Does your dog seem different lately? Do you think they scratch a lot? Have you seen that their tummy seems a bit bloated and their energy is low? These could be infestation symptoms. Though veterinary medicine will take away these critters from your furry pet, some of you probably now wonder if worms can be taken care of right in the comfort of their home. The answer is Yes.
There is hope because not all those pesky infections need medicinal treatment! Some of them might be treated by homemade remedies. Here’s how to get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet
Symptoms of Worms in Dogs
Worms are extremely common in dogs, they are painful, and often lead to severe medical problems. While some worms may not be visible, common symptoms include:
- Bloated or hard belly
- Scooting- dragging rear on the ground
- Visible worms in stools
- Coughing or sneezing
- Poor coat condition and low energy levels
There are two or three varieties of worms often found in dogs. You could see roundworms, tapeworms, and even hookworms. Some are a nightmare to work with while others may be easier to handle. Irrespective of which one it might be, do not forget that at some point you need to treat the issue.
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How to get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet
Now, let’s find out about some more gentle home remedies for healthy care of your dog.
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have a delicious taste and it also contains amino acid contained within them called cucurbitacin, which people believe to have natural deworming properties. So, here’s how to use them:
How to Use: Grind raw unsalted pumpkin seeds and sprinkle a small amount, enough for small dogs to eat about a teaspoon, for big dogs about a tablespoon daily.
Benefits: Cucurbitacin can paralyse worms, causing it to pass out of the body through the digestive system.
Pumpkin seeds also contain other nutrients and can be used as one healthy snack for your dog even beyond deworming.
2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised algae. This can gently scrape away the worms in your dog’s intestines without harming the dog. Just make sure it’s labelled “food-grade,” as industrial DE can be harmful.
How to Use: Sprinkle a small amount, about a teaspoon for small dogs, a tablespoon for large dogs, over their food once a day.
Benefits: Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a gentle, rough powder that can help get rid of worms by moving through the digestive system and breaking them down.
3. Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme that is very good for digestion and kills worms. Dogs like papaya and therefore can be eaten fresh by the dogs. Giving papaya to your dog is a good option to get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet.
How to Use: Blend or mash ripe papaya and add a few spoonfuls to your dog’s food daily. For larger dogs, you can give up to a quarter cup, while for smaller dogs, a tablespoon should be enough.
Benefits: The papain destroys proteins in the digestive and worms find it really challenging to survive.
4. Carrots
Carrots are a crunchy treat and also a good source of fibre, which may help scrape the worms from the walls of the intestines and finally eliminate them from your dog’s system.
How to Use: Grate fresh carrots and mix into your dog’s regular food. For very finicky dogs, lightly cooking the carrots may make them more softer and your dogs will enjoy them.
Benefits: As Carrots are a natural source of fibre, the quantity of the stool increases in a way that helps to flush out the worms easily.
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5. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatory and even anti-parasitic spices out there. If your dog has irritation in his stomach lining, turmeric is something to look into for a more natural cure.
How to Use: Sprinkle an extremely small pinch of turmeric over your dog’s food every day, but start slow, as too much can easily upset the stomach.
Benefits: Turmeric fights off not only worms but also assists in building immunity and minimising inflammation.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid that can help improve the immune system of your dog to naturally eliminate worms.
How to Use: You can start with a teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight mixed into his food, gradually increasing as he can tolerate more.
Benefits: Coconut oil helps to enhance digestion, therefore making your dog’s system less friendly to worms.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is said to balance your dog’s gut pH, making it less friendly to the worms’ survival.
How to Use: Add a small amount, about a teaspoon for small dogs and a tablespoon for large dogs, to your dog’s water bowl daily.
Benefits: ACV assists in healthy digestion and aids in keeping the immune system healthy and in helping the system become less favourable for worms.
8. Fermented Vegetables
Sauerkraut, a type of fermented vegetable, is an easy way to boost your dog’s gut health with probiotics. These beneficial bacteria support digestion and may help reduce the chances of worms in your dog’s system.
How to Use: Mix in 1 teaspoon of unsalted home-made sauerkraut or any fermented vegetable into their meal on one side.
Benefits: Fermented Vegetables makes the gut of your dog healthy and does not allow worms to live.
Tips to keep your Dog Worm-Free
Once you have removed the worms, it is time to take a few easy precautions to avoid infection:
- Frequent Cleaning: It is very important to wash the bedding and toys of your dog very often to remove the eggs of the worms.
- Disposal: Proper cleaning and disposal of dog excrement is also one of the most important activities, since worm eggs survive for a long period of time in the surroundings.
- Regular Flea Protection: The tapeworm can also enter the body through fleas, regular flea treatment is very important.
- Hygiene and Hand-Washing: Wash your hands after you have handled your dog’s waste, especially if your dog has worms.
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When to See a Vet?
Even though these home remedies are highly effective, but some worm infestations require veterinary treatment, especially if:
- The dog is either very young or very old, and its immune system is weak at that time.
- You find blood in the stool, which means the infestation must be pretty serious.
- Your dog has lost considerable weight or is experiencing diarrhoea.
- Visiting a vet in such situations would be advisable.
Well, worms are not any fun for your dog or you! Luckily the right and timely natural remedies plus prevention keep a healthy pup free from unwanted guests.
After all, every dog is unique and different from one another. Go ahead and give a few of these treatments a try and see which work best on your furry companion. Now that you know how to get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet, you will find it easier to care for your canine friend.