Has your veterinarian ever recommended an all-natural approach to dog care, or have you encountered trends yourself? Whether it is about the food that they eat, the vitamins, or the drugs they take, people are becoming more conscious about natural and chemical-free ways of dealing with anything. This trend also applies to deworming activities, which are essential to keep your pet healthy. Thanks to the availability of natural products, most pet owners are shifting from the conventional methods of treating their pets to natural dog dewormers.
But the question remains: Can these natural remedies be relied on to handle the pets’ health issues effectively and safely? Let’s find the best answer to the above doubt.
What Are Natural Dog Dewormers?
Herbal dog dewormers are all-natural products derived from plants or other natural sources to eradicate worms and parasites from the dog’s system. Chemical dewormers use synthetic chemicals to eliminate parasites, while natural dewormers are made from herbs, seeds, and other substances with well-documented antiparasitic effects. These remedies mostly employ methods that do not paralyze or even kill the worms but simply try to flush them out of the system.
Popular Natural Dewormers and How They Work
Some of the natural remedies people use to deworm pets are as follows: They all have a mechanism of action against parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds:
These seeds contain cucurbitacin, which, after consumption, paralyzes the parasites, and they can no longer adhere themselves to the intestinal walls. The worms are first paralyzed and then eliminated from the body through the dog’s feces. The worms affect the dog’s intestines and are passed out through feces. It is quite simple to include pumpkin seeds in your dog’s diet, and these cannot be toxic when used in moderation.
Garlic:
Some sources are apprehensive about garlic because this substance may have toxic effects if used in high concentrations. However, many proponents of holistic pet care believe that garlic works well in helping prevent intestinal parasites in dogs. It is assumed that garlic goes to the environment of the worm and reduces its chances of survival and reproduction.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade):
This fine powder is used mechanically to remove the protective lining of parasites in a dog’s stomach. The result is the starvation of the parasites. The diatomaceous earth used in this process should be food-grade because other types contain lethal chemicals.
Wormwood and Black Walnut:
Both are strong-acting herbs that have been previously used to address parasitic infections. The Wormwood Act is believed to stun worms in a dog’s digestive tract, making them easier to expel. The Black Walnut Act is an antiparasite and enhances the dog’s digestion with additional properties.
The Effectiveness of Natural Dog Dewormers: What Do the Experts Say?
Recently, people have reported positive experiences with using natural deworming for puppies. Nonetheless, there are few scientific studies, and most veterinarians stress safety first.
There are some small experiments regarding the effectiveness of natural dewormers, including pumpkin seeds and garlic. For example, cucurbitacin present in the pumpkin seeds can paralyze tapeworms in livestock, and similarly, the same affects the dogs. People also acclaim diatomaceous earth for its physical characteristic, which is effectively crushing parasites in a dog’s gut.
However, traditional drugs are still highly preferred owing to their efficiency in eradicating parasitic organisms. Natural dewormers can be effective for mild cases or as a prevention method, but they might not be enough for severe cases. You must seek advice from a vet about deworming puppies. When choosing between natural treatments and commercial products, it is essential to do so for severe infestations.
Safety Considerations: How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Using Natural Remedies
People have turned to natural dog dewormers because they believe they are safer and less severe than chemical dewormers. However, nature does not imply that it is totally safe, as many natural things are known to have negative effects. Some natural remedies discussed here, such as garlic, have adverse side effects when taken in large amounts. Other natural remedies may trigger allergic reactions or upset the digestive system in the body.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Proper Dosing Is Key:
Natural cures, like medicines, can only be taken in any amount with the prescription and proper dose. Even if a certain ingredient was relatively innocent in dosage, taking more than needed could result in side effects or toxicity. For example, parasites can be dewormed with a low quantity of garlic, while high quantities can lead to toxicity in pets, leading to anemia.
Potential Side Effects:
The side effects associated with natural dewormers include stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are some of the signs that should make you discontinue the remedy and seek your veterinarian’s attention.
Consulting a Vet:
However, it is advisable to consult the vet before using any new treatment, even if it is a natural dog dewormer. A veterinary doctor can advise on the right portions to use for your pet. They can also help determine if natural cures suit your pet’s illness.
When to Use Natural Dewormers vs. Traditional Methods: Finding the Right Balance for Your Pet
That being said, when will you need natural dog dewormers?
Here are some situations where natural remedies can be more appropriate:
Mild Infestations:
If your dog has a mild case of lice, natural treatments should address the problem. Natural products administered to dogs do not have to be very powerful to work wonders. This can be wormwood if it is an herb or pumpkin if it is a seed.
Preventive Measures:
It is also wise to use natural dewormers to prevent intestinal parasites in dogs while they are still in their early stages. Feeding your dog a small portion of garlic in his regular diet or a handful of pumpkin seeds may repel parasites.
Sensitive Pets:
Dogs can also be allergic or sensitive to certain chemical-based medicines. Hence, natural dewormers are advisable. It is always essential to ensure that the remedy you are using relative to your dog’s health problems is ideal for them.
When to Choose Traditional Medications:
Conventional worm controls are usually the best in cases of heavy parasite loads or complications of parasitic infections in dogs. Dogs quickly get rid of parasites and avoid severe injury when your dog is plagued with them.
Conclusion
Natural deworming for pets will come in handy, especially when it comes to provide nutrition of the animals. It is a better option than other chemically produced drugs. But in some cases, they can be helpful, mainly if applied as repellants or as the first line in treating lighter infestations.
If you are searching for deworming puppies, always consult Atlas Pet Hospital. They have the best vets who will recommend the best and safest method. Natural cures must be combined with the usual visits to the vet to keep your dog healthy, joyful, and free from worms!
