Mites are tiny—but their impact on our animals' well-being can be enormous. Itching, crusting, weeping skin patches, or hair loss are often the first signs. More and more pet owners are turning to natural support in such cases—for example, zeolite skin powder with organic lavender oil. But how exactly does it work? And how can it help dogs, cats, and horses? We'll explain it to you step by step.
🕷️ What are mites – and why are they so persistent?
Mites are microscopic parasites that nest on or in the skin. Depending on the species, they can cause skin problems, severe itching, inflammation, and even infections. The following are particularly common:
- Ear mites (especially in cats and kittens)
- Mange mites (e.g. Sarcoptes in dogs, Notoedres in cats)
- Hair follicle mites (Demodex – usually in cases of weakened immune systems)
- Burrowing mites or autumn grass mites (in pasture horses)
Many mite species require a warm, moist skin environment to reproduce. This is where zeolite comes into play.
Why zeolite can help with mite infestation
Our Zeolite Skin Powder consists of the finest clinoptilolite zeolite and genuine organic lavender oil. Both substances are purely natural – and have properties that can sustainably change the skin's environment in the event of a mite infestation:
✅ 1. Moisture binding & drying
Zeolite has enormous absorbency. It binds excess moisture to the skin—an environment that mites dislike.
Dry, well-ventilated skin areas are unsuitable for reproduction for many mite species.
✅ 2. Mechanical action against parasites
Zeolite consists of tiny, angular crystals. These, like diatomaceous earth, can attack the protective shells of mites and larvae, causing them to dry out.
This can significantly limit their development and spread.
✅ 3. Soothes irritated skin
Zeolite binds irritants like histamine, which are released during itching. The organic lavender oil it contains also has a soothing and mildly anti-inflammatory effect.
The skin can regenerate faster.
✅ 4. Odor binding for weeping skin areas
Many animals develop unpleasant-smelling patches of skin when infested with mites. Zeolite helps neutralize odors naturally.
🐶 Use in dogs
Dogs are particularly sensitive to mange mites , Demodex , and autumn grass mites . Typical symptoms include severe itching, hair loss, weeping patches, and redness – often on the head, ears, belly, or paws.
Application tip:
- Part the fur, expose the irritated area
- Apply a thin layer of skin powder 1–2 times daily (do not massage in)
- Best after a walk or in the evening when the dog is relaxed
- In case of heavy licking, use a shirt or (improvised) bandage for a short time if necessary
➡ Zeolite skin powder can help soothe and dry the affected skin area and limit the proliferation of mites.
🐱 Use in cats
Cats often suffer from ear mites or Notoedres mange , which manifests itself in severe scratching, crust formation and hairless patches – especially in the head and neck area.
Application tip:
- Carefully expose the area
- Sprinkle the powder sparingly and quietly (cats are sensitive – you know that from your own experience!)
- For external use only – do not put in the ear!
- Best used when cuddling or after eating when the cat is calm
- If the dog tries to lick: distraction with a game or treat
➡ The powder soothes irritated skin, keeps the area dry and can inhibit the spread of mites by changing the skin environment .
🐴 Use in horses
Horses in pasture are often affected by autumn grass mites or mange mites , especially on the legs, pasterns, and abdominal seams. Eczema areas are also often additionally infested with mites.
Application tip:
- Clean and dry areas
- Sprinkle powder generously – e.g., on the tail, belly seam or pastern
- Ideal after the paddock walk or in the evening in the stable
- When used daily for several days, skin is visibly soothed
➡ Especially in combination with summer eczema or mud fever, the skin powder is a valuable aid in skin protection and ensures an environment unfriendly to mites .
What does science say?
Studies on zeolite and mites in animals are currently rare, but the effectiveness of zeolite against parasites is well documented in vitro and on stable parasites such as mites and lice. Similar to diatomaceous earth, zeolite has a drying effect on the skin and disrupts the life cycle of many ectoparasites.
Important NOTE
Zeolite skin powder is a natural, adjunctive treatment—but not a substitute for treatment—for severe or recurring mite infestations. In acute cases, you should always have your pet examined by a veterinarian and, if necessary, administer antiparasitic medication. The powder can then be used ideally for skin care, relief , and prevention .
🌿 Conclusion: Natural support for mites
Zeolite Skin Powder with Organic Lavender Oil is more than just a skincare product—it's a smart helper from nature. It naturally creates an environment that makes life difficult for mites, while simultaneously soothing and supporting irritated skin—all without chemicals.
Whether for dogs, cats, or horses: If you want to treat skin and the environment gently, zeolite is a strong partner.
👉 Discover now:
Tierkraft Zeolite Skin Powder with Organic Lavender Oil
What do our customers say? *****
💬 "Since we started applying the powder after walks, Luna hardly scratches anymore. Mites don't seem to have a chance anymore." *****
Andrea and Border Collie “Luna”
💬 "The powder has helped my mare with sweet itch and mites – her tail is finally no longer sore." *****
Carina
💬 "My pug kept getting red paws from licking. This skin powder soothed and dried the skin—and smelled pleasant, too. I also apply it to the moist spots in the wrinkles."
Tobias (his pug is called Rudi, by the way)
💬 "After the tick season, my cat often scratches itself until it's sore. Zeolite powder is now my secret tip: gentle and effective."
MG
💬 "I was skeptical about mites on my fetlock. But the zeolite helped tremendously – my skin was noticeably better within a few days."
Sabine and her Haflinger
💬 "It doesn't sting or itch when applied and is easy to use. Just sprinkle it on. One dog used it on his bite wounds, and the other on the scratch on his snout that he got from the cat next door."
And I
💬 "My vet gave us zeolite. This powder was a blessing for my cat. The nighttime scratching stopped. I was really worried and didn't want to resort to chemicals."
– Anna Z.
🌿 Natural home remedies for mites in dogs, cats & horses
(Complementary to zeolite – gentle, proven and easy to combine)
1. 🧴 Coconut oil
Effects: slightly antiparasitic, skin-caring, itching-relieving
Why: The active ingredient lauric acid can disturb mites and at the same time cares for irritated skin.
Application: Apply a thin layer to affected skin areas (e.g. paws, base of tail, base of ears).
Caution for cats: Use only in small amounts, as cats can be sensitive to oils.
2. 🧼 Apple cider vinegar (diluted)
Effects: slightly disinfectant, pH-regulating
Why: Mites don't like acidic skin. Apple cider vinegar can alter the skin's environment.
Application: Dilute 1:1 with water, dab onto the skin with a soft cloth (not on open wounds).
Tip: Suitable for dogs and horses – use caution with cats (do not spray into fur!).
3. 🌿 Neem oil
Effects: mite-repellent, antibacterial, skin-caring
Why: In naturopathy, neem is used to treat parasitic infestations.
Application: Apply only diluted (e.g. with coconut or jojoba oil) to the skin.
Note: Never use pure – always measure out the right amount!
4. 🛁 Chamomile or black tea infusions
Effects: anti-inflammatory, soothing
Why: Ideal for the care of reddened, irritated skin.
Application: Apply cooled tea with a soft cloth, do not rinse.
Tip: Especially useful on horses or dogs – e.g., on the fetlock or dock.
5. 🧂 Saline solutions (sea salt)
Effects: antiseptic, drying
Why: Mites do not survive well in salty, dry environments.
Application: 1 teaspoon of salt to 250 ml of boiled water – carefully moisten the affected area.
Apply only to non-open skin!
🧴 Particularly useful in combination with zeolite:
Home remedies such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar or neem oil can:
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complement the effect of zeolite
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strengthen the skin barrier
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Further relieve itching
💡 Tip:
First apply zeolite powder, then apply nourishing oils at a distance (e.g. in the evening) – never combine them directly , as the oil can impair the absorbing effect of the zeolite.
Please note:
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In cases of severe or long-lasting infestation, always consult a veterinarian. Of course.
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Use home remedies only in milder cases or as an adjunct to treatment
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Cats are particularly sensitive – always dose carefully and observe carefully. Of course.
What is diatomaceous earth compared to zeolite?
That's a very good question (we get asked this question all the time) – because diatomaceous earth and zeolite are often used in similar applications, for example, against parasites like mites or for the natural care of animal environments. Nevertheless, they differ significantly in their origin, effect, and application .
Here is a clear comparison, including advantages and disadvantages, for those of us who like things clear and tidy:
Diatomaceous earth vs. zeolite – the big comparison
| Characteristic | Kieselguhr (diatomaceous earth) | Zeolite (clinoptilolite) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Fossil deposits of diatoms | Volcanic mineral (aluminosilicate) |
| structure | Very fine, sharp-edged particles with a high surface area | Crystalline, porous framework with channel structure |
| Main effect | Mechanical dehydration (removes the protective layer from parasites) | Moisture binding, pollutant binding, skin soothing |
| Effective against mites | Direct drying through contact | Mite-unfriendly environment, dehydration & skin care |
| Application | On stable floors, baskets, feeding places – less often directly on skin | Suitable for skin care directly on the animal (even for irritated skin) |
| Drying performance | Very high, very drying | Gentle but lasting drying |
| Skin compatibility | May irritate, not suitable for open or sensitive skin | Very well tolerated, even by sensitive animal skin |
| Odor binding | Small amount | Very strong (binds ammonia, histamine, etc.) |
| Ion exchange capacity | None or very little | Yes – promotes detoxification & regeneration |
| Use in animals | Rather indirect (environment, stable, fur) | Can be applied directly to skin or fur |
| Danger if inhaled | High (dust can irritate lungs) | Low – low dust in powder form |
✅ Benefits of diatomaceous earth:
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Very effective, natural mite control in the environment
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Rapid drying of parasites upon direct contact
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Environmentally friendly, non-toxic to humans and animals (except when inhaled)
❌ Disadvantages of diatomaceous earth:
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Not skin-friendly – can dry out or irritate the skin
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Danger of inhalation (especially fine dust)
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No nourishing or regenerating properties
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Hardly effective in humid environments (e.g. pasterns)
✅ Benefits of Zeolite:
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Gentle on the skin , ideal for irritated or sensitive animal skin
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Mite -unfriendly effect due to environmental change, not due to aggression
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Binds odors and inflammatory substances (e.g. ammonia, histamine)
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Supports the regeneration of the skin barrier
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Suitable for direct application on the skin of dogs, cats and horses
❌ Disadvantages of zeolite:
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Acts more slowly against parasites than diatomaceous earth
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Not directly killing , but rather growth-inhibiting
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Zeolite powder must be really super fine, otherwise it will not work enough
🐾 Conclusion:
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Diatomaceous earth is excellent for controlling mites in the environment – for example, on bedding areas, stable floors, or carpets.
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Zeolite is ideal for direct application to animal skin because it is gentle, skin-caring and anti-mite at the same time .
👉 When used in combination (e.g., zeolite on the skin, diatomaceous earth in the environment ), they create a strong natural protective shield – completely chemical-free. And that's the most important thing.
Read more articles here:
→ 10 good reasons to optimize your dog food with zeolite
→ Zeolite for animals: well-founded knowledge simply explained
→ Diarrhea in dogs: symptoms, causes and home remedies
→ Dog grooming in autumn
