing or only taking milk, you should avoid
giving them DE until they have moved to solid food.
Some pets may be picky when they see a white powder in their food
and they might refuse to eat it. If that's the case, then
DiatomaceousEarth.com recommends adding the DE directly to the
bag of cat or dog~food. Then, shake the bag to distribute the powder
evenly throughout the food. This will mask the scent. To use the right
dosage of DE, simply take note of the number of servings in the bag of
food. then multiply the appropriate DE dosage by th enumber of
servings and add that amount to the bag.
If that doesn't work, then you may want to try mixing a dosage of DE
with a quarter cup of water. Then, pour it over your pet's food.
As a Powder Coating.....
If you are using diatomaceous earth externally to control parasites,
simply rub the diatomaceous earth powder into your dog's coat to
control fleas while also sprinkling it on the bedding. You should wear a
dust mask when applying the diatomaceous earth powder, as it can
irritate your lungs and mucous membranes in your nose.
Some pet owners prefer the powder coating method instead of the food
coating method because cats and dogs lick off the powder anyways!!!
As the animal licks the powder off their fur, it works as in internal
cleanser as well.
After a few day's of leaving DE on your dog's skin, it's time to bathe
them and vacuum the area you covered with DE. This will collect any
dead bugs (and half~dead bugs) that may still be lying around.
Thoroughly shampoo your dog or cat. Consider using a soap~free
shampoo or moisturing shampoo. Since diatomaceous earth dries out
the skin, your pet's skin, is likely a little dehydrated, so you should
avoid drying out their skin even further.
After your dog or cat has been washed and dried, comb through the fur
with a flea comb to help remove any fleas and eggs that may have been
left behind.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work?
Diatomaceous earth works by physically attacking harmful parasites
inside your pet. Instead of killing these pests using toxic chemicals, the
diatomaceous earth actually targets them using microscopic sharp
edges in it's particles. These microscopic sharp edges tear apart the
bug's exoskeleton, then lodge themselves on the bug to dry it out. This
kills the bug.
Fortunately, these microscopic sharp edges are too small to harm dogs,
cats, or humnas. You can safely rub food~grade diatomaceous earth
between your fingers without cutting yourself. It passes through your
dog or cat's body without any negative effects.
We use D.E. here at Puppy Pawz and believe it has helped us out alot!!!
It is also good for their coat and many other benefits that I don't have
here....give it a try and see what you think!!!!