It is easy to keep your dog happy and healthy with very simple habits, feeding it good food, taking it to the vet and deworm it. One of the health problems most likely to afflict dogs is worms that can easily interfere with the overall health of your pet unless you control them adequately.
This guide describes the frequency of deworming your dog, the symptoms of worms in your dog, and natural treatments of deworming that would assist in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Regardless of whether you have a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior canine, the knowledge of deworming schedules and choices is a must to every dog owner.
Understanding Dog Worms
It is good to be aware of the type of worms that your dog may encounter before discussing the frequency of their deworming. Worms can be picked by the dogs as they move in their surroundings, other animals and even through the milk of their mother.
Common Types of Worms in Dogs
Roundworms – This is the most common type of worms particularly in puppies. They may result in bloating, loss of weight and dull coat.
Hookworms – These small worms latch onto the intestinal lining and feed on blood making one anaemic and weak.
Tapeworms – These are normally picked up with the ingestion of fleas. You may be able to see rice-like grains at the tail of your dog or in his or her faeces.
Whipworms – Infects the large intestine which leads to diarrhea and loss of weight.
Heartworms – Heartworms are transmitted by a bite of the mosquito, and they impact the heart and lungs, which are fatal unless treatment is administered.
How Dogs Get Worms
Your dog may never move out of your backyard, and still have worms.
Here are the most common ways dogs become infected:
- Consumption of infected soil or feces.
- Worm’s larvae which are carried by fleas and other parasites.
- Transmission in the course of nursing or prenatally.
- Hunting behavior, e.g. feeding on rodents, dead animals.
- The dog park, sidewalks, or beaches.
The prevention of worms is higher than most owners understand, and this is the reason why routine prevention and deworming are as significant.
How Often Should You Deworm Your Dog?
The rate at which your dog is dewormed is determined by its age, life and environment. Puppies require deworming more than adult dogs since their immune systems are still immature and hence, they are at a greater risk of infection.
Deworming Schedule for Puppies
During the early weeks that a puppy is alive, it should be dewormed more often as it can easily be infested by the worms through the mother.
- 2 to 3 weeks old: First deworming
- Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old
- At 12 weeks, and once every month up to 6 months.
Six months later, they are able to adhere to a schedule of an adult dog. Puppies should also have regular stool checks in order to be totally clear of worms.
Deworming Schedule for Adult Dogs
- Dogs over the age of 18 months normally require deworming every 3-6 months, depending on the level of exposure.
- Dogs that have minimal exposure to the outside environment should be dewormed on a 6-month basis (indoor dogs).
- Dogs that go outdoors or social and attend parks, daycare or go hiking should have their deworming done every 3 months.
Some veterinarians recommend that they be dewormed and have their hearts and fleas and heartworms prevented on a monthly basis, which can also be used to prevent internal parasites.
Deworming for Pregnant or Nursing Dogs
During pregnancy, deworming should be done to pregnant dogs, after childbirth, and before mating. This will avoid the transmission of worms to their puppies.
Signs Your Dog Might Have Worms
Despite the best treatment, worms can still be contracted in dogs. Early identification of the signs will enable you to prevent the infestation when it is still severe.
Here are the most common symptoms:
- Worms or white segments of the stool or anus
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Puffy abdomen (particularly among puppies)
- Normal weight loss on normal food intake
- Baldness or over moulting
- Lethargy or low energy
- Pushing up and down the floor because it was itchy.
In case of any of these symptoms, test your stool sample to your veterinarian.
Natural Remedies for Deworming Dogs
Most dog owners would want to use natural ways of keeping their dog in good health including staying off worms. Although natural remedies could help to maintain a healthy digestive system and make the system of your dog less hospitable to the worms, they are not supposed to substitute the veterinary treatment in severe cases.
Some of these safe and natural remedies that could be used in preventing and treating worms in dogs are listed below.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are also endowed with cucurbitacin, which is a natural substance that paralyzes the worms in order to be forced out of the intestines.
How to use:
- Blend the raw and the unsalted pumpkin seeds into a fine powder.
- Add 1 teaspoon of body weight in food of your dog once a day in approximately one week.
This is a non-violent approach that is safe to the majority of dogs.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Food grade diatomaceous earth may be used safely to kill the internal parasites of your dog. It acts by dehydrating and ruining the outer layer of the worm.
How to use:
- Use food grade diatomaceous earth (no longer the pool grade).
- Combine 1 teaspoon of body weight per 10 pounds of the body weight into food approximately 7 days.
- Ensure that your dog consumes a lot of water.
You should always ask your vet before using it on a regular basis.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic. It is able to enhance digestion and can also reduce the infestation of worms.
How to use:
- Begin with 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight a day.
- Add it either into food or administer it.
Coconut oil is also known to maintain a shiny coat and maintain the health of the immune system.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is raw and it may make your dog gut a bit acidic which the worms do not like.
How to use:
- Add 1 teaspoon of the body weight per 50 pounds of body weight to the water bowl of the dog each day.
- Ensure that your dog willingly consumes it- some dogs do not like the flavor.
ACV is also Beneficial to digestion and general immunity.
Garlic (In Small Amounts)
Garlic is a controversial food to dogs, yet when taken in small amounts and under control, it can be used as a natural worm deterrent and immunosuppressive.
How to use:
- Use fresh, organic garlic.
- 1 small clove to every 30 pounds of body weight, minced and combined with food, 2-3 times/week.
Do not use garlic in puppies, pregnant dogs or dogs that are sensitive to it (such as Shih Tzus or Akitas). Always use garlic only with consultation to your vet.
Herbal Remedies
Some of these herbs are naturally antiparasitic, Others keep these herbs as a natural deworming protocol to dogs:
Wormwood – Kills intestinal worms (use with professional advice).
Thyme – This will aid in worms and digestion.
Chamomile – Treats mild stomach upsets and inflammation.
Oregon grape root – Aids the liver and is also antiparasitic.
The use of herbs should be done with caution and preferably with a holistic veterinarian.
Keeping Your Dog Worm-Free Naturally
Prevention is always better than cure along with deworming.
Follow these everyday habits to keep your dog worm-free:
Clean up your yard – Dog waste should be disposed of fast to avoid reinfection.
Eradicate fleas and ticks -Apply natural or veterinarian-recommended preventatives against fleas.
Good hygiene – Wash hands when touching dogs, particularly when around children.
Frequent cleaning and bathing – Aids in early detection of worm infestation.
Diet – Give high-quality dog food and contain immune-enhancing elements.
Vet checkups – It is always good to have regular checkups of stools to ensure that worms are contained at very early stages to prevent serious complications.
When to See a Veterinarian
Natural remedies may prove to be a good preventative measure, still when your dog exhibits some serious symptoms such as continuous diarrhea, loss of weight or the worms being visible in the vomit or stool, rush to the veterinarian.
A vet can:
- Carry out fecal examination to determine the kind of worm.
- Order suitable deworming medication.
- Propose the appropriate follow-up schedule.
Keep in mind, that in some cases, worms may lead to severe health problems, particularly, in puppies or old dogs, so it is always better to follow the guidance of the professional.
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