How can I worm my dog naturally?

Get Rid of Tapeworms in Dogs Using Natural Remedies

Tapeworms are segmented flat worms. A tapeworm has a head and neck, followed by a number of segments.

They use the suckers on their heads to attach themselves to a dog’s intestine. They do not have digestive systems of their own. Instead, they absorb nutrients through their skin.

Tapeworms belong to a class of organisms known as Cestoda. This class of organism use intermediate hosts in their transmission cycle.

Intermediate hosts can be fleas, fish, rodents, and domestic animals such as sheep and pigs.

Each tapeworm segment is able to reproduce. New segments are formed in the worm’s neck region while mature segments, which contain large numbers of eggs, are at the end region.

Tapeworm segments containing eggs are shed in a dog’s poop. When these eggs are ingested by an intermediate host, they hatch and the larvae migrate into the body tissue and develop. Yet they will not develop to full maturity in the body of the intermediate host.

When the intermediate host is ingested by a dog (the «definitive host»), the larvae proceed to develop into adult tapeworms.

How Can My Dog Get Infected?

By far the most common type of tapeworms in dogs is the «flea tapeworm» (Dipylidium caninum), also known as «double-pored tapeworm». It is so common because it uses the flea as an intermediate host.

Segments from the tapeworm are passed in the feces. The segments then dry out and release the eggs into the environment.

Flea larvae ingest these eggs, and tapeworm larvae begin development in their intermediate host. If the flea happens to be ingested by a dog while self-grooming, the tapeworm larvae will continue to develop into adult worms within the dog’s small intestine.

Dogs can also get infected with other types of tapeworms, although not as frequently as the flea tapeworm. For example, dogs who eat raw meat may sometimes get infected with Echinococcus granulosus, another type of tapeworm.

Symptoms of Tapeworms in Dogs

Dogs with light infestation of tapeworms show little or no signs at all.

If a dog has a heavy infestation, he will gradually become malnourished because the tapeworms absorb most of the nutrients from the dog’s intestinal wall. The dog may also show the following signs:

If your dog has tapeworms, you can sometimes see some white segments in your dog’s poop. Sometimes, you can even find the segments hanging near the anus of the dog.

These segments may move (gross!) if recently passed. They cause itching to the dog — hence the scooting! If the segments have been passed for a while and have dried out, they look like grains of uncooked rice. (OK. No rice for dinner tonight!)

How to Get Rid of Tapeworms in Dogs Naturally

Although the appearance of tapeworms is revolting, they won’t kill a dog and are seldom a big threat to the dog’s health. If a dog is healthy and has a strong immune system, tapeworm infestation is usually short-term and harmless.

Since deworming involves the use of rather strong chemicals which may put additional stress on our dog’s body, holistic vets do not suggest using such a program to get rid of tapeworms.

If your dog has tapeworms, try the following milder herbal and other natural home remedies first. They are more gentle on your dog.

Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seeds

Freshly-ground pumpkin seeds can be fed to your dog to treat tapeworm infestation. Use whole raw seeds and grind them immediately before feeding the fine meal to your dog.

Depending on the size of your dog, you can give 1/4 to one teaspoon of ground pumpkin seeds to your dog for each meal.

Some dog parents also suggest pumpkin puree and blackstrap molasses. Mix 1 cup of 100% unsweetened pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses. Depending on the dog’s size, give 2-4 tablespoons of the mixture to the dog every day for 4-5 days.

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape is an herb (nothing to do with grapes, which are of course toxic to dogs).

A tincture of Oregon grape can be fed to your dog to treat intestinal worms. (6 drops/10 pounds of body weight, twice a day for a week. Discontinue use for 2-3 days before resuming the twice daily dosage).

Wheat Germ Oil

Depending on the size of your dog, add up to 1 teaspoon of the oil to each meal to discourage tapeworms.

Garlic

Intestinal parasites such as tapeworms do not seem to like the sulfur compounds or volatile oils contained in garlic. (Be sure to read my article on garlic for dogs if you think this herb is toxic and shouldn’t be given to dogs.)

Feeding fresh or powdered garlic or garlic in extract forms to your dog can help to expel tapeworms from the dog’s body.

You may see an increase in visible tapeworm segments in your dog’s stool after 2 to 3 weeks of daily garlic ingestion.

After 2 months or so, the tapeworms may disappear totally or at least will be down to acceptable levels.

An Herbal Formula for Tapeworms in Dogs

GI CleanUp Gold for Dog Worms

This natural herbal remedy contains the herb Quassia wood — an herb commonly used for treating worm infestations. In addition, the formula contains herbs such as pumpkin seed, slippery elm bark, fennel seed, and more, all of which are good for supporting and protecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Stay Away from Wormwood

You may have read about using the herb wormwood to deworm puppies and dogs.

True, wormwood has traditionall be used as a dewormer, but it has been found to be far too strong for pets.

Wormwood contains strong components that, if used excessively, can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and even the nervous system.

The dilemma with wormwood is, if used in small amounts, it is ineffective in deworming. To be effective, we need to use higher doses, increasing the chances of harming our dogs’ health!

Don’t Forget After Care!

Dogs with worms, even the seemingly harmless tapeworms, usually have compromised immune and digestive systems.

Be sure to read the section on «After Care» on this article on dog worms in general. You will find information on how to use a healthy diet with supplements to help digestion and strengthen the dog’s immunity.

Prevention of Tapeworms in Dogs

Flea control is the best way to prevent infestation of flea tapeworms in dogs.

Other tapeworms, such as Echinococcus, can be prevented by denying your dog access to raw meat and garbage.

Controlling Fleas Naturally

Be sure to visit this page for information on how to control flea using natural remedies and products.

References
Eldredge, et al. Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook 4th edition (Wiley Publishing, 2007).
C.J. Puotinen, Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats (Keats Publishing, 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).

5 Natural Home Remedies for Worms in Dogs

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Natural remedies for treating worms in dogs offer a gentle alternative to traditional deworming medications. These remedies work less aggressively, reducing the risk of side effects like diarrhea, lethargy, and vomiting that can accompany deworming.

By including natural remedies in your dog’s worming routine, you can adopt a healthier and more balanced approach to treatment.

1. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are one of the well-known home remedies for worms in dogs. In a study, the use of pumpkin seeds as a dewormer in dogs was examined. The best results were seen when dogs were given 30 grams of the pumpkin seeds dewormer, which reduced the worms by 76%. This is due to pumpkin seeds containing a special ingredient called cucurbitin, which weakens intestinal worms and makes it harder for them to survive in the dog’s intestines.

How to use this natural remedy for worms in dogs:

Whole pumpkin seeds have a tough outer shell. Feeding them to your dog may lead to choking or intestinal blockage. We recommend grinding plain dried pumpkin seeds into a fine powder before sprinkling them into his meals.

The ideal dosage of this natural dewormer for dogs is ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. If your pooch weighs 30 pounds, he can have up to ¾ teaspoons of ground pumpkin seeds per day.

Consistently give it to him 1 to 2 times daily until he has expelled all intestinal parasites.

Potential side effects:

• Pumpkin seeds are fatty food. Overfeeding them to your dog is discouraged as it will cause gastrointestinal distress. If eaten frequently in extensive quantities, obesity may develop.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been shown to have anthelmintic properties, it can help eliminate parasites like worms. According to Dr. Bruce Fife in his book ‘Coconut Therapy for Pets,’ pets who consume coconut oil can expel their worms in just three days.

However, the benefits of coconut oil for dogs don’t stop there. If you want to learn more about the benefits of coconut oil for dogs, check out our article ‘Coconut for Dogs’ for a comprehensive guide.

How to use this natural remedy for worms in dogs:

To use coconut oil as a natural remedy for worms in dogs, opt for a cold-pressed, unrefined, and certified organic extra virgin coconut oil. It is chemical-free and has a better nutritional profile for your canine companion.

The recommended dosage of coconut oil for dogs is as follows:

• Small dogs: 1 teaspoon per day
• Medium dogs: 2 teaspoons per day
• Large dogs: 1 tablespoon per day

Potential side effects:

• Coconut oil has high-fat concentrations. Ingesting it in large quantities can result in diarrhea and stomach discomfort.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric, especially the curcumin compound in turmeric, has been used traditionally to treat worm infections in South and Southeast Asia. Some studies show that curcumin helps fight different parasites and may have a positive effect on worm infections in dogs, like Toxocara canis (Roundworm).

How to use this natural remedy for worms in dogs:

On its own, turmeric has low bioavailability, meaning this spice is not easily absorbed into your dog’s body. Combining 1 teaspoon of turmeric with a pinch of black pepper and 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil greatly increases its absorption rate.

The suitable amount of turmeric paste to treat worms in dogs depends on the dog’s body weight:

• 1- to 10-pound dogs: 1/16 to ⅛ teaspoon
• 10- to 20-pound dogs: ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon
• 20- to 50-pound dogs: ¼ to 1 teaspoon
• 50- to 100-pound dogs: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Over 100-pound dogs: 2 teaspoons

Administer turmeric paste to small dogs daily for up to 1 week. For larger breeds, it should be given daily every other week for up to 2 months.

Potential side effects:

• Long-term intake of turmeric paste can lead to stomach ulcers, kidney stones, and gallbladder obstruction. It’s important to limit the use of this home remedy for worms in dogs to no more than 2 months.
• Canines with pre-existing health issues that we have mentioned above should not be given turmeric.
• This natural dog dewormer may cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate. Thus, avoid administering it to diabetic dogs.
• Turmeric has blood-thinning agents that can interact with certain types of drugs. Do not use it on medicated canines unless the vet approves.

4. Neem Leaves

In an animal study, researchers discovered that the neem plant was effective against the tested animal’s internal parasites. Neem leaves have natural antifungal and deworming properties that can slow down worm reproduction. Additionally, topical application can help repel common parasite carriers, such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, from dogs.

How to use this natural remedy for worms in dogs:

Rinse dried neem leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a towel. Use a coffee grinder or food processor to turn them into fine powder.

The recommended dosage of ground neem leaves for dogs is as follows:

• Miniature breeds: 150 milligrams
• Small breeds: 300 milligrams
• Medium breeds: 500 milligrams
• Large breeds: 800 milligrams
• Giant breeds: 1,000 milligrams

Neem leaves have a bitter taste, so mix them with your dog’s food to mask their off-putting flavor. Use this natural remedy for worms in dogs twice a day for up to a month, alternating each week.

Neem oil is shown to be effective for repelling fleas, ticks, and mange when used topically. Dilute 1 drop of neem essential oil with 10 drops of carrier oil of your choice. Since it has a strong smell, apply it on your dog’s collar than on his body, so you do not need to wash it off his coat.

Potential side effects:

• Long-term use of neem potentially damages the liver and kidneys of dogs. Do not use it for more than a month on your canine companion.
• Applying undiluted neem essential oil to your dog’s coat may cause skin irritation.
• The neem plant is off-limits to pregnant dogs because it can cause miscarriage.
• Intake of neem, along with certain medications, poses the danger of drug interaction. Consult a veterinarian before administering it to dogs prescribed with medicine.
• Neem has hypoglycemic properties, meaning it can lower blood glucose levels in dogs. Using it on pooches with diabetes is discouraged.

5. Kefir

In a study conducted on animals, researchers found that goat’s milk yogurt is an effective natural remedy for intestinal worms in dogs.

It has been found to break down the cuticle of these parasites, which acts as an external skeleton that protects them from the strong acids in the digestive tract.

In addition to promoting a healthy gut microflora, goat’s milk yogurt can help prevent and treat worm infestations in dogs.

Here’s how to use goat’s milk yogurt for worms in dogs:

When choosing goat’s milk yogurt for your canine friend, select a low-fat and sugar-free variety.

Avoid flavored yogurts as they can contain harmful ingredients like chocolate and grapes. Also, check for xylitol as it is highly toxic to dogs.

It is best to choose a product that contains fewer additives, stabilizers, and thickeners as it is a healthier option.

Greek goat’s milk yogurt is a great choice since the straining process reduces its lactose content.

The suggested serving size of goat’s milk yogurt for dogs is as follows:

• Small breeds: 1 tablespoon per day
• Medium breeds: 2 tablespoons per day
• Large breeds: 3 tablespoons per day

Potential side effects:

• Goat’s milk yogurt is low in lactose but it can still trigger lactose intolerance in some dogs. If it’s your pet’s first time consuming it, offer it in small amounts.
• Keep a close eye on your dog and watch out for any adverse effects, such as stomach pain, bloated abdomen, diarrhea, or vomiting.

FAQs About Worms in Dogs

1. What causes worms in dogs?

A variety of factors can cause intestinal worms in dogs. Worms infect puppies at only 2 to 3 weeks of age via the mother’s milk. Coming into contact with or ingesting infected fleas, ticks, and other potential carriers of worms is another possibility.

Contaminated soil and feces may contain roundworm larvae, which stick to the coat of puppies or adult dogs and get ingested while grooming.

2. What do worms look like in dog poop?

Each common type of worm in dogs has a distinct appearance. However, because of their microscopic size, not all of them are visible in dog poop, like hookworms.

On the other hand, roundworms in dogs have a spaghetti-like appearance in stools. Whipworms in dogs are like thin threads with a fat end. Tapeworm sheds segments, which look closely similar to grains of rice.

To identify worms in dogs, a stool sample needs to be for a coprology test and parasite identification. The veterinarian will examine the sample under a microscope to determine the species of the worm.

3. How do dogs act when they have worms?

A lack of appetite is a behavioral symptom of worms in dogs that will gradually become apparent. Scooting or rubbing their rear on the ground also indicates the presence of intestinal parasites.

4. What are the signs of a dog having worms?

The most common signs of worms in dogs include a dull coat, poor growth, poor body condition, rounded abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, and abdominal pain. Severe cases of intestinal parasite infestation can also cause affected canines to have fits of coughing and a distended belly.

If left untreated, these parasites will infiltrate the vital organs of canines, such as the eyes, brain, and lungs. All of these health complications can be fatal for dogs. Therefore, it’s important to follow a deworming schedule to prevent and treat any potential worm infestations.

5. Can dog worms be contagious?

Some types of worms are solely transmitted from dog to dog. Others can be passed on to humans, such as roundworms. Roundworm eggs can survive for a long time and are tough to get rid of. They are resistant to common sanitizers and can stick to surfaces, making them difficult to eliminate. Regular deworming is important to prevent parasite infestations and human infection.

Meanwhile, maintaining proper hygiene plays a big role in preventing intestinal worm transmission. Always wash your dog’s belongings once every 2 weeks. Clean up his poop immediately to keep it from becoming a breeding ground for worms. Bathe him once a month and give him a thorough wipe-down after exploring outdoors.

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your dog. Lastly, do not skip administering natural treatment and preventatives for worms in dogs.

Summary

Natural deworming remedies are considered safer and with low environmental impact by many pet owners; however, annual veterinary appointments remain crucial for testing intestinal parasites.

Check out our Diet & Recipes section for additional natural home remedies for various common canine ailments.

Natural Wormer For Dogs

Parasites are a significant concern for all pet owners. Do you know that intestinal worms can cause significant harm to your furry friends? Intestinal worms are harmful because they will eat the nutrients from their host’s food as well as blood from the host’s body. This leads to malnutrition in dogs and anaemia in them. Intestinal worms also interfere with the animal’s digestion by eating up their food before it is digested properly or causing bloating, leading to digestive problems or even death depending on the type of worm involved.

Did you know that dewormers for dogs come in different types? If your dog has worms, then there is a type of medication for them. There are also natural remedies, and some people might use the word “natural” to refer to all medications, but they’re not always safe or recommended. So how do you know what’s best for your pet? In this article, we will discuss different natural dewormers for dogs that can give your dog relief from worms.

Rabbit Ears With Fur

Is rabbit ears with fur a natural dewormer for dogs?

The fur covering the rabbit ears is actually classed as a source of fibre and has been proven to aid digestive health. The brushing action also acts naturally in protection against worms by removing parasites in your pet’s body! Who knew rabbit ear was so useful? You can use it to deworm your dog.

Cleaning your dog’s digestive tract will allow them to naturally increase the amount of nutrients their body can absorb. Furthermore, the brushing action of the fur from the rabbit ears can help brush away worms and their eggs. We have found one rabbit ear with fur once a week is enough to help as a natural wormer for dogs.

Our Natural Treat Boxes come with plain ears as standard, but if you would prefer rabbit ears with fur then simply let us know in the order notes or send us a message to swap the plain ears for furry ones.

Rabbit ears with fur are also available in our Create Your Own Boxes.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a deworming agent in pets. Pumpkin-based products can be used as an alternative or supplement for traditional medications and will not only kill the desired worms but also help with overall health. One ingredient in particular called cucurbitacin is what makes it so effective. This amino acid paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from your pet body without any complications or side effects. Pumpkin seeds can be fed as a whole or can be ground in fine powder for use.

Coconut

Dried coconut is a great way to make sure your dog has all sorts of nutrients for his body and also eliminates worms. Dogs love eating dried coconut, as do cats. If you give them some treats mixed in with their mealtime, they’ll be more likely to eat these since they taste well. You can sprinkle one tablespoon on the food of small dog breeds and two tablespoons on large dog breed food.

Carrots

A lot of people don’t realize that their pets can benefit from eating carrots. Carrots are an excellent source for giving your dog an extra boost, and they offer many health-related benefits. One exciting thing about these orange root vegetables is how it’s been shown in studies to get rid of worms in canines.

When you feed carrots to your pets, the rough texture scrapes away any parasites or mucus in your pet stomach and creates space for better digestion. Carrots are a healthy and nutritious addition to your pet’s diet. They can be fed as an attractive treat or included at mealtimes in place of less desirable ingredients like corn or soybean oil

They contain Vitamin A, which keeps their eyesight strong; carrots also provide over 60 other nutrients, including fiber (which helps prevent diabetes) and potassium nitrate, for stronger bones.

Apple Cider Vinegar

There are many benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for dogs. Not only is it a safe and effective way to clean up after your dog or cat, but the ACV can also be used as an antiseptic on minor wounds in case they get hurt while playing outside. But the most critical function of apple cider vinegar is that it acts as a natural dewormer in pets. ACV makes the atmosphere of the intestine unfriendly for worms, and as a result, worms are removed from the intestine.

Your vet will tell you how much ACV to use for your dog’s size and weight. For dogs, it’s best if they have around 2 tablespoons per day so consult your vet about how much is right for them. Another benefit of Apple cider vinegar is that it can make your pet’s coat shiny and healthy.

Turmeric

Turmeric may be one of the oldest spices in existence, and its use as a superfood also has a long history. It can be used for boosting your immune system or fighting off infections like bacteria, fungus, viruses, all while being an anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric can also be used to get rid of worms in pets. It also helps with repairing your intestines to prevent further damage and makes the gut healthier.

Curcumin is a crucial ingredient in turmeric that can help dogs fight against medical issues. However, it’s not easy for them to digest since our furry friends don’t have the right enzymes or acids required for digestion. You can best mix it with healthy oils like coconut oils to feed your pet.

Kefir

If so, consider giving them kefir. Studies have shown it as an excellent way to provide your furry friend with many health benefits. Kefir contains vitamin B12, which is crucial for optimal animal metabolism and immunity; it also helps strengthen their kidneys by boosting blood flow through urine production. Kefir can also be used to deworm your pets. Always use the goat milk kefir for your pets. Consult your vet about the dosage of the kefir to feed your pet.

Chamomile

This plant was first used as a herbal remedy in ancient Greece, where it was known to have soothing properties that would soothe upset stomachs and calm jitters caused by anxiety or excitement. If you want to get rid of roundworms and whipworms in your pets, chamomile will do the trick. It has been found that chamomile helps with bloating and intestinal inflammation caused by worms. Consult your vet about the dosage of chamomile. The usual dosage of chamomile in dogs is 0.25 to 0.5 ml per 20 lbs. of their body weight.

Conclusion

Dogs have a natural instinct to clean themselves, but sometimes they don’t bother. Introducing an effective dewormer can help keep your dog healthy by removing parasites from their system that may cause them discomfort or even death. You should consult with a veterinarian before giving any natural product to your pets, so you know the best way to administer it for each animal’s needs. When shopping around for a new product, be sure to look at our store and find a Natural Treat Box with many excellent natural snacks, including rabbit ears.