Dogs are common hosts for various intestinal worms. Many dog owners are wondering, “What home remedy can I use to deworm my dog?” We have 6 natural worm treatments for dogs that you can treat your pet with.
Why go natural?
Regular worming treatments such as heartworm preventatives, worming tablets, and broad-spectrum wormers are commonly prescribed by vets to treat and control these intestinal parasites.
These commercial dog worming products are often effective, but they can also cause long-term health issues. They have compounds that eliminate harmful parasites and kill good organisms in your dog’s digestive system.
As a result, conventional worm medicine for dogs can mess up gastrointestinal functions and prevent proper nutrient absorption. In severe cases, it can damage the liver, cause seizures, and even death.
Dog owners can sidestep these dangerous consequences with natural worm treatments for dogs. Moreover, these home remedies also help improve your dog’s overall health aside from getting rid of intestinal parasites.
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What are the most common types of worms in dogs?
Natural deworming treatments for dogs vary in efficacy depending on the type of intestinal worm. Determining what kind of worm is infesting your dog will help you choose the most appropriate natural dog wormer to use on him.
Whipworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are the most common types of intestinal worms in dogs. Let us see how they differ from each other.
1. Whipworms
Whipworms cannot be seen by the naked eye. They have threadlike bodies and are usually seen in the cecum, which is the first part of the large intestine.
2. Tapeworms
Tapeworms have long bodies that can grow up to 4–6 inches. Some adult tapeworms can even be as long as 30 inches. Their bodies can separate into small rice-like segments. Dogs and cats infected with tapeworms often have these segments on their fur or stool.
3. Roundworms
Roundworms in dogs are white to light brown in colour. These intestinal parasites grow up to a few inches long and are commonly seen in stools or vomit. They can be found in both dogs and puppies.
4. Hookworms
Hookworms are thin microscopic intestinal parasites. They latch onto the intestines to feed blood. Dogs, including puppies, are highly at risk of anaemia and death if they are badly infested with hookworms.
5. Heartworms
Heartworms are spaghetti-like parasites that grow abundantly in the cardiovascular system. They are commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. This type of worm is more difficult to treat than others.
6 Natural Dog Wormers for Dogs
Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #1: Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are safe to administer on canines, but make sure to use raw organic ones. Avoid processed or salted ones since these contain ingredients that can harm your dog.
To easily administer this natural dog wormer, use a food processor or blender to pulse the seeds until they turn into a fine powder.
The recommended amount of this worm treatment for dogs is ¼ teaspoon per 4.5 kilos (10 pounds) of weight. Sprinkle the pumpkin seed powder into your dog’s food 1–2 times a day until the intestinal parasites are completely eradicated.
Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #2: Black Cumin Seeds
Black cumin seeds keep worms from attaching to the intestinal lining by breaking their suckers. This natural dog wormer is also capable of affecting the female’s ability to lay eggs.
Moreover, black cumin seeds work strongly against adult worms, making them easier to eliminate.
The ideal amount of black cumin seeds that you should add to your dog’s daily meals is ½–1 teaspoon. This natural dog worming treatment is bitter-tasting, which some dogs might dislike. But heating the seeds will remove the bitterness.
Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #3: Apple Cider Vinegar
However, it can make the intestines of dogs an unpleasant place for worms to live in. This is due to the apple cider vinegar raising the alkaline levels in your furry friend’s digestive tract.
Mix in ¼–1 teaspoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar in his water or dog food per day. Avoid using large amounts of this natural dog wormer since it has high acidity and may damage your dog’s gastrointestinal system.
Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #4: Chamomile
This herb has antiparasitic properties that help combat these bloodsuckers, particularly roundworms and whipworms. The scent of chamomile is also abhorrent to fleas and ticks, keeping them away from your dog.
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A tincture is the most effective form of chamomile dewormer for dogs. This can be purchased at an affordable price in health food stores.
Give the chamomile tincture to your dog twice a day for two weeks. The suggested dosage is 0.25 ml–0.50 ml per 4.5 kilos (20 pounds) of your dog’s weight.
Use chamomile tea to prevent flea and tick infestation on your dog. Follow the instructions below on how to make it and apply it to your dog:
- In a pot, boil 250 ml of water.
- Brew a handful of dried chamomile loose tea for 3–4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 30 minutes until the tea has reached room temperature.
- Use a cotton ball or cloth to apply it all over your dog’s body. Make sure to include areas with flea or tick bites to soothe inflammation and irritation.
Chamomile is generally a safe herb to use on dogs. However, it may have side effects on pregnant and lactating dogs. Thus, avoid using this natural dog wormer on them.
Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #5: Dried Coconut
Coconut oil also functions the same way as dried coconut. It is suitable as a puppy worm treatment too.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is then converted to monolaurin after ingestion. Monolaurin is a compound that aids in removing intestinal parasites such as tapeworms and roundworms.
Initially, give your dog small amounts of coconut oil to avoid stomach upset and loose stools. Start with 1/4 teaspoon daily and gradually increase it to 1 teaspoon a day per 4.5 kilos (10 pounds) body weight.
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Natural Worm Treatment for Dogs #6: A Mix of Antiworm Fruits and Vegetables
For instance, pineapple is rich in an enzyme called bromelain. It strengthens your dog’s immune system and makes it less susceptible to worms.
Papaya is also a good natural deworming agent since it contains papain. It is an enzyme that helps get rid of intestinal worms. Other fruits and vegetables that are natural dog wormers include:
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Fennel
- Pomegranate
- Squash
- Watercress
Combine around 1 teaspoon of any of these fruits and vegetables per 4.5 kilos (10 pounds) of body weight. Include them in his meals twice a day.
How do you get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet?
Another question most dog owners ask is, “Can I treat my dog for worms without going to the vet?” The answer is yes, you can, so long as the problem is far from severe.
Mild intestinal worm infestation is treatable by administering the natural dog dewormers listed above. Hence, a visit to the vet is not necessary.
But it is recommended to let your dog get fecal exams 2–3 weeks after administering natural dewormers. This will confirm if the treatment has successfully eliminated all intestinal worms in your dog.
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How often should I deworm my dog?
Deworm your dog at regular intervals to keep him worm-free. Puppies should be dewormed as early as 2 weeks of age. Make sure to follow the frequency of dosage that we have stated in each natural dog dewormer to achieve positive results.
How long does it take for dog worm treatment to work?
Worming treatment for dogs mostly takes effect within 24 hours. Generally, a wormer that kills faster than others will start eliminating worms within 2–6 hours. Others tend to be slower and may take effect within 12–14 hours.
Another question related to this inquiry is, “How long do dogs pass worms after deworming?” Dog owners may find dead worms on their furry friend’s stool for several days to a few weeks.
How do dogs get worms?
Worms can be transmitted to dogs in many ways. Pooches might accidentally ingest soil or items where intestinal parasites or their larvae are found.
Other animals and even parasites can be hosts of worms. Ingesting or coming into contact with them can infect dogs.
Intestinal worms can be passed off from the mother to her offspring too via the placenta. Puppies can also pick up worms by drinking milk from their infected mother.
What are the signs of worms in dogs?
The signs may vary depending on the type of worm infecting your furry companion. However, the most common symptoms of worms in dogs include:
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Bloated stomach
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stools covered in mucus
- Bloody stools
- Low energy levels
- Poor coat condition
It would be best to get your dog checked by the vet if he shows these symptoms. Since these are linked to other health issues, a proper diagnosis is needed to determine if these are caused by intestinal worms.
Dogs with worms should be given appropriate pet care. If left untreated, intestinal worm infestation can badly affect their health.
