Home Remedies for Dog Worms

Internal parasites are common in canines, especially puppies. The most common among them are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworm, whip worms, and heartworms. The most dangerous among them are heartworms that infest the heart and the blood vessels.

Dogs with heartworm infestation require immediate treatment, to avoid fatal complications. Roundworms and hookworms can spread to other animals and even humans.

Symptoms of worms in dogs include loss of hair, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dull coat, dehydration, vomiting, cough, and blood in stools. Some dogs may develop pot bellies as a result of worm infestation. In severe cases, these worms may appear in the stools of your pet. While some types of dog worms are visible to the naked eye (may be present in stools and sometimes on fur), others require microscopic testing.

Identifying the particular worm that has infested the dog is very important to treat the condition successfully. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, take the dog to the vet. Dog worm treatment involves use of deworming medication. Home remedies are also found to be useful for this purpose.

• An effective herbal remedy for dog worms is wormwood, which acts as a digestive tonic. Apart from eradicating the worms, this herb prevents re-infestation too. It should be given in small doses, that too for two to three days. ¼ teaspoon of dried wormwood can be given, along with dog food.

• Garlic is another herb that is used for internal parasites in dogs. It is grated and mixed with fennel, before feeding the dog. Crushed garlic mixed with powdered cloves can be added to dog food, as a cure for worms.

• One of the popular home remedies for dog worms is carrot. While some dogs eat carrots as such, others may be averse to it. If your dog is not interested in having carrots, you can shred the vegetable and mix with the dog food.

• Some people use cloves to treat worms in dogs. The anti parasitic properties of cloves are said to be useful for this purpose. Even oat bran is said to be effective for this purpose. You have to feed the dog at least two teaspoons of oat bran with every meal.

• Adding peppermint and cinnamon to the dog food may also work wonders. There are various other home remedies, like Oregon grape root tincture and food grade diatomaceous earth.

These are some of the common home remedies that are believed to be effective in combating dog worms. While some are found effective for getting rid of roundworms, others may eliminate hookworms. So, you have to find out the right home remedy that works for your dog.

It is advisable to consult a qualified veterinary herbalist, and follow his instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. However, identifying the type of dog worm is a must, for proper treatment. As prevention is always better than cure, powdered pumpkin seeds can be added (¼ teaspoon) to the dog food, so as to prevent worm infestation.

Disclaimer: This story is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert advice.