Scratching Diatomaceous Earth safe for pigs?

[musicalpiggies]

Our house is infested with fleas. Sucks most for me because I'm the only one here allergic to them.

I know that guinea pigs don't normally carry fleas, but the infestation is so bad I figured they probably have them too.

I read Die Fleas! Die! Die! Die! Freaky Cheap Flea Control < this website which gave some interesting tactics for getting rid of the little buggers. I'm planning to bathe my guinea pigs in the next couple days, but was curious if food grade Diatomaceous Earth would also help keep the fleas at bay.

The website says I can run it into the fur of any animal, but I know that g-pig respiratory systems are sensitive and this stuff if a lot like flour.

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more < this is what I would be buying. Any advice would be wonderful!

 

[bpatters]

It has silica in it, which is known to cause serious and even fatal lung reactions.

You can treat your carpets with it if you're careful not to inhale it or let any pets inhale it, and you can treat the pigs with ivermectin or Revolution.

 

[galious]

Hi! I am new to this forum and came across it while researching treatments for my guinea pigs' lice problem.

Advantage powder seems to be the safest and most effective according to most online sources, but unfortunately is not available in Canada (neither is ivermectin or Revolution)

I was advised by my vet to use either Zodiac or Sergeant’s. However, I am wary of introducing our piggies to these chemicals after reading some of the information online. I've researched the options available to us and made some notes below. Most sources suggest that Diatomaceous Earth is quite safe for small animals if used as directed and in small quantities. To me, this might be the lesser of the evils rather than treating with pesticides.

Any advice would be really appreciated!


Chemical Powders Available to us:
1) Zodiac: Pyrethrins (0.05%), Piperonyl Butoxide (0.5%)
2) Sergeant’s: *Carbaryl (5.0%), Pyrethrins (0.1%), Piperonyl Butoxide (1.0%)

*According to wikipedia: “Carbaryl is a cholinesterase inhibitor and is toxic to humans. It is classified as a likely human carcinogen by the EPA.”

Non-Chemical Powders Available to us:
1) Nature Vet: Rosemary (5%), peppermint (1%), cedar oil (0.5%), rosemary oil (0.3%)
2) **Diatomaceous Earth: Fossilized diatoms ((broken link removed))

 

[foggycreekcavy]

The only things I would recommend for treating fleas on the pig are Advantage (regular, not the new Advantage II) or Revolution. Your vet should have Revolution. You can get either online too, I believe.

 

[KiwiCavyAdorer]

I have used diatomaceous earth here at our new rental, I covered the carpets while Maximus von Lichtenwalder was outside in his covered playpen and then I vacuumed. I did this for 3 weeks in a row. Although we had no jumping flea's after the first vacuum, I used it 2 x per week for 3 weeks to make sure. We are in the height of flea season and no sight or sign of them, we have a cat with flea allergy and she is our most immediate warning she is still allergy free 16 weeks on. It did not cause Maximus von Lichtenwalder any harm, he didn't sneeze or seem to notice at all.

If you can't get the known recommended safe chemical products I would use it (DE) with caution again. In my experience essential oils are not as effective or long lasting for fleas.

 

[SpazNMeos momma]

Well im a pet groomer, although I dont have any guinea pig clients(that would be awsome), I do know an all natural shampoo that is kitten friendly so should also be ok for pigs. Its called Bark 2 Basics Citrus Plus. On a kitten you would apply and leave it on for 10 minutes, I would try like 4-5 for a piggy. If you dont trust that lemon juice naturally kills fleas. You would have to pretty much cover them in it and then wash it out after the fleas have died. If you use the lemon juice make sure to avoid eyes and ears or any cuts. I hope that helps.

 

[bpatters]

Diatomaceous Earth (usually called DE) is fine in the carpets. You put it down, work it in with a broom, leave a while, and then vacuum it up. But you do that with something covering your mouth and nose so you won't inhale the stuff.

I wouldn't put it ON my pigs for anything. Silica causes lung cancer, for starters, and it gets worse from there.