What types of worms would Diatomaceous Earth kill? I've heard it works well with fleas too, but I'm not positive on that either

I've only used it for fleas. All three of mine got fleas after visiting Iowa for a weekend, I put in on them and the carpets and it worked really well

I like the idea of have a multi-use flea, if I ever need it for that, and worm killer, but I wasn't sure if anybody had any experience using it at a dewormer. Would be great if it's safe and natural!

I'm skeptical of the idea that DE would work as a de-wormer. DE is made up of diatoms, which are silicate bacteria. Since they are basically made of glass, their cell walls are irregular and very, very sharp. So DE kills surface parasites and household insects by microscopically slashing their carapaces/skin so that they dry out.

It probably won't work for worms, though, since they are a) more resiliant and b) in a moist environment. Many worms are segmented, as well, so any damage to part of the worm is just discarded and regrown.

Not sure if it's safe for anyone to eat, but I'd be hesitant to eat it myself.

Glass makes me nervous, I feel like that would cut their intestines O_O

Most doctors and pharmacists recommend against eating foot-grade Diatomaceous Earth for that very reason. That said, they are really tiny and both people and dogs are really big by comparison so you likely won't cause significant internal damage. You might burst a few cell membranes, but the digestive tract can take a lot of punishment.

And of course, skin is even more durable so DE is totally safe as a flea-killer.

actually, I personally have eaten DE without issue. I know many people who use DE effectively to worm animals, but it is more time consuming than using a dewormer. I wouldn't hesitate to use DE. It is not unsafe and much safe than most chemicals.

However, I use this dewormer:

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e0766b-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5&ccd=IFF003&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mr:referralID=f74642ff-925f-11e2-9389-001b2166c62d


That whole bottles lasts a very, very long time.

How would I measure that out for the dogs?

i give .1 mL per 5lbs

is it through a syringe like the other one you showed me to for cattle?

Thanks Megan How is DE more time consuming than dewormer?

Yup jennet, but no needle required.

It just takes weeks to deworm with de and days with the wormer

Alrighty. So that dewormer comes in a paste? I wasn't sure cause the container

And I don't really have a problem with DE taking longer. I already have to prepare wet food supplemented with Lysine for one of the cats, mixing some DE in the dogs' daily eggs wouldn't be to hard.

mheath0429 wrote:

actually, I personally have eaten DE without issue. I know many people who use DE effectively to worm animals, but it is more time consuming than using a dewormer. I wouldn't hesitate to use DE. It is not unsafe and much safe than most chemicals.

However, I use this dewormer:

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e0766b-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5&ccd=IFF003&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mr:referralID=f74642ff-925f-11e2-9389-001b2166c62d


That whole bottles lasts a very, very long time.

Does this cover heart-worm too?

It's a thick liquid, not quite a paste.

You have to be very selective about DE brands and doses.

The wormer does not cover heartworm too. I use ivomec for that

Can't Ivomec be used for all around worming too though?
And how many times in a row would I have to give the safe-guard for it to work?

I wouldn't use ivomec for routine worming... Safeguard given weekly for 3 weeks should be more than fine.

Thanks Megan C:

Not to bring this up again, but does anybody by chance know if cats can take the Safe-guard, and at what dosage? I already have it and I'd like to save money by not buying the drontal if I don't have to.

I did a write up on this - and yes any animal can take it. 1/2 tsp is usually appropriate to cats, as I liek to keep it a low dose.


Tip - wet the spoon and then get the DE out, it will keep it from getting too powdery.

Nono, I meant the Safe-Guard, I'm sorry

OHH sorry, I didn't read that correctly. Honestly, I'm not sure. Perhaps jump on a few cat forums? I've never bothered using it on my cats.

I asked on the cat forum I frequent and one person just linked me to some Drontal so I'll probably call my vet tomorrow and ask. Thanks :]