Diatomaceous earth application for big dog

[SarahGa]

Hello,

Does anyone have a technique or some easier way to apply DE on a big dog? Every time I try, it is a giant mess and I end up breathing it all in. I was thinking- does it really need to cover their whole body or just regions as the fleas will move around? It's 80 degrees now, and the fleas are just going wild. Any new flea control out there that has worked for others?

Thank you!
Sarah

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Sarah!

Great questions!

oes it really need to cover their whole body or just regions as the fleas will move around? I

It depends on the individual how to best applyi the DE (are you using food grade?). IMHO, applying it regionally could work.

However @Dr. Christina is the flea expert, so I'll let her answer.

Any new flea control out there that has worked for others?

Flea birth control (lufeneron) may be appropriate if there's infestation in the house.

Lufenuron (Program)

Insects are protected in the world by a hard exoskeleton made of a material called chitin. Lufenuron, Program's active ingredient, inhibits the production of chitin in insects.

veterinarypartner.vin.com

And beneficial nematodes in the yard.

 

[Dr. Christina]

DE may not be the best approach with a big dog as it is not good for people or animals to inhale a lot of it. You can use it carefully in the house, along with flea traps. Read about that in the library under parasites, and then much more is in the Fleas Be Gone ebook.

Fleas are usually a clue that the vital force/Qi/pranna is out of balance. So it is critical to be focused on building health and balance while dealing with the fleas. Please study the 101 course for that. What diet are you feeding? And are you working with a homeopathic veterinarian or Chinese medicine one? If so, they can help build health so your dog(s) will not be susceptivle.

Where do you live?

How old is the dog? You said "their" - do you have more than one?

Has he/they ever had fleas before?

For the yard, treat with Flea Destroyers - they are the best nematodes available.

You may want to get the ultrasonic tags from tickless.com

Flea combing several times a day can be time consuming, for sure, but is very important.

Schedule your 15 minute call if you have not yet if you want a little more after doing some reading.

Dr. Christina

 

[Dr. Christina]

Sarah,
Hope your relationship with fleas is improving. Let us know if you need more.
Dr. Christina

 

[SarahGa]

Thank you Dr Christina and Dr Jeff! Yes the fleas have improved quite a bit. I'm in LA and the summer weather has started early and caught me off guard...80 degrees last week! So my big dog is a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix with Malamute ( short haired but fluffy in areas). She's 95 Lbs, and diet is mainly Steves raw turkey and Primal raw beef and sardines.. Ziwi dried beef as treats. I just took her off Honest kitchen kibble as her extra food. She's 8.5 years and pretty lazy these days(used to be the spunkiest)

So I experimented with applying the DE. I just put it on her back (neck to tail). The fleas seem to migrate to her stomach and chest, so every morning I just see them and spray the wondercide flea and tic and get about a dozen fleas dead. I comb her face... and I don't see her itching at all. I think the fleas don't like to walk through the DE so they are forced to go elsewhere, which gives me less geography to find fleas. And yes, I've read your flea book, use nematodes in the yard, and I do a quick vacuum every day even if it's just where she hangs out.

I just added giving her a raw steak once a week, and she goes wild! I do sear the outside of the steak for a few seconds in case of any bacteria- maybe thats not necessarily? Fun fact - she barks for treats after dinner, but after the steak she never begs for anything else. Yes I would love to see her spunkier and her beam go up. Will work on that!