Amy Thompson
When it comes to protecting your dog from worms, traditional deworming often comes with a host of nasty side effects.
But there's good news for all pet owners: there are natural alternatives that can effectively eliminate worms without harming your dog.
Natural dewormers like pumpkin seeds and black cumin seed are both great options, providing a holistic approach to keeping your dog healthy and worm-free. In this guide, we’ll explore various natural methods to get rid of dog worms.
Watch For These Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs
Before we get into natural dewormers for dogs, it's worth knowing how to spot worms in dogs in the first place.
After all, recognizing the signs of a worm infestation in your dog is the first step toward effective treatment. Since you often won't be able to see visible worms in your dog's stool, it's crucial to know the other symptoms.
With that in mind, the common symptoms of parasitic worms to watch for in your dog are:
- Diarrhea or vomiting: Frequent gastrointestinal issues can indicate a worm problem
- Abdominal pain: Your dog may exhibit signs of discomfort or pain in the abdominal area
- Fever: An elevated temperature can accompany a worm infestation
- Scooting: Dogs often drag their rear end on the ground when they have worms
- Loss of appetite: A sudden decrease in your dog's appetite might be due to worms
- Dull coat: A lackluster coat can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies caused by worms
- Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and tiredness are common in infected dogs
- Dehydration: Worms can cause fluid loss, leading to dehydration
- Mucus-covered stools: Presence of mucus in your dog’s stool is a warning sign
- Bloody stool: Blood in the stool can indicate a severe infestation
- Coughing: Some types of worms can affect the respiratory system
- Bloating: A distended abdomen is a typical symptom of worms, especially in puppies
Understanding these symptoms can help you act quickly. If you recognize your dog displaying many of them, it's a sign you may need to address an intestinal worms problem and restore your pup’s health.
The Best Natural Dog Dewormers
Finding the best natural dog dewormer starts with a healthy diet that supports a strong immune system.
Your dog's immune system, particularly the IgE antibodies, can effectively attack and destroy worms when properly supported. By incorporating immune support nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins and minerals into your dog's diet, you can help maintain her overall health and make her body less hospitable to parasites.
However, diet alone may not always be sufficient to eliminate every worm infestation. That's where the natural foods and herbs below come in. They can offer additional support.
Here are some of the most effective natural dewormers to protect your dog naturally:
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can help reduce the number of worms in your dog. However, it may not be effective for tapeworms.
- Small dogs: 1 teaspoon per day
- Dogs over 55 lbs: up to 1 tablespoon per day
Caution: Mix the diatomaceous earth into your dog's food thoroughly to avoid inhalation, which can irritate the lungs. Do not use DE for pregnant or lactating dogs.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is effective against roundworms and whipworms. It works slowly and also helps also helps support a natural inflammatory response. Use chamomile in a glycerin tincture.
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Give 0.25 to 0.5 ml per 20 lbs of body weight, twice daily.
Caution: Check for sensitivity before using chamomile, and avoid use in pregnant or lactating dogs.
3. Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract, containing oleuropein, can expel parasites from your dog’s intestines. Look for an extract with at least 12% oleuropein.
- Small dogs: 300 mg twice daily
- Medium dogs: 500 mg twice daily
- Large and giant dogs: 1000 mg twice daily
4. Oregon Grape
Oregon grape is both a liver tonic, and a natural dewormer. It’s effective but should be used with caution.
- Give 12 drops of Oregon grape tincture per 20 lbs of body weight.
- Also, provide liver support with milk thistle tincture (¼ teaspoon per 20 lbs of body weight).
Caution: Do not use Oregon grape for pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs with liver disease.
5. Black Walnut
Black walnut is a potent natural dewormer but can be toxic if not used correctly. It’s best to use it under the guidance of a holistic vet, especially if gentler options have not worked.
Note: Black walnut does not address the underlying cause of worms, so it's important to support your dog's immune system as well.
6. Wormwood
Wormwood is another powerful herb that can be effective against worms but should be used with caution due to its potential toxicity.
Caution: Use wormwood only under the guidance of a holistic vet, especially for dogs with liver or kidney issues, or dogs that have seizures.
7. Fermented Vegetables
Fermented foods are excellent for expelling worms by enhancing your dog’s gut health and immune system. Fermented vegetables can improve your dog’s gut health and make it less hospitable for parasites.
Start with a small amount and gradually increase to 1 to 3 teaspoons per day per 20 lbs of dog's body weight. You can buy them or make your own.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin, an amino acid that paralyzes and eliminates worms from your dog's digestive tract.
Use raw, organic pumpkin seeds, ground, and give ¼ teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight once or twice a day until the worms are gone.
Pumpkin seeds are safe for pregnant dogs.
9. Black Cumin Seed
Black cumin seed, known as "the cure for everything except death," is a potent dewormer. Whole seeds are preferred, but black cumin seed oil can be used at half the dose.
Give your dog ½ to 1 teaspoon of seeds daily. If the taste is too strong, you can heat the seeds to reduce bitterness.
10. Grated Fruits And Vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, cucumber, watercress, greens, squash, fennel, and pineapple, can make your dog’s digestive tract less welcoming to worms.
Pineapple, rich in bromelain, boosts the immune system and helps fight worms. Add at least 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight to your dog's meals twice a day.
11. Pomegranate
Pomegranate compounds help expel tapeworms from the digestive tract.
Add at least 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight to your dog's meals twice a day.
12. Vegetable Juice
Fresh carrot, beet, and cucumber juices can make your dog’s intestines less attractive to worms.
Give 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight per day.
13. Garlic
Garlic, when given in moderate amounts, can be as effective as conventional dewormers. Use chopped raw organic garlic, letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before feeding.
Dosage varies by size: small dogs up to ¼ clove twice a day, medium dogs up to ½ clove twice a day, large dogs up to ¾ clove twice a day, and giant breeds up to 1 clove twice a day.
Do not use garlic for pregnant or lactating dogs, or dogs on blood thinners.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
ACV creates a more alkaline digestive system, which is less attractive to parasites.
Use raw, organic, unfiltered vinegar and give ¼ to 1 teaspoon per day in your dog’s water or food.
15. Thyme
Thyme is particularly useful for fighting hookworms. Herbalists recommend using fresh or dried thyme herbs.
Add 1 teaspoon per pound of food to your dog's meals.
Caution: Do not use thyme essential oil as it can be toxic. Avoid using thyme in any form for pregnant or lactating dogs.
16. Parsley
Parsley can be used as a simple natural dewormer. Cook fresh parsley and strain out the solids, then freeze the liquid into ice cubes. Give one cube daily.
Note: Some people worry that flat leaf parsley may be toxic to dogs, but it's usually only in very large amounts. If concerned, use curly parsley instead.
17. Bone Broth
Bone broth promotes digestive health, which helps the immune system combat worms. It’s particularly effective around the full moon.
Add a few tablespoons to your dog’s food or serve as a separate snack. You can also add pure aloe juice for an extra boost.
18. Anti-Worm Food Supplement
You can also create a general worming supplement by combining several natural remedies and natural worm treatments.
Herbs For Pets recommends the following mixture 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 and add 1 teaspoon per pound of food daily. Feed this mixture for 5 days, then take 2 days off. Continue until your dog no longer has worms.
Caution: Avoid using this mixture for pregnant or lactating dogs.
Final Thoughts
Using natural dewormers for dogs can be a great way to manage and prevent worm infestations without harmful side effects. By incorporating a variety of herbs, foods, and supplements into your dog’s diet, you can support her immune system and overall health.
Remember, a healthy diet is the cornerstone of a strong immune system. Feeding your dog a balanced, nutrient-rich diet will help their body naturally fend off parasites. Adding natural dewormers such as pumpkin seeds, black cumin seed, fermented vegetables, and various fruits and herbs can further enhance the ability to eliminate worms.
That said, make sure to monitor your dog’s health and consult with a holistic vet if you suspect a severe worm infestation or if natural remedies don't seem to be working. Regular check-ups and fecal tests can help ensure your dog stays worm-free and healthy.
FAQ
What is a natural worm killer for dogs? A natural worm killer for dogs is pumpkin seeds, which contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin that paralyzes and eliminates intestinal parasites.
How do you get rid of worms in dogs asap? To get rid of worms in dogs as soon as possible, feed them raw, organic pumpkin seeds twice a day based on your dog's weight.
Does apple cider vinegar deworm dogs? Yes, apple cider vinegar can help deworm dogs by creating an alkaline environment in the dog's system that is less hospitable to internal parasites; add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon per day to their water or food.
How to get rid of worms naturally? To get rid of worms naturally, dog owners can use a combination of pumpkin seeds, fermented vegetables, and apple cider vinegar to expel pesky parasites and prevent worm eggs from maturing in adult dogs.
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