Worms are something most dog owners have to contend with at some point. With many people expressing concern about the side effects of conventional worming products, its good to know that there are a number of natural alternatives that can treat and prevent these pesky parasites in your canine companion. We always recommend consulting your vet first for the best way to treat and prevent worms in your dog since every dog and situation is different!
Pumpkin seeds are an extremely effective deworming agent because they contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin. This paralyzes the worms making them easily eliminated from the intestine. They can be fed whole as a treat or you can grind them into a fine powder and add to Fidos food. One teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds (not the salted savory snack ones) per 10lbs of body weight twice a day should do the trick.
These common orange vegetables are a great source of vitamin A and believe it or not, can get rid of worms in our canine companions. Coarsely chopped carrots scrape the walls of the stomach and gut as they are digested, removing the mucus and any parasites that are within it. Carrots can be fed as a tasty treat or included at meal times they are perfectly safe, boost the immune system and are an excellent source of nutrients for your pet.
Dried coconut is a vermifuge, meaning it can help eliminate worms from the body. Sprinkle on food, giving 1 tsp for small dogs, 2 tsp for medium dogs and 1 tbsp for large breeds. Coconut oil, when fed regularly, can also rid your pooch of internal parasites as well as having many other health benefits
Nobody likes to think about their furry friend being invaded by parasites, but worms in dogs are a common issue most pet parents will face at some point. When my dog Bruno started scooting his butt across our living room carpet and losing weight despite his healthy appetite, I knew something wasn’t right. After a vet visit confirmed he had intestinal worms, I started researching natural solutions that could help him without harsh chemicals.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of worms in dogs naturally, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled the most effective natural deworming methods that actually work, based on both research and personal experience.
Understanding Dog Worms: The Unwelcome Guests
Before diving into treatments, it’s important to know what we’re dealing with. There are four main types of intestinal worms that commonly affect dogs:
- Roundworms – Often passed from mother to puppies, these worms can be several inches long and visible in stool
- Tapeworms – Segmented worms that look like rice grains in stool, usually transmitted through infected fleas
- Hookworms – Small worms that feed on blood and can cause anemia, especially dangerous for puppies
- Whipworms – Thread-like worms that live in the large intestine and can cause chronic weight loss
Signs your dog might have worms include:
- Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Scooting or dragging their rear
- Dull coat
- Visible worms in stool
- Coughing (especially with roundworms)
- Lethargy or weakness
7 Natural Remedies to Eliminate Dog Worms
1. Pumpkin Seeds: Nature’s Paralyzing Agent
Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitin that paralyzes worms and helps eliminate them from your dog’s digestive tract They’re one of the most effective natural dewormers and safe even for pregnant dogs
How to use Use raw, organic pumpkin seeds (never salted) Grind them and give 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight once or twice daily until the parasites are gone.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: pH Balance Disruptor
ACV changes your dog’s intestinal pH, creating an environment that’s inhospitable to worms. Plus, it offers additional benefits like a shinier coat.
How to use Add raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to your dog’s water or food. Start with small amounts and work up to 1/4 to 1 teaspoon per day, depending on your dog’s size
3. Coconut and Coconut Oil: Multi-Benefit Dewormer
Dried coconut can help expel worms from your dog’s digestive system. Coconut oil also contains medium-chain triglycerides that can help eliminate parasites.
How to use: Sprinkle unsweetened dried coconut over your dog’s food – one teaspoon for small dogs, two teaspoons for medium dogs, and one tablespoon for large breeds.
4. Fresh Garlic: Powerful Natural Medicine
Garlic can be as effective as conventional dewormers when given in appropriate amounts. Despite some concerns, moderate amounts are safe for most dogs.
How to use:
- Small dogs: up to 1/4 clove twice daily
- Medium dogs: up to 1/2 clove twice daily
- Large dogs: up to 3/4 clove twice daily
- Giant breeds: up to 1 clove twice daily
Let chopped raw organic garlic sit for 10-15 minutes before giving it to your dog to release its beneficial compounds.
Caution: Don’t use garlic for pregnant/nursing dogs or those on blood thinners.
5. Fermented Veggies and Probiotics: Gut Health Warriors
About 90% of the immune system is in the gut, so boosting gut health with fermented foods can help your dog’s body fight off parasites naturally.
How to use: Add fermented vegetables to your dog’s diet, starting slowly and working up to 1-3 teaspoons per day per 20 pounds of body weight. Probiotics like kefir (preferably coconut or goat milk variety) can also help – 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for medium dogs, and 2-3 tablespoons for large dogs daily.
6. Herbal Remedies: Traditional Parasite Fighters
Several herbs have proven effective against different types of worms:
- Thyme: Especially good for hookworms. Add 1 teaspoon per pound of food (use dried or fresh herbs, not essential oil).
- Chamomile: Helps with roundworms and whipworms while reducing inflammation. Use as a glycerin tincture, 0.25-0.5 ml per 20 pounds, twice daily.
- Black cumin seed: Called “the cure for everything except death,” it’s effective against most worms. Give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of seeds daily in food.
- Oregon grape: Acts as an antibiotic and liver tonic. Use 12 drops of tincture per 20 pounds, plus milk thistle for liver support.
Caution: Most herbal remedies aren’t safe for pregnant or nursing dogs.
7. Chopped Carrots and Other Veggies: Mechanical Scrubbers
Coarsely chopped carrots can help clear worm infections by mechanically scraping the intestinal lining during digestion. Other beneficial vegetables include cucumber, watercress, squash, and fennel.
How to use: Add at least 1 teaspoon of these grated/chopped vegetables per 10 pounds of body weight to your dog’s meals twice daily.
Creating a Worm-Resistant Environment
Natural treatments work best when combined with preventative measures:
- Regular poop pickup: Remove feces promptly to prevent reinfection
- Flea control: Since fleas can transmit tapeworms, keep your dog protected
- Clean living areas: Regularly disinfect your dog’s bed, toys, and living space
- Avoid wildlife contact: Keep your dog from eating dead animals or animal waste
- Boost immune health: Feed a nutritious diet rich in immune-supporting nutrients like zinc and vitamin D
When to See the Vet
While natural remedies can be effective, some severe infestations require veterinary intervention. See your vet if:
- Your dog is a puppy with a heavy worm burden
- Natural remedies haven’t improved symptoms after 2-3 weeks
- Your dog is showing severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea, extreme lethargy, or dehydration
- You’re concerned about human transmission (some dog worms can affect people)
Follow up with your vet two to three weeks after treatment to ensure the infection is cleared.
My Personal Experience
When my Bruno had worms, I started with pumpkin seeds and garlic, gradually adding fermented vegetables to his diet. Within two weeks, his symptoms improved dramatically. The scooting stopped, his energy returned, and a follow-up fecal test showed he was worm-free.
What I learned is that consistency is key – these natural remedies need to be given regularly for 2-3 weeks to be effective. Also, combining multiple approaches (like pumpkin seeds plus ACV) often works better than relying on just one remedy.
A Natural Deworming Protocol That Works
If you want a comprehensive approach, try this mix recommended by herbalists:
- 2 parts unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 part garlic powder
- 1 part fennel seeds
- 1 part yucca root
Mix these ingredients together and add 1 teaspoon per pound of food daily. Feed for 5 days, take 2 days off, and continue until your dog is worm-free.
Final Thoughts
While conventional dewormers certainly have their place in veterinary medicine, these natural alternatives offer effective solutions with fewer side effects. Many pet owners, myself included, have found success using these methods either as a first-line approach or as complementary support alongside veterinary care.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Regular wellness checks, proper nutrition, and good hygiene practices will go a long way toward keeping those unwanted guests away from your furry friend.
Have you tried any natural dewormers for your dog? What worked best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Over the last few years we have all become aware of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar but did you know this fermented apple cider can also work as an effective worm treatment for our four-legged friends. It works because unlike other vinegar it increases the alkaline levels in the dogs intestines making it inhospitable for parasites and worms. Add 1/4-1 teaspoon of raw organic ACV to your dogs water every day you may also notice an improvement in coat condition along with several other health benefits.
Turmeric has long been considered a superfood and has been used for generations to boost the immune system and for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It contains 4 compounds that can help get rid of worms and is also able to repair the damage these pesky parasites cause to the intestine, resulting in a healthier gut. Because the curcumin in turmeric can be hard for dogs to absorb if given along, we suggust combining it with a healthy oil such as coconut oil to create a paste to feed your pup.
Chamomile is renowned for its soothing properties which means it can help with any bloating, or inflammation caused by internal parasites. Along with being able to get rid of both roundworms and whipworms. It works best when given as a tincture which can be bought relatively cheaply online or in health food stores. The recommended dose is 0,25 ml – 0.50 ml per 20 lbs of your dogs weight and repeat twice a day for 2 weeks.
How to Deworm Dogs & Cats Naturally: Pumpkin Cleanse for Parasites
FAQ
Can you get rid of worms in a dog without going to the vet?
What drink kills worms in dogs?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV)
Try adding this fermented vinegar to your pet’s water. Because dosing is weight-based, consult your veterinarian for the appropriate amount. In addition to killing worms, apple cider vinegar may have other health benefits for your dog, including a shiny coat.
Does apple cider vinegar get rid of parasites in dogs?
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar can be effective at killing worms in your dog. Unlike other vinegars, it increases the alkaline levels in your dog’s intestines. That discourages parasites and worms.
How do you get rid of worms asap at home?
- Raw Garlic. Garlic is believed to kill pinworm eggs and prevent female pinworms from laying more eggs. …
- Coconut Oil. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help eliminate pinworm infections. …
- Raw Carrots.