This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Worms are a common problem in dogs.
There are a number of natural remedies that can help you treat them.
These remedies are often safe and effective.
They can help you avoid the use of harsh chemicals.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most popular natural remedies for treating worms in dogs:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Carrots
- Coconut
- Apple cider vinegar
We’ll also provide information on:
- Medical treatment for worms
- How to prevent them from infecting your dog in the first place
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Signs of Worms in Dogs
- Natural Deworming for Dogs
- Medical Treatment for Worms
- 4 Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
- Preventing Worms in Dogs
- When to See the Vet for Worms
- How Long Do Natural Dewormers Take?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are some homemade recipes using natural dewormers?
- Can puppies have the same natural dewormers as adult dogs?
- How often should I give my dog natural dewormers for prevention?
- Can natural dewormers completely eliminate all worms or do I still need medical treatment?
- What fruits and vegetables make good natural dewormers for dogs?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin seeds can help paralyze and flush out worms when fed daily at the right dosage for the dog’s weight.
- Carrots can help scrape the intestinal lining to remove mucus and parasites. You can blend carrots with yogurt or other foods for DIY treats.
- Coconut can help eliminate worms from the digestive tract. Start with small amounts based on the dog’s size and build up over time.
- Apple cider vinegar creates an inhospitable gut environment for worms. Start with small amounts in water daily based on the dog’s size.
Signs of Worms in Dogs
Seeing your dog scooting its bottom across the floor or finding worm segments in its stool should prompt you to get your pet checked out for a possible worm infection.
Signs like diarrhea, vomiting, visible worms, weight loss, dull coat, and pot belly may also indicate an intestinal worm problem.
While not pleasant, these symptoms are generally not cause for major concern when addressed promptly.
Many vet-recommended dewormers utilize effective natural ingredients along with targeted medical treatments.
Simple at-home remedies like adding fiber-rich pumpkin or coconut to your dog’s meals can help create an intestinal environment less hospitable to worms.
Observation and proactive care will help keep your pet healthy, happy, and worm-free.
Regularly monitoring your dog’s symptoms empowers you to make informed decisions about pursuing medical or natural deworming methods.
Natural Deworming for Dogs
When seeking to deworm your dog naturally, there are several readily available home remedies to try:
Pumpkin seeds, carrots, coconut, and apple cider vinegar have shown promise in helping eliminate worms.
Adding small amounts of these foods to your dog’s regular diet may support their health and clear parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds
After noticing signs of worms, consider using pumpkin seeds as a natural dewormer for your dog.
Pumpkin seeds contain compounds that paralyze and detach worms. They also flush worms out of your dog’s system.
You can feed your dog raw, plain pumpkin seeds or grind them into a powder. Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Consult your vet on dosage.
Carrots
You can also try feeding your dog some chopped carrots as a natural dewormer.
Carrots scrape the lining of your dog’s intestinal tract as they’re digested, helping to remove mucus and parasites.
As a nutritious snack, carrots offer vitamin A, fiber, and beta-carotene.
Blend with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or pumpkin for DIY treats.
Alternatives like papaya or garlic contain anti-parasitic compounds.
Consult your vet before making major diet changes.
Coconut
Dried coconut can eliminate worms from your dog’s digestive tract.
Simply sprinkle some unsweetened dried coconut over their food as a natural dewormer.
The dosage depends on your dog’s size:
- Start with 1 teaspoon for small dogs.
- Use 2 teaspoons for medium dogs.
- Use 1 tablespoon for large breeds.
Regular feeding provides health benefits for your dog.
Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage for your dog’s size.
Coconut supports gut health by eliminating internal parasites.
Unsweetened shredded coconut, dried coconut flakes, and desiccated coconut powder are all acceptable forms of coconut to use.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You’ll find adding apple cider vinegar to your dog’s drinking water can create an inhospitable environment for intestinal worms.
The acidic ACV alters the pH levels in your dog’s gut, making it harder for worms to thrive.
Start with a teaspoon per day for small dogs or 1/4 cup for larger breeds, mixing into their water bowl.
Over time, the gentle ACV may boost their coat condition and support their digestion too.
Look for raw, unfiltered vinegar with the mother for maximum benefits.
Medical Treatment for Worms
While home remedies can help control worms, consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
They may prescribe deworming medication containing ingredients like pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or praziquantel.
These fast-acting drugs kill worms in the intestines and prevent reinfection.
Follow dosage instructions carefully, as side effects include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Combination heartworm preventives also have deworming properties.
Discuss risks and benefits with your vet when selecting treatment.
Though powerful, medications may not address underlying causes of worms like poor hygiene or contaminated environments.
Maintain diligent prevention methods alongside conventional or natural dewormers.
Achieving complete elimination requires vigilance inside and outside the home.
4 Common Intestinal Worms in Dogs
You should familiarize yourself with the four most common worms that can infect your dog’s intestines:
-
Roundworms:
Most common intestinal worm in puppies.
Infection is passed from the mother and the larvae migrate into the intestine after birth.
-
Tapeworms:
Transmitted by ingesting infected fleas.
Feed your dog flea control medication and treat your home to prevent reinfection.
-
Hookworms:
Larvae burrow into the intestinal lining.
Can cause bloody diarrhea and anemia.
Acquired from contaminated soil.
-
Whipworms:
Live in the cecum and colon.
Cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy.
Pick up and dispose of dog feces promptly to prevent infection.
Maintaining cleanliness, preventing fleas, and promptly disposing of waste can protect your dog from these common parasites.
Preventing Worms in Dogs
- Pick up your dog’s feces promptly to prevent reinfection and contamination of soil and grass.
Protect your pup from worms by practicing strict hygiene protocols when handling waste and cleaning living areas.
Keep your dog away from fleas, standing water, wildlife feces, and other contamination sources that spread parasites.
Feed a fresh, whole food diet to support immune health and create an internal environment that deters worms from thriving.
Stay up to date with annual veterinary exams and consult your vet about natural dewormers to incorporate into your dog’s diet, such as pumpkin seeds, carrots, coconut, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, and probiotics.
Using a combination of hygiene practices, flea prevention, dietary strategies, and veterinary care is key for preventing intestinal worms in dogs.
When to See the Vet for Worms
Despite the benefits of natural dewormers, you’ll want to schedule a vet appointment if your dog shows signs of a heavy parasitic infection or doesn’t improve after home treatment.
Seek prompt veterinary care if your dog has severe symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull coat, or lethargy.
Follow up with your vet 2-3 weeks after starting a natural deworming regimen. Let them examine a fecal sample to ensure the remedies were fully effective.
Stick to your vet’s recommended deworming schedule for your dog. Natural remedies help, but medications may still be periodically needed.
Ask your vet for dietary tips to help boost your dog’s immune system. An optimal diet protects against worms by promoting good gut health.
How Long Do Natural Dewormers Take?
Depending on the remedy, allow 1-2 weeks to start seeing results from natural dewormers before following up with your vet.
Using pumpkin seeds, carrots, coconut, apple cider vinegar, and other natural ingredients can help eliminate worms over time through consistent dosing.
However, natural options may take longer than medical treatments to fully remove all parasites.
Follow dosage guidelines based on your dog’s size when using home remedies.
Monitor your dog’s symptoms and have your vet run fecal tests to check for improvement.
Combining natural dewormers with prescription medication under veterinary supervision can also help boost your dog’s immune system to prevent reinfection.
Stay vigilant with prevention methods like picking up poop, using flea protection, and feeding a fresh food diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some homemade recipes using natural dewormers?
Harness nature’s power to combat worms in your furry friend!
Try sprinkling unsweetened dried coconut or shredded beetroot on their food.
Blend pumpkin seeds into their meals.
Entice them with treats infused with turmeric’s healing touch.
Can puppies have the same natural dewormers as adult dogs?
Unfortunately, most natural dewormers aren’t safe for puppies and can cause harm.
It’s best to consult your veterinarian about appropriate deworming options and dosage for puppies based on their age, weight, and health status.
Gentle natural ingredients may be considered once puppies are older, but medical oversight is still advised.
How often should I give my dog natural dewormers for prevention?
Give natural dewormers regularly for prevention.
Feed pumpkin seeds, carrots, or coconut a few times per week.
Check with your veterinarian on the best schedule for your dog’s needs.
Consistency is key to maintain your dog’s health and prevent worms from establishing in the first place.
Can natural dewormers completely eliminate all worms or do I still need medical treatment?
Natural dewormers can help reduce worm load but may not fully eliminate all worms.
For complete removal, veterinarian-prescribed medications are still recommended.
Natural remedies are useful for prevention and maintaining gut health when used consistently.
Consult your vet for the best treatment plan.
What fruits and vegetables make good natural dewormers for dogs?
Have you considered adding shredded carrots, pumpkin seeds, or coconut flakes to your dog’s meals?
These fiber-rich foods can help naturally eliminate intestinal worms.
Just be sure to consult your vet on proper dosages.
A fresh, wholesome diet supports your pup’s health from the inside out.
Conclusion
As you journey to rid your faithful companion of worms, think of remedies not as single stones to cross the river, but rather as stepping stones, guiding you both safely to the other side.
Some natural dewormers for dogs may help, but discuss options with your vet, for only together can you protect your pup from these persistent parasites.
