My Dog Has Worms (natural remedies)

It is very common for puppies to have worms. As a foster home for dogs, we see this a lot in our foster dogs that come up from the southern states. In fact, almost half of our dogs have had some type of worms.

One foster dog, Taylor, a 6-month-old pup arrived with a triple threat: hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. To top it off, he was also battling Lyme disease. Witnessing his resilience reinforced my commitment to exploring natural remedies whenever possible.

Dogs can be affected by several types of intestinal parasites, including hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms.

These parasites can lead to various health issues if not addressed promptly. So I always recommend talking with your vet to discuss the best treatment options for your dog’s unique situation.

How do dogs contract worms?

Dogs can acquire worms through several avenues depending on the type of worm:

• Contaminated Soil: Dogs may ingest worm eggs or larvae from soil, especially if they have a habit of digging or eating dirt.
• Licking Paws: After walking on contaminated ground or stepping in feces, dogs often lick their paws, potentially ingesting parasites.
• Infected Water Sources: Shared water bowls at parks or daycare centers can harbor worm eggs or larvae.
• Mother to Puppy Transmission: Nursing mothers can pass certain worms to their puppies.
• Fleas and Mosquitoes: These insects can act as carriers for some types of worms.

For a comprehensive understanding of how dogs contract worms, Dr. Judy Morgan’s insights are invaluable.

Recognizing the signs of worm infestation

While some signs are visible, others require closer observation:

• Visible Worms: Small white segments resembling rice grains or flat white worms in your dog’s stool.
• Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, vomiting, or a noticeable decrease in appetite.
• Physical Changes: Weight loss, a dull coat, or a general decline in appearance.

Regular veterinary check-ups and stool analyses are essential, as some worms aren’t visible to the naked eye.

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Potential risks of prescription dewormers

If you go to your vet, they will prescribe a dewormer. Natural remedies are not an option for our foster dogs. So Taylor’s treatment consisted of 3 days of a white powder that goes right onto the dog food, which killed all of his worms.

Prescription dewormers can effectively rid dogs of parasites, but they may come with side effects that some pet parents find concerning. These medications can sometimes cause digestive upset, lethargy, or even trigger allergic reactions.

Since many dewormers are chemically formulated to attack parasites, they can also place added strain on a dog’s liver and kidneys over time, particularly with repeated use.

Believe it or not, dewormers are even available on Amazon!

For this reason, many of us prefer to try natural options when possible, working with veterinarians who respect a balanced, holistic approach to our dogs’ health.

Natural remedies for treating worms

While it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment, several natural remedies have shown promise:

• Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which can paralyze worms, facilitating their elimination. Dr. Judy Morgan recommends giving ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight once or twice daily.
• Garlic: In moderate amounts, garlic can act as a natural dewormer. For dogs, a common recommendation is ¼ clove per 10 pounds of body weight daily. Garlic can be toxic in large amounts, but small amounts are perfectly safe for most dogs. The Natural Pet Doctor
• Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): This natural powder, can help eliminate worms when added to your dog’s food. Dr. Judy Morgan‘s suggested dosage is ¼ teaspoon for small dogs and up to 1 teaspoon for dogs over 55 pounds, administered daily for at least seven days.
• Herbal Blends: Products like Only Natural Pet’s Para-Gone Herbal Formula combine various herbs known for their vermifuge properties. These blends are designed to support the body’s natural ability to expel parasites.

For a more in-depth exploration of natural deworming options, Dr. Katie Woodley’s article on top natural remedies is a valuable resource.

What types of worms can dogs get, and how are they transmitted?

• Roundworms: Dogs can contract roundworms through contaminated soil, feces, and infected prey animals. Mother dogs can also transmit roundworms to their puppies in utero or while nursing.
• Hookworms: Hookworms are often contracted through contact with contaminated soil, where larvae can penetrate a dog’s skin or be ingested during grooming. Puppies can get hookworms from their mother’s milk.
• Tapeworms: Dogs usually get tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or small animals that carry tapeworm larvae. The worm attaches to the intestine and grows, shedding small segments in the dog’s feces.
• Whipworms: Whipworm eggs are ingested from contaminated soil or surfaces. They mature in the dog’s large intestine, causing irritation and sometimes leading to bloody diarrhea or weight loss.
• Heartworms: Unlike other intestinal worms, heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. The larvae enter the dog’s bloodstream and migrate to the heart and lungs, where they mature and reproduce.

Prevention: The best defense

Preventing worms involves regular hygiene and some preventive steps, such as maintaining a clean yard, avoiding contaminated environments, and routinely washing bedding.

Feeding your dog a balanced diet to support a strong immune system and regularly deworming or using natural preventives can also help reduce the risk of infestation.

For those interested in a holistic approach to their dog’s health, I recommend downloading my FREE Dog Natural Remedies Reference Guide. It offers a wealth of information on natural treatments and preventive measures to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Remember, while natural remedies can be effective, they should complement, not replace, professional veterinary care. Always consult with your vet to determine the best course of action for your dog’s specific needs.

I pray that you never have to worry about worms in your dog, but don’t panic if they do. It’s pretty simple to treat and just like our foster dog Taylor, a few days of treatment and they can feel better and be back to their energetic self.