DE in the Dog Run...?

[Joz]

Just rescued two puppies off the streets of the 9th ward in New Orleans. Of course they've got mange/scabies. And now I can't stop itching. Ewww.

I'm assuming that putting DE in their run will help prevent future outbreaks...? Need DE for such purposes be food grade?

Every feed store I call recommends I call a health food store or just use their DE that's not marked food-grade (tho "it's very safe for dogs, garden, and chickens," he says).

I wasn't planning on dusting the dogs directly, but rather using whatever medicated stuff the vet recommends (boyfriend has dogs there now).

Thanks y'all.

(Do insects count as pests?)

 

[Kittymomma]

I'm sure stall dry would be fine and you should be able to get it easily. DE is the main componet, your not using it to dust the animals and it's used in horse stalls.

ETA: Good job on the rescue!!

 

[kota1369]

It may help out in the run down the road but they need to see a vet asap. I use DE, but do not believe it is a cure all.
Skin issues with dogs need to be seen by a vet. I had a rescue also, who had both problems when I got him and it took
quite a while to get it under control.
DE will most likely help keep the oder down in the run and could help with other pests.
good luck to you


the lady with 4 dogs, 4 city chickens, 2 meat rabbits and a lizard

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

If it's not food grade, it's not safe
But it will NOT help with mange

If you're sure it's mange, the best treatment is Ivomec:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_demodectic_mange.html

 

[Joz]

They've been to the vet, they've got ivomec, and they're being treated (see original post in its entirety, please?).

What I'm concerned about is, if they're kept in a small portion of my yard, whether they'll be re-infested at a later date if I don't treat the run also.

My plan is not to treat the puppies directly with DE, nor to rely on DE to treat.

 

[Kittymomma]

I really don't think it's going to make much difference. If I'm remembering right the mites can't live away from the host for very long so treating the run won't make a big difference. What it can help with though is flies and odor. I'm sure you'll be cleaning up after them, but if you have any damp areas the de or stall dry will help keep flies and such from breeding/hanging out in the dog run.

 

[Joz]

Thanks! That's just what I needed to know.

Their run is small enough to keep on top of poop-scooping, and seems to dry out alright.