DIY Natural, Herbal Dewormers for Dogs and Cats
- Support the body's natural defences
- Signs of an intestinal parasite infestation
- Common intestinal parasites
- Fluids to add worming treatment and prevent blockage
- Food to support worming treatment
- Garlic
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Pumpkin seed
- Cloves
- Goldenseal
- Black walnut
1. Symptoms of an Intestinal Parasite Infestation
One or more symptoms may present:- Bloating
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Gas
- Greasy stools
- Nausea
- Parasites (dead or alive) in stool
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Consuming a lot of food but not putting on weight
- Excessive scratching or licking around the anus, or base of tail
- Rash on the body
- Rash around anus or base of tail
- Scudding, scooting
2. Common Intestinal Parasites in Dogs and Cats
- Giardia
- Flukes
- Hookworms
- Round Worms (common round worm – Ascaris)
- Tapeworms
- Strongyloides – a type of round worm also known as Threadworm, Pinworm, Seatworm, etc.
- Trichinella - a type of round worm that causes trichinellosisor trichinosis.
3. If You Think Your Dog or Cat Has Intestinal Parasites
- Start treatment with a natural worming protocol (see further below).
- Support your animal's overall health (see further below),
- Don't worm your animal.
- You can help maintain a parasite-free state by including appropriate supplemental foods, go to this article.
4. Support Overall Body Health
- Feed your dog or cat a species appropriate diet.
- Avoid including toxin and carcinogenic substances in the diet.
- Replace conventional flea, tick, mosquito preventatives with natural alternatives.
- Don’t over vaccinate your dog or cat – only vaccinate for what is truly necessary and have titter tests done to ascertain when repeat inoculations are required.
- Avoid use of antibiotics and other conventional medications unless your animal is in a life-threatening emergency situation. Choose natural care for all other situations, e.g. ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, etc.
- Choose health care products (e.g. shampoo, dental chews and toothpaste that are toxin and carcinogen-free.
- Don't use chemical-based cleaning products in your home.
- Don't use chemical-based pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in your yard, on your grass, trees, garden, etc.
- Wash road-salt off of your dog and cat's paws.
5. Supplemental Food to Support Worming
Fluids to Aid Worming Process and Prevent Blockage
- Go to this article.
- Go to this article.
- Boil 1 quart of water
- Add one bunch of fresh parsley (curly parsley, Italian flat leaf parsley, etc.) to the boiling water
- Allow to simmer for 3 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow to cool
- Remove the parsley and discard it
-
Pour the liquid into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator
- 1 tbsp parsley water (for every 10 lbs of body weight) once a day for 10 days.
- Go to this article.
- Help with the expulsion of the parasite (foods ‘scrub’ the weakened worms out of the digestive tract).
- Boost the immune system.
- Sooth inflamed intestinal walls.
- Help to kill parasites and prevent re-infestation.
- Carrots ½ tbs to 2 tbs a day
- Beets ½ tbs to 2 tbs a day
- Go to this article.
- 1 tsp to 1 tbs.
- go to this article.
- Go to this article.
3. Natural Herbal Wormers
- Garlic
- Grapefruit Seed
- Pumpkin Seed
- Cloves
- Goldenseal
- Black Walnut Hull
In 2008, a scientific study was done in which Garlic was tested against Ivermectin. Garlic proved to be an effective natural alternative to conventional synthetic-chemical pesticide worming agents such as Ivermectin.
How to Include Garlic in Your Dog’s Diet
- You can decide to give your dog garlic just during worming treatment, or;
- You can add garlic to your your dog's daily diet if she self-selects it.
- Learn about self-selection in this article.
- Chop, mince, crush or press the garlic and allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before giving the garlic to your dog or cat;
- This gives the allinn and alliinase sufficient time to undergo the enzymic reaction that creates allicin.
- 1 clove fresh garlic (or 1 tsp minced/finely chopped) per every 30 lbs of body weight per day.
- If your dog is on a blood thinner:
- Garlic can slow down blood clotting, garlic may increase the efficacy of the blood thinner warfarin.
- The dosage of the blood thinner may need to be adjusted.
For dogs, puppies and cats and kittens
- University of Georgia researchers found that GSE is an effective antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic agent for fighting many viral and bacterial infections, including E. coli.
- Additional findings have proven that GSE is a highly effective treatment for:
- 800 bacterial and viral strains.
- 100 strains of fungi, and.
- A multitude of single and multi-celled parasites.
- Hesperidin (a bioflavonoid), well known for its potent immune system benefits;
- Vitamin C, Citric Acid, sterols and multiple additional antioxidants that aid the immune system’s ability to battle infections.
For additional health benefits, cautions and interactions go to this article.
- Pulverized seeds can be used as an ingested treatment sprinkled on top of food;
- Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) drops can be mixed into the food.
Liquid GSE:
- Minimum dosage - 0.5 drops per every kg (per every 2.2 lbs) of body weight;
- Maximum dosage - 10 to 15 drops per every 10 lbs of body weight 3 times a day;
- 8 mg per every kg (per every 2.2 lbs) of body weight.
Pumpkin seeds (shelled) and pumpkin seed oil provide:
- Antimicrobial support
- Antioxidant support
- Nutrient support
- Natural wormer
Preparation:
- Grind the pumpkin seeds to a fine powder (you can use a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder, a food processor, etc.);
- Add the ground pumpkin seeds to your dog or cat's food once a day for two weeks.
- Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, vitamin A and are high in protein.
- You can also choose to add pumpkin seed to your dog or cat diet on a regular, daily basis.
- For more information on the benefits of pumpkin seeds go to this article.
- 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight
- 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight.
- Ground pumpkin seed should be stored in the refrigerator.
- If storing for many months, it is best to freeze the ground seeds to avoid loss of health benefits.
- Cloves contain a compound that increases the white blood cell count which boosts your dog’s immune system – a healthy dog is not a good host for a parasite infestation;
- Cloves contain potent antibacterial properties and anti-parasitic properties.
- Small dogs – use ¼ of a whole dry clove, crushed and mixed into food once a day for a week, then skip a week and repeat dosage one more time.
- Medium size dogs - use ½ of a whole dry clove, crushed and mixed into food once a day for a week, then skip a week and repeat dosage one more time.
- Large size dogs - use 1 whole dry clove, crushed and mixed into food once a day for a week, then skip a week and repeat dosage one more time.
Goldenseal is an antimicrobial agent and digestive aid that enhances the medicinal qualities of herbs that it is blended with. Goldenseal contains berberine, a compound that works against parasites such as giardia, liver fluke and pinworms.
Preparation and Dosage:
- Goldenseal dosage as noted in table below under - blend the appropriate amount of cloves and golden seal and mix into food.
Body Weight
|
Maximum Dosage of
Golden Seal per day
|
Teas
|
Capsules/Tablets
|
Tinctures
|
1-10 lbs
|
a small pinch
|
less than 1/4 cup,
1-3 times/day
|
1/2 capsule, 1-3
times/day
|
1-3 drops, 2-3
times/day
|
10-20 lbs
|
a bigger pinch
about
|
1/4 cup, 1-3
times/day
|
1/2-1
capsule/tablet, 1-3 times/day
|
3-5 drops, 2-3 times/day
|
20-50 lbs
|
2 pinches-1
teaspoon
|
1/4-1/2 cup, 1-3
times/day
|
1-2
capsules/tablets, 2-3 times/day
|
5-10 drops, 2-3
times/day
|
50-100 lbs
|
2 pinches-2
teaspoons
|
1/2-1 cup, 1-3
times/day
|
1-2
capsules/tablets, 3-4 times/day
|
20 drops, 2-3
times/day
|
Over 100 lbs,
|
up to 1 tablespoon
|
up to 1 cup 3
times/day
|
adult human dose
|
adult human dose
|
Black Walnut Hull (Juglans nigra)
Black walnut hull:
- Must be used with caution as they have high levels of tannin and alkaloids.
- Is not to be used as a regular supplement on a long-term daily basis.
- Black walnut hull should only be used:
- when worming is required or
- periodically to help keep your dog worm-free
- Do not use of a prolonged period of time.
- Example of dosing schedule for worming: dose 7 days on 14 days off, then repeat. Then stop use.
- Example of dosing to help maintain an intestinal worm-free state: dose 3 days per month.
- First time use: start with 1 drop per day then increase by an additional drop per day to the maximum amount per body weight.
- Tincture form (regular strength, do not use extra strength):
- 1 drop for every 10 pounds of body weight
- Capsule form:
- ¼ of a 500mg capsule for dogs 5 to 25 pounds
- ½ capsule for dogs 25 lbs and up
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.
Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld
Hi, if I use the pumpkin seeds I dont need to use the oil as well do I?
ReplyDeleteYes, you can just use the pumpkin seeds :>)
DeleteLOVE your page and all the great natural advice I found. Our dogs are on a "raw" foods only diet, and oldest for his health after being poisoned. At 14 he acts as though he's still a pup! Thanks for all the tips on deworming!! Great to see someone with a sense of the psychology of the "parent" and animal....LOLOL........our's are both rescue dogs that came with issues, we love them and have worked hard to earn that love and respect back! Thanks again.
ReplyDeletehow much grinded pumpkin seed for a cat? you gave amounts for dogs. My cat is about 12 pounds. Thanking you kindly.....
ReplyDeleteThe dosage provided int he article above is by body weight for either dogs or cats - I will repeat it here for you...
DeleteDosage
1/4 teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight, in combination with;
1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil (or wheat germ oil) for every 10 lbs of body weight.
Cheers, Karen
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have 9 beautiful Boxer/Collie pups who are 4 weeks old. Would you recommend the pumpkin seeds dewormer for a first time wormer?
ReplyDeletePumpkin oil would be a better choice.
DeleteGreat site!!! Thank you for all the great information.
ReplyDeleteHi, can you give GFS or pumpkin seed to kittens?
ReplyDeleteThanks
You can give kittens pumpkin seed or pumpkin oil
DeleteMy kitten is 10 weeks old and I just saw visible, live worms in her feces. What is the safest and most effective treatment for her? and would you suggest treating the mother cat and my dog just to be safe?
ReplyDeleteUse finely ground pumpkin seeds + pumpkin oil and some finely minced fresh ginger (dosage for ginger can be found on my article on ginger)
DeleteYes you should treat mother and dog
Super article, tonnes of good information. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised Coconut oil was not included in this list of "anti" foodssince it is anti-fungal,parasitic, bacterial & viral.
My dogs love their Coco-Nutty Oil, noting when it comes out of the cupboard, LOL. They pirouette for the oil.
Also, I wondered if the GSE or grapefruit seeds could have contradictions in treatment,as people on blood thinners (heart meds) are told to avoid grapefruit.
Hi JB,
DeleteCoconut oil proper daily dosage and full range of health benefits here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2012/02/coconut-oil-is-good-for-your-dogs.html I would not rely on coconut oil on its own to provide full deworming.
GSE has many interactions and should not be used when certain health conditions are present - go to the link provided under the section on GSE above or here http://ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.ca/2013/11/grapefruit-seed-extract-alternative.html
Is it OK to do more than one of these preventative treatments? For example. Can I do DE and pumpkin oil for an older puppy under one year?
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely
DeleteThank you so much for the insight, extremely useful information, and easy-to-read format. I'll probably go the "conventional" treatment route this time (me and the kitty share a small space and I just can't imagine 10 more days with the tapeworms), but I will DEFINITELY use the info you've provided for prevention purposes. This is my 1st time living with a feline. It's quite different from a canine, so I'm learning and adjusting. This site has been a HUGE help. Thanks, again!
ReplyDelete- Mo in GA
Dear Karen!
ReplyDeleteThank You tons for this page! However I just wanted to ask You to clarify, which of the recommended treatments would be safe for my pregnant Pomeranian (she is 4 weeks pregnant), that unfortunately seems to have warms and flees I don't want her to pass them on to her pups! Will be looking forward to hearing form You!
For that you would require a consultation - the fact that she has both fleas and worms points to issues with her diet - which also means that she will continue to get infested unless this is addressed properly.
DeleteDear Karen!
DeleteHer diet has not changed - she is 6 years old and I'm feeding her as usual - grains (rise, oats)+fresh or steamed organic vegetables+yogurt or cottage cheese+ 2 oz/per day dry dog food. I'm guessing that she might have worms, cause I have only dewormed her once about 2 years ago as a precaution, using vet pharmacy medicines. I just wanted to do it again just to be sure. Fleas unfortunately she has - I washed her with natural flee-repellent shampoo a week ago, but yesterday I found a living flee on her. I have ordered DE after reading you article, but just wanted to clarify which other of the recommended products she can use while she's pregnant? We live in a multistory house - there are many dogs and it is a common problem to get fleas in autumn, as they hide in communal area from cold. Please help us with your advice!
As noted above - she has fleas because her diet contains inappropriate items which make her blood acidic - which makes her attractive to fleas and other parasites.
DeleteCats can be difficult when trying to administer worm medication. Can one of your above solutions be baked into a homemade cat treat and still be effective?
ReplyDeleteNo, baking destroys the active properties that make the items effective.
DeleteI LOVE this site! I have an 11 Y/O Chihuahua that weighs 5 lbs. He has trachea trouble every few months and is allergic to fleas. No smoking is allowed in my home,no scented candles and so on. I did take him off heartworm pills 2 years ago..that took care of the worms. I don't believe he has worms at this time...but what would you suggest I give just in case? Just the pumpkin seeds or oil? Or a combination of what? Thanks so much in advance!
ReplyDeleteYou can use the seeds or the oil as part of his daily long-term diet to discourage parasites. The efficacy of either to prevent worms depends on the health of his overall diet.
DeleteThis web site is GREAT!! Thank you for all the great advice!
ReplyDeleteQuestion: you provide a great list of dewormers, but I did not see anything to help against heart worms. Unless I missed it!?
Thank you!! And keep up the good work! :)
In order to avoid an infestation of heart worm via natural means a dog must be on a properly designed diet, and for that I offer holistic diet nutrition wellness plans.
Deletewhere would I find the food grade DE?
ReplyDeletenatural health store
DeleteHi. What kind of pumpkin seed oil? I have refined virgin oil. I realise unrefined would be better. But is what I have still OK to use and beneficial to dogs? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteUnrefined is best, but yes you can use the one you have
DeleteThanks for responding.
DeleteAre pumpkin seeds safe for cats as a deworming aid? What else is good? I'm really hesitant about using the stuff from the vet. Thanks in advance
ReplyDeletePumpkin seeds are safe for cats as a worm deterrent and deworming aid, and should be used in combination with an appropriate diet. The veterinarian prescribed dewormers are potent pesticides containing toxins and carcinogens. If you require additional help it is available via my consultation services.
DeleteYour pack is so cute. I have a little pom that I love, he's so cute and fun. I love reading your tips for natural alternatives.
ReplyDeletehello. thank you for your post. i've been taking care of feral cats and they, without surprise, have a host of problems. one cat in particular has been vomiting round worms. when you suggest choosing a dewormer, are you recommending the use of one or can a combination of two or even more be ok? i was thinking of using both DE and grapefruit seed extract in the cats food to attack both the fleas and the round worms. also, should i sprinkle DE all around the yard? thank you for your time and advice!
ReplyDeleteYou can give both. DE can be used around the yard.
DeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteI've been following the pumpkin seed deworm treatment for two weeks as of today for my 4-year-old dog with tapeworms. There is no sign that the infestation is going away. Live tapeworms in stool. I am frustrated, knowing that the dog is still suffering the infestation. Any advice? Thank you.
Pumpkin seeds alone will not rid your dog of tapeworms - a consultation on deworming is recommended to resolve this.
DeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteMy year and a half old, 35 pound dog has been constipated on and off the last three weeks. Recently I noticed worms in his stool. He is eating a species appropriate raw diet. I am planning to give him:
papaya seed powder
tumeric tincture
food grade DE
grapefruit seed tincture
ground pumpkin seeds
crushed cloves
goldenseal tincture
Is it ok to do this all together and can I give it for longer than the 10 days to make sure I can get out as much as possible?
Also, to help with/prevent reinfestation, how often can I give these again? I was not perfect in picking up his poop before, and I know that worms can live a long time in the ground. He likes to lick/groom
his paws daily, so I am sure he will continue to ingest them... Thank you!
for this you require a consultation
DeleteHi Karen I gave a cat that was infested with tapeworms grinned pumpkin seed and the oil also.He has been on it for about 4 days.Excuse the description but they were coming out of him in large clumps(at least 8 at a time)all twisted together.Is this what I am suppose to expect to happen?
ReplyDeleteYes that is what happens when a kittie has a bad infestation.
DeleteHi, thanks for all of this info. This is my first time having a puppy & she has roundworms. She has pooped around our yard. Is there anything I can sprinkle around the yard to kill any possible eggs? I have 2 young children.
ReplyDeleteFood grade DE
DeleteHi, Its there something natural that would cover lungworm ?
ReplyDeleteYes there is, and a consultation is required.
DeleteAwesome site! We just took in a 5 week old kitten and noticed she's scooting. Going to try the ground pumpkin seeds with DE. I use coconut oil with brewers yeast treats for my dog and she hasn't had worms since i started that. Couldn't find any info that those would be beneficial to kitties too.
ReplyDeleteHey Karen,
ReplyDeleteI saw something worm like(dead i guess) in my dogs stool and he has been scooting lately so i wanted to go ahead and deworm him, no other symptom. I give him garlic almost daily. I purchased DE and will do for 10 days and also organic raw pumpkin seed but I couldn't find the oil.
So this page says to give 1/4 tsp per 10 pound of pumpkin seed powder (raja is 12.4lb maltese) but your homemade dog food page says 1/2 tablespoon for small dog so which dose should I use ?
Normal dosage for pumpkin seed is 1/4 tsp up to 1/2 tsp for small dogs.
DeleteWhich one of these treatments would treat coccidia in dogs? I rescued a young adult with it. I scrub clean pick up waste and it always comes back. Help please. I don't want anymore drugs from the vet. Thank you so much. Love your site!
ReplyDeleteIf you are feeding your dog kibble his/her immune system is not supported, it will instead be weakened so the chance of chronic issue is very high. Read my articles on feeding fresh food. A truly good diet is the primary intervention. Wormers for this issue include a combination of black walnut, DE, Pau D'arco and Golden Paste - go to the articles on my site.
Delete