Worms are common parasites found in dogs. While a mild infestation is not usually anything to worry about, you will need to rid your dog of worms as quickly as possible. Better yet, preventing an infestation with one of these home remedies for worms in dogs will ensure your pet stays healthy.
The most common types of worms include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Some of these can be seen in your dog's stool or vomit, while others can only be discovered through testing at your veterinarian's office.
Signs your dog might have worms include:
- diarrhea, sometimes with worms or blood
- weight loss
- dry hair
- vomiting (sometimes with worms)
- general poor appearance
- bloated stomach or belly
If you suspect your dog has worms, it is best to seek veterinary care. Your vet will determine the type of worms that are infesting your pet and give you a remedy to get rid of them in a matter of hours.
I have tried many home remedies for worms in dogs. Unfortunately, I have yet to find one that actually gets rid of worms once they have taken over the digestive tract. The treatments that I am sharing today have been shown to only potentially prevent worms but not treat them after infestation.
Home Remedies for Worms in Dogs
Supplies You May Need
- Grated Carrots
- Watercress
- Fennel
- Papaya
- Pumpkin
- Probiotics
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Home Remedies
The surest way to get rid of worms is to consult a vet. They will tell which type of worms your dog has and send you home with a dog dewormer to get rid of them. If you know which type of worms are infesting your pet, you can find an over-the-counter remedy to kill them quickly.
But as with all health problems, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once your dog is worm free, there are a number of home remedies that will keep a dog's digestive tract and immune system healthy.
Grated Veggies
It all starts from the inside – with a healthy diet. There are some fresh ingredients that you can add to your pup's meals to make his digestive tract unappealing to worms.
Some of these foods include:
- carrots
- watercress
- fennel
- papaya
- pumpkin
Thick grated vegetables scrape the walls of the stomach and intestines as they are digested. This removes the mucus lining and any parasites that are living in it. These vegetables are perfectly safe for your dog and can be fed as a snack or mixed in with regular meals.
A dog's healthy gut is not a conducive environment for parasitic worms.
This is where probiotics come in, like Purina's (or Zesty Paws's ($25.97). They're a great way to keep a dog's digestive tract healthy. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are good for a dog's overall health and well-being, and especially their digestive tract. Probiotics for dogs can be found almost anywhere and they are affordable.
A naturally alkaline system (non-acidic) system kills parasites. To help balance the pH of your dog's digestive system, you can add apple cider vinegar to their diet. I like using organic ones, like Bragg's. Simply add about 1/4-1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar daily, depending on your dog's size.
As I mentioned, these home remedies have not been clinically proven to remove worms from a dog's system. However, many pet owners, myself included, have had success using these natural remedies to prevent their dog from contracting a worm infestation.
READ NEXT: Can Humans Get Worms From Dogs?
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