When taking care of a furry friend, protection from parasites is one of the most important and challenging aspects of responsible pet parenting. Worms are especially dangerous, as unlike fleas and ticks, they are not visible to the naked eye, and their symptoms take time to surface. To make sure it’s not too late for your pet, it’s imperative that you understand how to navigate this condition and take timely measures.

This informative blog will walk you through how pets get worms, common symptoms to watch out for, and various natural remedies to help eliminate them safely. We’ll also cover some popular deworming treatments and preventive measures to help keep the tails wagging and the purrs going strong.

Ready with your notepad? Let’s get started!

How Do Pets Get Worms?

Pets can pick up worms in many ways. Here are some of the most common ways:

  • Eating the feces of infected animals
  • Eating infected rodents or wild animals
  • Coming into contact with contaminated soil
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Mosquito bites
  • Ingesting infected fleas when grooming themselves
  • Passed to puppies or kittens from their mother

Symptoms of Worms in Cats and Dogs

Here are the symptoms that help you recognize the presence of worms in pets:

  • Lethargy
  • Weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Change in appetite
  • Swollen stomach
  • Visible worms in the feces or around the bottom
  • Rubbing the bottom or scooting
  • A dull coat
  • Diarrhea

Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Worms in Dogs

In this segment, we’ll discuss some of the widely recognized natural remedies practiced to treat and prevent worms in dogs.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are considered highly effective against worms in dogs. They contain a deworming compound called cucurbitacin, which helps paralyze the parasites and prevents them from holding on to the intestinal walls. This allows for easy elimination of worms through the normal bowel movements.

Carrots

Carrots can be a great aid, as they are rich in fiber and vitamin A, which makes a dog’s gut less hospitable for worms. Feeding carrots that are roughly chopped can help scrape the walls of the stomach and intestines as they are digested, getting rid of mucus and any parasites.

Coconut

Coconut is another easily available natural remedy, as dried coconut is considered a vermifuge and can help eliminate worms from the body. You can sprinkle unsweetened dried coconut or coconut oil on their food.

Apple cider vinegar

Apart from its use in cooking, apple cider vinegar can also be used as an effective worm treatment. It increases the alkaline levels in the dog’s intestines, making it inhospitable for worms.

Turmeric

This superfood is known for offering various health benefits with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Well, these properties can help get rid of worms in dogs and support gut health. However, it’s recommended to combine turmeric with a healthy oil like coconut oil to make it easily digestible.

Papaya seeds

With their anthelmintic (anti-worm) properties, papaya seeds can help get rid of worms in dogs. Furthermore, papaya seeds contain the enzyme papain, which aids in digestion and can facilitate the removal of worms from the dog’s body.

Are Natural Remedies Effective for Cats?

To put it simply, no, natural remedies are usually not recommended for cats. The natural remedies discussed above may prove to be effective for dogs, but they can be ineffective for cats. In some cases, they may even lead to toxicity. Therefore, the safest way to treat worms in cats is to consult a veterinarian and give the treatments suggested by them.

Popular Deworming Treatments for Cats and Dogs

In this segment, we’ll discuss some of the most popular dewormer treatments for dogs and cats preferred by pet parents.

Wormers for dogs

These are some widely used wormers for dogs:

Milbemax for dogs

Milbemax is an oral wormer formulated to protect dogs against a range of gastrointestinal worms with Milbemycin Oxime and Praziquantel as the active ingredients. These easy-to-administer tablets protect against roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. It is also effective in preventing heartworm disease when given once a month.

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Triworm-D for dogs

Triworm-D is a potent oral broad-spectrum wormer for puppies and dogs. These tablets contain Praziquantel, Pyrantel Pamoate, and Febantel as the active ingredients and offer protection against ascarids, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.

Wormers for cats

Here are some popular dewormers for cats you can look into:

Profender for cats

Profender is a potent wormer formulated to protect cats and kittens against a range of gastrointestinal worms. This topical treatment features a combination of Emodepside and Praziquantel to treat and control infections caused by tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

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Mediworm for cats

Mediworm is a catnip-flavored oral dewormer designed to protect cats and kittens against gastrointestinal worms. With Praziquantel and Pyrantel pamoate as the active ingredients, these palatable tablets provide protection against roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Discover an extensive collection of dewormers for dogs and cats, and get the ideal treatment for your pet to ensure their protection against these pesky parasites.

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Measures to Help Prevent Worms in Pets

Implementing the following preventive measures may help keep these pesky parasites at bay:

  • Maintain regular vet visits.
  • Keep the environment clean and pick up feces as soon as possible.
  • Maintain a regular grooming routine.
  • Limit their outdoor access.
  • Don’t let water stand in the surrounding areas.
  • When going out for walks, avoid heavily wooded areas.
  • Administer preventive treatments recommended by the vet.

Parting Words

Protecting pets against worms is a little challenging, but with the right knowledge, it can be a smooth sail. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your dog or cat from these silent invaders. Whether you are going with natural remedies or deworming treatments, make sure you consult your vet. They will provide professional guidance based on the condition and medical history of your pet.