Home Remedies for Internal Parasites in Pets
Introduction
Internal parasites like worms and protozoa can harm your pet’s health, causing digestive issues, weight loss, and lethargy. While traditional dewormers are effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that may lead to side effects.
Fortunately, several natural remedies can help eliminate and prevent parasites in dogs and cats—gently and safely.
🌿 In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Signs of internal parasites
✅ Natural remedies to get rid of parasites
✅ Home-based prevention tips
1. Signs Your Pet Has Internal Parasites
Many internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and giardia, can go unnoticed until they cause health problems.
🚨 Common symptoms of internal parasites in pets:
✔️ Scooting or licking the rear
✔️ Diarrhea or constipation
✔️ Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
✔️ Weight loss despite a good appetite
✔️ Bloated or pot-belly appearance
✔️ Lethargy and weakness
✔️ Dull coat and skin problems
✔️ Coughing (in cases of lungworms)
If your pet shows multiple symptoms, try these home remedies along with a vet check-up.
2. Best Home Remedies for Internal Parasites in Pets
🦠 1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Natural Parasite Killer
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How It Works:
- DE is a fine, fossilized powder that dehydrates and kills intestinal worms upon contact.
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How to Use It:
- Dogs under 25 lbs: ½ tsp per day
- Dogs 25–50 lbs: 1 tsp per day
- Dogs 50–100 lbs: 1 tbsp per day
- Dogs over 100 lbs: 2 tbsp per day
- Cats: ½ tsp per day
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Instructions:
- Mix food-grade DE with wet food for 10 days, stop for 10 days, then repeat.
🚨 Use only food-grade DE, not the industrial type used for pools.
🥜 2. Pumpkin Seeds – Gentle & Effective Dewormer
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How It Works:
- Contains cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms so they can be expelled.
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How to Use It:
- Small pets: ½ tsp ground seeds per day
- Medium dogs: 1 tsp per day
- Large dogs: 1 tbsp per day
- Mix with food daily for at least 2 weeks.
🚨 Ensure seeds are raw, unsalted, and ground into powder for best absorption.
🍏 3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – Natural Gut Acidifier
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How It Works:
- ACV increases stomach acidity, making it harder for parasites to survive.
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How to Use It:
- Dosage: Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to your pet’s water or food daily.
- Best Results: Start small and increase gradually.
🚨 Use raw, unfiltered ACV with the “mother” for maximum benefits.
🌿 4. Black Walnut Hull – Herbal Dewormer (Use with Caution)
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How It Works:
- Contains juglone, a natural anti-parasitic compound.
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How to Use It:
- Dogs: Use a black walnut hull supplement (consult a holistic vet for dosage).
🚨 Warning: Can be toxic in high doses—use under vet supervision. Avoid for cats.
🧄 5. Garlic – Natural Parasite Repellent (Use with Care)
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How It Works:
- Contains sulfur compounds that make the gut less hospitable for parasites.
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How to Use It:
- Dogs: ¼ tsp fresh garlic per 10 lbs of body weight, once daily.
- Cats: Avoid garlic—it’s toxic to them.
🚨 Use fresh garlic (not powder) in moderation. Never exceed the safe dosage.
🥛 6. Probiotics – Strengthen the Gut Against Parasites
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How It Works:
- Supports the good bacteria in your pet’s gut, reducing parasite overgrowth.
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How to Use It:
- Give pet-friendly probiotic supplements or plain yogurt daily.
🚨 Choose probiotics without added sugar or artificial flavors.
🍍 7. Papaya & Pineapple – Enzyme-Based Dewormer
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How It Works:
- Contains papain and bromelain, enzymes that break down parasite eggs.
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How to Use It:
- Dogs: Small amounts of fresh papaya or pineapple daily.
- Cats: Tiny bits of papaya occasionally.
🚨 Feed in moderation to prevent digestive upset.
🥕 8. Fiber-Rich Foods – Natural Intestinal Cleanser
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How It Works:
- Fiber flushes out worms from the intestines.
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How to Use It:
- Raw carrots, beets, and coconutare great fiber sources for deworming.
- Mix into food daily for a few weeks.
3. Prevention: How to Keep Your Pet Parasite-Free Naturally
✔️ Regular Natural Deworming – Use DE, pumpkin seeds, or probiotics as a routine preventive.
✔️ Maintain a Clean Environment – Wash bedding, toys, and litter boxes regularly.
✔️ Control Fleas – Since fleas transmit tapeworms, use natural flea repellents like neem oil or herbal sprays.
✔️ Avoid Contaminated Water & Soil – Keep pets away from areas with stagnant water or dirty soil.
✔️ Check Stool Regularly – Watch for worms and act fast if symptoms appear.
🐾 Routine prevention is key! Even if your pet seems healthy, natural deworming every few months can help prevent infestations.
4. When to See a Vet
Natural remedies work well for mild to moderate infestations, but severe cases require vet treatment.
🚨 Seek veterinary care if:
✔️ Your pet has severe diarrhea or vomiting
✔️ They’re lethargic or weak
✔️ There’s blood in the stool
✔️ Their belly is severely bloated
✔️ Worms persist despite natural treatment
💡 Tip: Always follow up with a fecal test at the vet to confirm that the worms are gone.
Conclusion
Internal parasites are a common but treatable issue in pets. By using safe, natural remedies like Diatomaceous Earth, pumpkin seeds, probiotics, and apple cider vinegar, you can gently eliminate parasites without harsh chemicals.
✔️ Use DE, pumpkin seeds, and apple cider vinegar for natural deworming.
✔️ Support gut health with probiotics and fiber-rich foods.
✔️ Prevent future infestations with regular deworming and hygiene practices.
🐾 With the right natural approach, your pet can stay healthy, happy, and parasite-free—without harmful medications!
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