One of the most common health problems found in dogs is the infection of worms or parasites, primarily in the lungs or intestines. These infections are usually caused by playing in infested grounds or soil, drinking stagnant water, or being bitten by fleas or rodents. In such cases, it is always suggested to deworm your dogs on a regular basis, even if they appear to be in perfect health. There are many types of worms which might affect your pooch.
Some of these are:
Heartworms
Roundworms
Hookworms
Tapeworms
Whipworms
There are many ways in which dogs can be infected by worms. A few of them are:
Ingesting contaminated soil directly
Through mother to unborn puppies
Eating infected meat
From the types of worms mentioned above, heartworms are the most dangerous type. Roundworms usually do not cause any major illnesses, although they can sometimes make your dog very sick. Tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms are less of a threat unless they infect your doggo in increased numbers.
Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
Most dogs show no or very few symptoms of worms unless they are severely infected. A few symptoms which indicate worms in dogs are:
Weight Loss
Diarrhea
Dry hair
Vomiting
Rubbing its bottom or scooting
Visible worms in feces
Low Energy
Change in appetite
Blocked Intestine
Pneumonia
These worms are basically intestinal worms but may affect other organs of the body as well. Dog worms, if left untreated, may damage your dog’s internal organs and lead to loss of consciousness and can even cause death.
If you think that your dog has worms or you see any of the above symptoms in them, take them to your nearest veterinary surgeon. Most intestinal worms are easy to treat with some natural remedies, but if your dog is still not cured, take them to the vet without delay.
Natural Remedies for Dog Deworming:
1. Fruits and Vegetables
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.
Adding it to your dog’s regular diet will keep them healthy and worm-free. Raw beetroot is not easily digestible by dogs, so always give them shredded beetroots or dog treats that are made from natural beetroots or other veggies and fruits
2. Turmeric
Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation in the digestive system and cures the damage caused by the worms. It also cleanses the liver by removing the toxins left behind by the worms in the dog’s body. Feeding your dog turmeric directly could be a hassle, so treats which are infused with turmeric can be of great help as it has the healing properties as well as the yummy taste which your dog would love.
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain a deworming compound called cucurbitacin. This compound paralyzes the worms and prevents them from holding on to the intestinal walls of a dog’s body during a bowel movement. As a result, all worms from the digestive tract will be removed.
4. Cloves
Crushed cloves in your dog’s food once a week acts as a natural dewormer. If the problem is still not cured, repeat it for the second week, but ensure not to overdo it. Instead, visit a vet for further diagnosis. Cloves are a uterine stimulant, which clears all the worms in the intestine. Remember, it should not be given to a pregnant dog in any form.
5. Papaya
Papaya seeds have anti-amoebic properties that kill all types of intestinal worms in the digestive system. The papaya fruit also induces an enzyme known as papain, which helps in the removal of intestinal worms. Feeding papaya or papaya seeds can deworm your pooch and keep them fit and healthy.
Prevention:
It is essential to give your dog regular deworming treatments, especially if you have children in the house. Puppies are at high risk of worms and skin problems because of their weak immune systems at that age.
Also read : 10 Most Common Skin Problems In Dogs
A few prevention methods that you can use are:
Keep your surroundings clean and remove all the feces, if any, from the yard.
Never let your dog eat feces.
Visit a vet at regular intervals.
Don’t let your dog drink stagnant water.
Eliminate worm-carrying pests like mice and rats.
Use vet recommended medicines
Some unknown facts about dog worms:
Dogs don’t always show symptoms of being infected with dog worms.
Sledging or scooting does not always mean that a dog has worms.
Coming in direct contact with dog worms can prove to be fatal for humans.
Worms can lead to various other diseases
Dog worms can lead to severe disease in dogs. Never underestimate your dog if they are suffering from worms or parasites. Deworming at regular intervals is the best way to keep your dog free from worms. To learn more about dog deworming and how often you should be doing it.
You can also Read About: Deworming For Dogs: How Often Do Dogs Need To Be Dewormed
You can also change their eating habits and include dog chew sticks in their diets which will not only help in deworming but also promote dental health. Worms are harmful and can cause dreadful diseases so take extra care of your furry friend and give him a healthy and active life.
