Natural Treatments for Deworming Puppies

Deworming puppies is very essential as puppies are highly prone to worm infestations. Most puppies are born with roundworms, particularly when their mothers are infested. Puppies can also be infested while nursing. They contract worm infections when they eat contaminated food and feces.

Worms in dogs are a common problem and although there are many commercial deworming medications available, natural remedies are often safer and cheaper. They have also been found to be effective in deworming puppies. Although healthy dogs can tolerate mild infections, a more serious infestation can rob them of vital nutrients and adversely affect their health.

Symptoms of Worm Infestations:

  • Loss of weight
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Bad breath
  • Scratching near the base of the tail

Natural Treatments

It’s best to confirm that your dog’s ailment is due to a worm infection as the symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. You should, therefore, have your dog’s feces pathologically tested every 3 months before treating him. If the ailment is a worm infection and is severe, you should consult your veterinarian and use a conventional dewormer as prescribed. However, herbal remedies such as the addition of garlic, pumpkin seeds, walnuts or diatomaceous earth to your pet’s diet, can effectively rid your pet of worms if the infection is a mild one.

Garlic

Feeding 7 to 10 gm of raw garlic to a dog weighing 22 pounds for 5 days can reduce hookworm infestation to normal levels. These normal readings are obtained within 2 days after the treatment is stopped. In general, you can feed 1 clove of garlic for every 20 to 30 pounds of weight. Dogs don’t like the taste of garlic and it’s best to add it to his food to camouflage the taste. Garlic should be administered carefully as very large amounts of garlic can cause anemia.

Pumpkin Seeds and Wheat Germ Oil

You should add fresh, unsalted raw pumpkin seeds to your pet’s diet if he’s infested with worms. Not only are these seeds anti-parasitic, but they are also non-toxic and full of valuable nutrients. It’s recommended that you grind the seeds finely and give a quarter teaspoon for every 10 to 20 pounds of dog weight. The same amount of wheat germ oil should also be given to your pet in conjunction with pumpkin seeds and for best results this treatment should be continued for several weeks.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth that’s edible is anti-parasitic, non-toxic and very effective in your battle against dog worms. You should feed 1 teaspoon for every 25 pounds of dog weight every day for several days.

Black Walnut

Although black walnut is very effective against intestinal worms, it is toxic if taken in large amounts, too often. You should thus carefully measure the dose that’s safe for your pet.

Wormwood

Wormwood should also be used carefully and not too often as it can prove toxic due to high levels of tannins.

Worms can seriously damage your pet’s health and you should confirm that the remedy you are using is effective by having your pet’s feces checked regularly.

 

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