Worms in Dogs: A Natural Approach to Prevention and Treatment

Worms in dogs is unfortunately a common concern for pet owners. As dog owners, we’re all familiar with the idea that “puppies come with worms,” as well as the veterinary guidance of the importance of routine dog worming. However, the common practice of chemical routine worm prevention is often more harmful than it seems on the surface.

Thankfully, you can help your dog to be inhospitable and eliminate worms (and even prevent them) using safe, natural methods. I’ll discuss these in this article, along with other important information on worms in dogs.

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REPEL for tick, flea, mite & worm repellent.

Immediate health risks/side effects

Due to their chemical composition and the fact that they are literally designed to eliminate life forms, pharmaceutical worming tablets for dogs can have numerous adverse effects. They don’t discriminate between species, and whilst dogs will obviously get a much smaller dose than the worms, the risks are still evident. With every dog being unique, symptoms will vary somewhat, but can include:

Mild

• Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.)
• Loss of appetite
• Drooling
• Lethargy
• Dilated pupils

Severe

• Irregular heart rate
• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures
• Shock
• Blindness
• Depressed nervous system
• Disorientation/loss of coordination
• Hypothermia

These symptoms can occur anywhere from a few hours after treatment to a few days later. They can be temporary or longer lasting depending on the individual dog, their overall health, and other factors, so it’s important to get to a vet immediately if any of the symptoms listed as severe are present. Better yet, utilising a natural dog wormer will help avoid the risks altogether.

Overall health effects

Aside from the more immediate health effects, pharmaceutical dog wormers can also impact dogs’ health in various other ways over the long term. The chemical compounds in these drugs wreak havoc on dogs’ digestive systems, disrupting the bacterial balance of the gut biome. This can result in multiple systems becoming imbalanced, causing health issues affecting the brain, reproductive organs, liver, and kidneys, to name a few [1].

Feeding dogs natural species-appropriate food, such as a raw dog food diet and using natural dog worming remedies contribute to their gut health, immune response, and health in general.

Discover why dog gut health is key to overall well-being in our blog, The Secrets of Dog Gut Health. Check it out for expert insights and practical tips!

Worm species common in dogs

Worms in dogs often belong to one of four common species. These are:

Roundworms

Roundworms are long, white worms that survive by absorbing nutrients from their host. They typically infect dogs’ intestines, though they can also burrow into other parts of the body. They eventually work their way up to the lungs, causing dogs to cough, choke, or vomit.

Hookworms 

Hookworms are short, blood-sucking worms with teeth, which also absorb nutrients from their host. They begin their life cycle in the intestine, eventually working up towards the lungs. Hookworms can be fatal in young puppies, who require their nutrient reserves to survive and develop.

Whipworms 

Whipworms generally remain in the intestines of their host. They absorb less nutrients than other worm species and generally don’t cause noticeable symptoms, which allows them to go undetected for longer than other, more obvious infestations.

Lungworm 

Lungworm is a potentially serious parasite that affects dogs’ lungs and respiratory system. Dogs can become infected by eating slugs, snails, or contaminated grass. Symptoms include coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and unexplained bleeding. Left untreated, lungworm can be life-threatening, so prompt veterinary care are essential if you suspect your dog has lungworm.  

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can grow to 6 inches or longer, and have a flat, “tape-like” appearance. They reside in dogs’ small intestines, where they can easily access food during the digestion process, causing weight loss.

How dogs contract worms

Worms in dogs are transmissible through a number of sources, and the various types of worms are linked to certain transmission routes. For example, puppies in utero or still nursing can contract roundworms and hookworms from their mother, as these species can penetrate the uterus and are also transmissible through mum’s milk. Here are a few other examples of how dogs might contract worms:

Contaminated soil 

As most worm species shed eggs with a host’s bowel movements, soil that has been contaminated by faeces can pose a risk for worm transmission. Eggs of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can remain in the soil long after the poo biodegrades, and dogs can pick it up through normal outside activities [2]. They then ingest the eggs when grooming themselves, and the worms’ life cycle begins. 

Additionally, hookworms can be absorbed through simply walking or playing on contaminated soil, as they’re able to penetrate whichever part of a dog’s skin they touch, such as their paws, rump, or belly.

Other infected animals

This mode of transmission generally happens when a dog eats another infected animal or comes into contact with its faeces. For example, rodents can carry the same types of worms as dogs, therefore contact with them is a common form of transmission. 

Fleas

Tapeworm can be passed on to a dog through infected fleas, as they can be accidentally ingested while a dog bites or chews at an itchy spot. In fact, this is the most common way tapeworms can be transmitted to dogs.

Curious about natural flea prevention? Check out my blog, Natural Flea Prevention, for tips that keep pests away without the chemicals! 

Contaminated food/water

Dogs can also contract worms through contaminated food or water, though this is more common in strays and dogs allowed to forage without supervision. Worm eggs can be shed into food and/or water through contact with infected animals, or infected people who haven’t washed their hands, and will begin their lifecycle when ingested by dogs.

Signs of worms in dogs

Though most of these symptoms can potentially be attributed to other health concerns, they can also be signs of worms in dogs and warrant a vet check. Here’s what to watch for:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Scooting bottom along floor
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lack of energy
• Malnutrition/nutrient deficiencies 
• Dehydration
• Swollen belly
• Cough (lungworm/roundworm/hookworm)
• Pneumonia (severe roundworm)

Recognising early symptoms is ideal

You’ll likely notice the signs of worms in dogs at some point, even if they’re quite subtle at first. Catching a worm infestation in its early stages allows your dog to expel their parasitic load before potentially serious damage is done. This way, they can return to their healthy, happy selves sooner than later, without any lasting effects or long-term treatments required.

Additionally, certain worm species can cause severe respiratory issues and even intestinal blockages in dogs. These are medical emergencies and are the result of a long-term worm infestation. 

I recommend routinely testing for worms using faecal egg count, every 6 months or whenever you suspect worms maybe present. We at ProDog use Feclab, and this testing is very economical, reliable, and efficient with quick results.  

How natural dog worming remedies can help 

Unlike chemical dog wormers that rely on harsh agents to eliminate worms, natural worm remedies like ProDog’s Repel supplement take a preventative approach. They work by supporting the body’s natural defences, helping to build immunity and strengthen the dog’s ability to fend off invaders—without creating a toxic environment that could impact overall health. [3].  

Whilst natural remedies make the internal environment inhospitable to worms, they do so without disrupting dogs’ normal body functions and can even contribute to improved functioning in areas that might be lacking. This allows them to dispel their parasitic load without causing any negative side effects that they might otherwise experience.   

Natural remedies and overall health 

Aside from being helpful for dispelling worms in dogs, natural remedies can also be useful in other areas. Thanks to their immune-boosting properties, dogs can receive various health benefits as a result of a more balanced immune response [4]. Results will likely depend on the individual dog and any pre-existing health issues, though an optimally functioning immune system is ideal for the health of all dogs. 

Discover why immune health is vital for dogs in Dr Katie Woodley’s blog, The Basics of Dog Immunity. Gain expert insights and practical tips to support your dog’s well-being. 

Health-promoting, natural dog wormers are a great way to support immune function naturally, and I recommend these to customers over any pharmaceutical dog worming tablets. 

In 20 years of dog ownership, and 5 dogs, I have only ever had one dog test positive for hookworm, and I’ve never used routine chemical wormers, having always opted for natural prevention.  

ProDog’s Repel comes with my highest recommendation; its blend of all-natural ingredients includes kelp, neem leaf, pumpkin seed, garlic, and lemon balm which work in synergy to deter ticks, fleas, worms, and mites. This blend also boosts dogs’ immunity, aids balance within the gut, and helps to cultivate an internal environment that worms can no longer inhabit.  

It’s common practice to treat dogs and puppies with pharmaceutical dog wormers on a regular basis, regardless of whether or not worms are actually present. This is a preventative measure that makes sense in some respects, though it’s often done without considering any potential negative health effects. As I stated earlier, the side effects of pharmaceutical dog worming tablets/treatments can be detrimental to dogs’ health, especially in young puppies before their immunity is fully established, dogs with health issues, older dogs or those with a compromised detox or immune system. 

Tests for worms in dogs, such as Feclab testing as mentioned above, provide valuable insight into whether dogs in fact have any worms that require treating [5]. Not only can these tests verify or rule out a potential worm infestation, but they can identify the type/types of worms and/or eggs present, as well as the current stage of the infestation. This way, treatment can be customised to the individual situation, determining if there’s an early infestation or an advanced one and which type of response is warranted. 

Optimal health, strong immunity, and occurrence of parasites

As I mentioned earlier, natural dog worming remedies can also contribute to dogs’ overall health. However, maintaining optimal health is the best prevention method above all. Keeping dogs healthy in general allows their immune systems to maintain optimal function and their various biological systems to follow suit. This makes a less attractive host for worms, and parasites in general.

Benefits of raw feeding for parasite resistance

Species-appropriate raw feeding is my number one recommendation to any dog owner who wants to help their canine companion achieve optimal health. The essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive are naturally present in these foods; it’s the diet dogs have chosen for thousands of years for a reason. 

Dogs’ gut health, immune function, muscles, tissues, joints, etc. all benefit from raw feeding, creating an internal environment that is strong and balanced, able to defend itself against parasites much more effectively. ProDog’s raw meals come in a wide variety of options, so every dog and/or puppy can find something they love, whilst you get to witness their health improve in multiple ways. 

Feeding your dog a raw diet doesn’t have to be complicated. ProDog’s raw dog food meals are ready to serve—just defrost and feed. With a wide variety of options, every dog or puppy can enjoy a meal they’ll love while you watch their health thrive in countless ways. 

Want to learn more? Check out our article, Benefits of Raw Feeding, and discover how great-quality, species-appropriate food can transform your dog’s well-being. 

Worms in dogs: A natural approach to prevention and treatment

Though it’s simpler to pop into your vet for a worm preventive, it’s not necessarily the best idea. Pharmaceutical worming treatments involve more risks than benefits, and there are safer, more natural ways to keep your dog healthy and parasite-free.

Through appropriate nutrition, natural prevention/treatment methods, and a generally healthy lifestyle, dogs are capable of fighting off parasites like worms. However, it’s also crucial to keep an eye out for symptoms and supervise your dog around potential contact with worms.