How to Get Rid of Worms in a Dog ? How to Treat Worms in Dogs: Natural Remedies and When to See the Vet
Worms are a common problem for dogs, but many conventional treatments have potential side effects. Fortunately, there are natural remedies to consider. However, always consult your vet first, as they can advise on the best course of action for your dog’s specific situation.
Types of Worms in Dogs
- Roundworms: Common in puppies, passed from mother or through the environment.
- Tapeworms: Transmitted by fleas, visible as rice-like segments in feces.
- Hookworms: Microscopic, can cause anemia and be potentially fatal in puppies.
- Whipworms: Difficult to detect, can cause weight loss and mucousy stool.
Signs Your Dog Has Worms
- Worms in vomit or stool (though not always visible)
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Weight loss
- Dull coat
- Bloated abdomen
- Excessive rear licking
Natural Remedies for Worms
Always consult your vet before using natural remedies, and know that these might not be suitable for all dogs.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Contain cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms.
- Carrots: The coarse texture helps scrape worms from the digestive tract.
- Coconut: Dried coconut or coconut oil may have anti-parasitic properties.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Makes the intestines less hospitable to worms.
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic, promotes gut health.
- Chamomile: Soothes inflammation and helps expel roundworms and whipworms.
- Kefir: Probiotics in kefir may aid in creating a balanced gut environment.
When to See the Vet
- Natural remedies aren’t working: If your dog’s symptoms persist.
- Severe infestation: May require stronger medication.
- Heartworm prevention: Requires a vet’s prescription and testing.
- Puppies: May need specific treatments due to their vulnerability.
Medical Treatments
- Pyrantel Pamoate: Found in many over-the-counter dewormers.
- Fenbendazole: Effective against several types of worms.
- Praziquantel: Targets tapeworms specifically.
Important Notes
- Prevention is key: Pick up feces promptly, prevent flea infestations, and wash hands after handling dog waste.
- Annual Vet Visits: Important for parasite testing and preventive care.
Key Takeaways
- Natural remedies can be helpful in treating and preventing worms in dogs.
- Always consult your veterinarian before starting any treatment, especially for puppies or severe cases.
- Prevention plays a crucial role in keeping your dog healthy.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice.
How to Get Rid of Worms in a Dog?- What are Various Types of Worms?
Four types of intestinal worms pose a health risk to dogs. If left untreated, they can lead to severe health complications.
Roundworms
Some puppies are born with this type of worm. If not, they are passed on while feeding by their moms. These worms will be white or brown in color and be a few inches long. These worms will be visible in your dog’s stools or vomit.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are passed on when dogs eat fleas. Fleas eat the tapeworm eggs, and then the dog eats fleas. This is how they are passed on. Tapeworms are typically 4 to 6 inches long. They can contain over 90 segments.
The worm will shed these segments, and this is an effortless way to detect the presence of tapeworms in your dog. The details will appear to be similar to small grains of rice. They may wiggle a little but generally tend to dry out and die outside the dog.
Hookworms
These worms attach themselves to your dog’s intestine and feed on their blood Cats can also get hookworms though they are most commonly found in dogs. Hookworms in puppies can be fatal.
The presence of hookworms can make puppies severely anemic. Adult dogs can also get hookworms if they consume contaminated soil with hookworm eggs. Hookworms are microscopic organisms and cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Whipworms
These thread-like worms will accumulate in dogs’ first part of the large intestine. These worms shed fewer eggs than other types of worms, so it isn’t easy to diagnose them.
If your dog tends to have continuous weight loss or stools that have a mucous coating, you can assume that this is due to the presence of whipworms, and your vet will prescribe treatment and medication accordingly.
Several deworming medications are available for treating worms in your dog. All these drugs come with specific side effects which can be harmful to your dog’s health. Owing to this, it is best to try and treat your dog through at-home cures.
Signs Indicating Your Dog has Worms.
An obvious way to diagnose worms is to check your dog’s vomit or stools for their presence. The problem is that sometimes these parasites will not be visible to the naked eye. In such cases, you have to have your vet analyze a sample of your dog’s stools. Some of the most common symptoms of your dog having worms are
- Diarrhea (sometimes with bloody stools)
- Weight loss
- Poor appearance(Your dog will not appear healthy)
- Vomiting
- Potbelly
- Dry fur
- Licking his rear end.
How to Get Rid of Worms in Your Dog Naturally?
Listed below are some natural cures for treating as well as preventing worms in your dog
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which is a highly effective way of deworming your dog. It tends to paralyze the worms and lets them get eliminated from the intestine.
Pumpkin seeds can be fed whole or ground into a fine powder and added to your dog’s food. Consult your vet for instructions related to dosage. This should be given twice a day.
Carrots
These orange veggies are a great natural source of Vitamin A and can also help in getting rid of worms from your dog’s system. Coarsely chopped carrots can scrape the walls of the stomach and gut while getting digested.
They can remove the mucus and also any parasites found within. Carrots make a safe and natural for your dog and can also be used to boost the immune system. Carrots are also an excellent source of nutrients for your pet.
Coconut
Dried coconut can be very effective when it comes to deworming your dog. It can help in getting rid of worms from your dog’s digestive system. Sprinkle coconut over your dog’s food.
You can give small dogs one teaspoon and medium dogs two teaspoons. For giant dogs, you have to give one tablespoon. Coconut oil which comes with several health benefits can also help in getting rid of internal parasites.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar comes with several health benefits. In addition to this, a fermented form of the substance can work as an effective deworming treatment for your dog. This works as a treatment mainly because it increases the alkaline levels and makes your dog’s intestines inhospitable for parasites and worms.
Adding just ¼ to 1 teaspoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water can help deworm while also providing several other health benefits.
Turmeric
Turmeric has always been known to be a superfood that effectively boosts the immune system. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. There are four different compounds found in turmeric that can help in getting rid of worms.
It can also repair the damage done to your dog’s intestines and generally result in a healthier gut. The curcumin in turmeric can be a little difficult for your dog to absorb. So it is advisable that you make a paste out of it with coconut oil and give it to your dog.
Chamomile
Chamomile has numerous soothing properties that can help with any bloating or inflammation caused by internal parasites.
It is very effective in getting rid of both roundworms as well as whipworms. The substance works best when given a tincture and can easily be bought online or from health food stores. Consult your vet for dosage information.
Kefir
This is a fermented beverage prepared from the milk of a cow, goat, or sheep. It can significantly help in getting rid of worms from your pet’s digestive system. Choose the coconut or goat’s milk over dairy milk versions as it will be easier for your pet to digest.
Always consult your vet for the exact dosage to be given to your dog. Start slow and gradually increase the amount you are giving it. You can provide this as a separate treat or add it to your dog’s food.
Medical Treatments Recommended for Worms
There are several different types of medicines available to treat your dog if they have worms in their stomach. However, most of these medicines come with a lot of side effects. The decision of whether you are going to cure the condition using natural cures or prescription drugs is best left to a vet.
Pyrantel Pamoate
This is the active ingredient found in medications such as Drontal Plus, PRO-Wormer 2, and Nemex-2. Side effects from the drug include vomiting, depression/lethargy, and anorexia.
Fenbendazole
This is the active ingredient found in medications such as Panacur, Drontal Plus, and Safe-Guard. Side effects of the medicine include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis.
Praziquantel
This is the active ingredient in Droncit, Drontal Plus. Common side effects include vomiting, depression, lethargy, diarrhea, and anorexia.
Combination Drugs
Certain drug manufacturers combine deworming ingredients with heartworm drugs. It is not advisable to give your furry friend such medications as you will be treating your dog for worms he doesn’t have. It is best to discuss the risks and benefits of such medicines in detail with your vet.
Be Prepared
Treating and preventing worms through natural cures is a great way to keep your four-legged friend healthy. However, it is still advisable that you schedule an annual vet visit for heartworm and parasite testing. Deworming can be included if necessary.
