Your furry friend is a naturally curious animal. Dogs explore the world with their mouths and noses, trying to get a whiff of the nook and cranny. Unfortunately, it also makes them vulnerable to intestinal worms. These worms can cause severe health issues for your pet. If you suspect that your dog has worms, it is essential to deal with it immediately.
There are various ways to treat worms in canines, medication being the most common one. Moreover, some effective natural remedies may resolve this problem.
It is essential to be on a lookout for symptoms that indicate your pet has worms because, by the time your dog shows the signs, the problem has already progressed. Here are some of the common symptoms of dog worms:
Visible presence of worms in dog’s stool
Dragging or rubbing the hindquarters against the ground
Hair loss or dulling of coat, along with skin inflammation or irritation
Chronic coughing
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lethargy
‘Pot-bellied’ appearance or distended abdomen
Weight loss, with a decrease or increase in appetite
These symptoms might also indicate some other illness, which is why it is best to contact a vet to get the right diagnosis.
You can deworm a dog using a shot or oral medication. It is recommended you take the dog to your vet for the shot or a prescription to medicines. Generally, most of the medications are known as broad-spectrum, meaning they treat multiple parasites, including worms. Droncit tablets are easy for oral administration due to their size. You can crumble them and mix them with your dog’s food.
Here are some natural ways to treat worm in your dog:
Pumpkin Seeds
These work as an effective deworming agent as they contain cucurbitacin, an amino acid. It paralyzes the worms, which makes it easier to eliminate them from the intestine. You can feed the pumpkin seeds as a treat or grind them to mix them in your dog’s food. One teaspoon per 10 lbs is sufficient enough.
Carrots
Carrots are loaded with vitamin C and can help in getting rid of worms from your dog. Coarsely chopped carrots can scrape the walls of the gut and stomach when ingested, which removes the parasites and mucus. You can easily feed your dog carrots as a treat or with their meal. Carrots are safe, a great nutrients source, and also boost the immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits and is known to be effective in treating worms in dogs. Unlike other vinegar, apple cider vinegar increases the alkaline levels in the intestines of the dog. As a result, it creates an inhospitable environment for worms and other parasites. You can add ¼ to 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar in your dog’s water daily. You will soon notice the coat condition improving, along with other benefits.
Deworming products act differently and might generate a different reaction in your dog. You might notice worms in the dog’s dropping or your dog vomiting right after consuming the deworming medication. However, there is no need to get concerned, as this process is normal. Some medication paralyzes the worms inside to be pushed out with stool; others break up the worms so that you are unlikely to see them in the feces. However, if there is a large number of worms in your furry friend, then you are more likely to see whole worms in the stool.
Tablets might be challenging for puppies to swallow, which is why Droncit is effective due to its smaller size. You should make sure to crush it and mix it with their food for easier ingestion. Again, if there are a high number of worms in the puppy, they might vomit right after consuming the worming treatment.
In case of any concerns or doubts, always consult a vet immediately.
The best treatment is prevention. It would be best to control the pests that might carry worms, including mosquitoes and fleas. Make sure to keep your yard and house clean. Doing this will benefit you and your family as well, as certain kinds of worms may infect humans as well.
Here are some prevention tips you can follow to keep worms at bay:
Take your furry friend to the vet for regular checkups. For adult dogs, once a year is sufficient, but for puppies, it is best to go to the vet three to four times.
Make sure your dog is free from fleas by taking preventive measures, like medication for the dog’s skin or flea collars.
You can also get a prescription for heartworms medication from your vet to give to your dog every month. Avoid skipping a dose. You can also ask your vet to give your dog an injection, if possible, as prevention.
Always follow the four Ps – Pick up (and dispose of) Pet Poop Promptly. Ensure your yard is clear at all times and always scoop up after your dog wherever you go.
Make sure to wash your hands after you pet animals, and particularly after clearing off their waste.
Avoid letting your dog kiss or lick you or your kids to prevent from catching worms. Make sure your pet sleep on their bed, instead of yours.
Whenever you doubt whether your dog has worms or how to deworm your dog, it is best to get a professional opinion. Take your vet’s advice on how to treat and prevent worms in your dog. If your dog isn’t feeling well even after taking deworming medication or natural remedy, take them to the vet immediately to ensure your dog regains their health.
FAQs
To safeguard your dog from intestinal parasites, it's advisable to give them a monthly preventative that contains a dewormer. However, in cases where your dog already has an active infection, a specific dewormer, as per your veterinarian's guidance and the medication's instructions, should be used.
What is the fastest way to deworm a dog? ›
Vegetables and fruits are great for deworming dogs. They contain high levels of fibre which help to bulk up the stools and expel the worms. Pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and papaya are all excellent choices. Feeding your dog a couple of these a day will help to clean them out and keep them healthy.
Can I deworm my dog without going to the vet? ›
Carrots. It may come as a surprise, but carrots are another excellent deworming agent. Because of the texture of raw carrots, they can help to gently scrape the lining on your dog's stomach and intestinal wall and work to remove worms. Plus, carrots are packed with vitamin A and other nutrients for your dog to enjoy!
How to make homemade dewormer for dogs? ›
Herbs For Pets recommends this combination for worms in dogs. 2 parts unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds 1 part garlic powder 1 part fennel seeds 1 part yucca root Mix the ingredients together. You can grind the pumpkin seed or leave them whole. Add 1 tsp per pound of food daily.
Can I deworm my dog myself? ›
Be sure to speak to your veterinarian for a puppy wormer prescription; it is not recommended to buy over-the-counter wormers due to inefficient active ingredients and improper dosages.
Will apple cider vinegar get rid of worms in dogs? ›
It works because unlike other vinegar it increases the alkaline levels in the dog's intestines making it inhospitable for parasites and worms. Add 1/4-1 teaspoon of raw organic ACV to your dog's water every day you may also notice an improvement in coat condition along with several other health benefits.
Can apple cider vinegar get rid of worms? ›
Each type of parasite requires a specific treatment approach. Apple cider vinegar, with its acidifying properties, may affect the pH of the digestive system but does not specifically target or eliminate these parasites.
Does pumpkin help with worms in dogs? ›
Additionally, one of the benefits of pumpkin seeds is that they contain cucurbitin, an amino acid that acts as a natural de-worming agent by paralyzing tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. 3. The soluble fiber in pumpkin flesh slows digestion and can help manage diarrhea by absorbing water.
Does coconut oil get rid of worms in dogs? ›
Coconut oil can also be used as a natural dewormer for dogs. Your dog's body will convert the lauric acid in coconut oil to monolaurin, which is known to be effective against tapeworm, giardia, and other parasites. For coconut oil, work up gradually to 1 teaspoon/day per 10 lbs body weight.
What active ingredient kills worms in dogs? ›
Panacur is the brand name of an oral deworming medication with the active ingredient fenbendazole. It is used to treat internal parasites in domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock.
Safe-Guard 4 Canine is safe for use in puppies 6 weeks or older and adult dogs, including pregnant dogs. Do not deworm a dog or puppy that is sick. Consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis of the illness. The daily dose for Safe-Guard 4 Canine is 50 mg/kg (22.7 mg/lb) of body weight.
What is a home remedy for deworming yourself? ›
In addition to papaya seeds, there are also claims of other natural dewormers. These include garlic, pumpkin, and ginger. These herbs have had antiparasitic effects in some animals, but more research is needed to confirm the benefits in humans.
How do I deworm my dog without going to the vet? ›
Veggies like carrots, beetroot, banana, apple, coconut, and papaya are rich in fiber and act as natural dewormers. Healthy dog treats with the goodness of such fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial for their diet.
Are over the counter Dewormers effective? ›
Some worming products are available over the counter (OTC), while others require a veterinarian prescription. OTC medications are less effective than their prescription counterparts, so it's important to seek veterinarian care.
What is the best way to worm a dog? ›
Your vet will give your dog medicine by mouth , a shot or use a topical dewormer (like Advantix, or Revolution) to kill the worms. Many of these drugs are described as “broad-spectrum,” because they're good for treating a wide range of parasites, including worms that live in the gut.
Is it better to deworm a dog in the morning or at night? ›
While deworming can technically be done at any time of day, many veterinarians recommend doing it in the morning. This is because your puppy is likely to be more rested, and it will be easier for you to monitor them for any adverse reactions or side effects throughout the day.
What dog dewormer kills all worms? ›
Our top pick for a broad-spectrum dewormer is Drontal Plus Taste Tabs. One dose can kill four types of intestinal parasites, which is more than any other treatment. Before you begin treatment, your veterinarian should do a fecal test to determine what type of worms your dog has.
How long after deworming do dogs poop worms? ›
Your dog's poop should be back to normal within a few days. Dead worms may be present in your dog's poop for up to a week after treatment. Just keep an eye on it and if you have any concerns, contact your vet.
