How to Naturally Treat Worms in Dogs and Cats
Introduction
Intestinal worms are a common issue in both dogs and cats. While conventional dewormers work, they often contain harsh chemicals that may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, or digestive upset.
Luckily, there are natural ways to treat and prevent worms in your pets using herbs, food-based remedies, and holistic treatments.
Why Choose Natural Deworming Remedies?
✔️ No harsh chemicals
✔️ Gentle on digestion
✔️ Safe for long-term use
✔️ Supports immune health
In this guide, we'll explore signs of worms, natural dewormers, and prevention tips to keep your pet parasite-free—without harmful medications.
1. Signs Your Pet Has Worms
Not all worms cause obvious symptoms, but watch for:
✔️ Scooting (dragging their rear on the floor)
✔️ Visible worms or eggs in stool or around the anus
✔️ Diarrhea or constipation
✔️ Vomiting (sometimes with worms visible)
✔️ Bloating or pot-belly appearance
✔️ Weight loss despite eating well
✔️ Dull coat or dry skin
✔️ Increased appetite or loss of appetite
Common types of worms in dogs and cats:
- Roundworms– Common in puppies and kittens.
- Hookworms– Suck blood and can cause anemia.
- Tapeworms– Often caused by fleas.
- Whipworms– Cause digestive issues.
🐾 If you suspect worms, try these natural remedies while also consulting your vet for guidance.
2. Best Natural Remedies for Worms in Dogs & Cats
🦠 1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Natural Parasite Killer
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How It Works:
- DE is a fine powder that kills worms by dehydrating them.
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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:
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Mix food-grade DE into food for 10 days, stop for 10 days, and repeat.
🚨 Warning: Ensure your pet drinks plenty of water, as DE can cause dehydration.
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Mix food-grade DE into food for 10 days, stop for 10 days, and repeat.
🥕 2. Pumpkin Seeds – Gentle & Effective Dewormer
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How It Works:
- Contain cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms so they can be expelled.
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How to Use It:
- Small dogs & cats: ½ tsp ground seeds per day
- Medium dogs: 1 tsp per day
- Large dogs: 1 tbsp per day
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Mix with food daily for at least 2 weeks.
🚨 Ensure seeds are raw, unsalted, and ground into powder for best absorption.
🌿 3. Black Walnut Hull – Powerful Anti-Parasitic
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How It Works:
- Contains juglone, a natural anti-parasitic compound.
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How to Use It:
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Dogs: Use a black walnut hull supplement (consult a holistic vet for dosage).
🚨 Warning: Only use under vet supervision, as large doses can be toxic. Avoid for cats.
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Dogs: Use a black walnut hull supplement (consult a holistic vet for dosage).
🍏 4. Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances Stomach Acidity
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How It Works:
- Increases gut acidity, making it hard for worms to survive.
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How to Use It:
- Add ¼ tsp per 10 lbs of body weight to your pet’s water or food daily.
🚨 Start with small amounts and gradually increase to avoid stomach upset.
🧄 5. Garlic – Natural Worm Repellent (Use with Caution)
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How It Works:
- Contains sulfur compounds that deter 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.
🚨 Only use fresh garlic (not garlic powder) and always in small, controlled amounts.
🥛 6. Probiotics – Supports Gut Health
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How It Works:
- Strengthens the gut microbiome, making it harder for worms to survive.
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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.
3. Prevention Tips: Keep Your Pet Worm-Free Naturally
✔️ Regularly Deworm Naturally – Use DE, pumpkin seeds, or probiotics as a routine preventive.
✔️ Keep Their Environment Clean – Regularly clean litter boxes, bedding, and outdoor areas.
✔️ Control Fleas – Since fleas transmit tapeworms, use natural flea prevention (like coconut oil or herbal sprays).
✔️ Raw Carrots & Fiber-Rich Foods – Help expel worms naturally by cleaning out the intestines.
✔️ Check Stool Regularly – Watch for worms and act fast if you see signs.
🐾 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.
🚨 Take your pet to the vet if:
✔️ They have severe diarrhea or vomiting
✔️ They’re lethargic or weak
✔️ There’s blood in stool
✔️ Their belly is severely bloated
✔️ Worms persist despite natural treatment
💡 Tip: If using a natural remedy, follow up with a fecal test at the vet to confirm the worms are gone.
Conclusion
Worms are a common but treatable issue in dogs and cats. By using safe, natural remedies like Diatomaceous Earth, pumpkin seeds, and probiotics, you can gently eliminate worms without chemicals.
✔️ Use DE, pumpkin seeds, and apple cider vinegar to treat worms naturally.
✔️ Support gut health with probiotics and fiber-rich foods.
✔️ Prevent future infestations with regular deworming and flea control.
🐾 With the right natural approach, your pet can stay healthy, happy, and worm-free—without harmful chemicals!
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