Natural Worm Remedies in Dogs

Natural remedies for preventing worm infestation focus on a healthy immune system and balanced intestinal environment which helps prevent infestations from taking hold and thriving. Healthy bacteria in the gut limit the ability of worms to flourish in the intestine. 

A healthy diet to ensure good immune system functioning and natural intestinal flora includes:

• Avoiding antibiotics
• Feeding a low carbohydrate and high protein diet without preservatives and chemical additives 
• Probiotics, which maintain gut ecosystem
• Avoid milk and eggs when treating for worms
• Always ensure plenty of clean water is available to your dog to discourage them from drinking contaminated water.

In addition, specific dietary supplements can help prevent or reduce worm populations. These should be administered under the direction of a holistic veterinarian to ensure correct dosage and appropriateness for your dog’s condition. They may include:

• Garlic, which boosts the immune system, and acts as a dewormer, ½ clove to 2 cloves daily depending on your dog’s size.
• Vegetables such as grated carrots, fennel, watercress, papaya, and shredded coconut make your dog’s intestine less hospitable to worms.
• Pumpkin Seeds, (raw, organic), 1 tsp per day per 10 kg bwt in your dog, prevents or expels worms.
• Diatomaceous earth (DE), food grade only, reduces worm populations, although not effective for tapeworms. For small dogs, provide 1 tsp/day, for large dogs 1 Tbsp per day, mix in food.Do not allow your dog to inhale, as it can be a lung irritant.
• Chamomile and pineapple weed are effective preparations for reducing roundworms and whipworms.
• Oregon grape is an antiparasitic that can be given in a tincture of 12 drops per 20 pounds of body weight, effective against giardia.
• Black walnut can be used against both intestinal and heartworms, can be toxic if given inappropriately, and may have side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. Caution should be used and the advice of a holistic veterinarian obtained when using black walnut to ensure correct dosage and usage. Only green hulls of black walnut should be used. A regular strength tincture can be used for 2 weeks at a time, using 1 drop for every 10 pounds bwt or ¼ of a 500 mg capsule for 5-25 pound dogs and ½ capsule for larger dogs.
• Wormwood is an effective anti-parasitic that also is effective against tapeworms. It can have side effects, and should only be given under the supervision of, and on the advice of, a holistic veterinarian.
• Apple cider vinegar is a natural food that kills parasites. You can add one quarter to one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog's food.
• Black seed removes worms and is safe for pregnant and lactating dogs.
• Olive leaf helps flush out your dog's intestinal tract. It should contain 12% oleopurin or higher. Give your dog for up to 8 weeks 300 mg twice per day for small dogs, 500 mg twice per day for medium dogs, and up to 1000 mg twice per day for large dogs.
• Neem leaf given twice per day will help eliminate intestinal parasites, although it is not effective for tapeworm. Typical dosages are 150 mg per day for small dogs, 250 mg for medium dogs, and 500 mg for large dogs.
• Slippery elm acts as a laxative that will help remove worms from your dog’s system. Slippery elm powder can be administered in food or yogurt, one eighth of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.