When your dog has worms, it can be a scary time. It seems like they come out of nowhere, and they can cause significant damage to your dog’s system if you’re not careful. You should always look into whether medication is an option for your dog when they’re sick. However, there are some natural remedies that can help the medicine along. Here are some foods that can help dogs combat worms:
Pumpkin Seeds
These seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms and makes it easy for dogs to get rid of them as part of the digestion process. To feed pumpkin seeds to your dog, you can grind them into a fine powder and add them to food, or you can serve them whole as a trick. Make sure to use raw pumpkin seeds, not salted snack ones.
Oats
While your dog is working on eliminating worms from their system, oats are a great choice. They provide nutrients and sustained energy, which are important when fighting a parasite infestation. Due to their nutrient density, they help reduce the risk of heart disease and support the immune system’s response to infections.
Carrots
These vegetables provide vitamin A and can help get rid of worms in dogs. When coarsely chopped, they scrape the walls of the stomach and gut during the digestion process, which removes parasites that are caught up in the stomach’s mucus. You can feed them to your dog as a treat or include them in their meals.
Coconut
Dried coconut can help eliminate worms from the body, acting as a vermifuge. You can sprinkle it on your dog’s food to help them get rid of worms. Make sure to use an unsweetened variety, and use an amount that’s appropriate for your dog’s weight. Coconut oil can do the same, but it needs to be taken on a regular basis.
Turmeric
This popular Indian spice is safe for dogs in small doses, and it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Mixing it with olive oil or adding it to boiling water (then letting it cool down, of course) are the best ways to deliver it to your pet. Olive oil is said to help with the antiparasitic properties of turmeric.
The best way to keep your dog safe from worms is through preventative treatments. Revolt® is a once-a-month topical that is safe & super easy to apply with no mess or greasy formula. Ask your veterinarian about Revolt® today!
