Are there natural alternatives for worming dogs?
Before we get started on this one it’s important that you remember that I’m not a trained veterinarian and what I’m sharing with you here is based on my own thorough research and experience. Always be sure to follow up with your own research so that you are completely happy with the choices that you are making for your dog, I know that their health and welfare will be your top priority, just like it is mine.
Every good dog owner knows that it is important to have a robust worming regime. Worms are simply horrible for so many reasons including the possibility of making your dog poorly, not to mention the fact that some kinds can be transferred to humans and then we get ill too. What some dog owners don’t realise is that there are more natural routes to keeping our beloved pet’s worm free, we don’t simply have to follow the trend and use chemical-based medication.
Why should you consider worming at all?
Worms are still a regular occurrence and many dogs will have them at some point in their lifetime. As a dog owner you need to decide on how you are going to tackle this. Are you going to give you dog preventative treatments for the most common types of worms to try and prevent them, or are you going to be reactive and treat only if you become aware that your dog has become infected with worms?
When deciding on being proactive or reactive you might want to take into consideration things like your day-to-day environment, where you walk your dog, and the kinds of things they pick up and eat whilst you are out walking (the naughty little monkeys, they all manage to do it whilst we aren’t looking), or even from within your garden. The most common types of worms in dogs are round worm, tape worm, and hook worm, though you may have also heard of lung worm which can be pretty nasty.
If your dog has worms then they could experience the following symptoms:
None of this is pleasant for your pet to experience and although most cases of worms probably aren’t life threatening, it is good to ensure that you diagnose and treat as soon as possible so that your dog can remain healthy and happy.
Why choose a natural dewormer?
Whilst many will still argue that chemical-based medicines are the best way to prevent or treat worms there are lots of alternatives now which are becoming more widely available. If your dog doesn’t currently have worms then do you want to be giving them chemical based medicines on a regular basis? If they do have worms and you are now trying to treat and rid them of them do you want to do this with chemical-based medications which may then have unpleasant side effects for you dog? These are definitely points that you should consider when you are looking at alternative ways to keep your new pup healthy and happy.
Common side effects of chemical-based dewormers include:
Natural dewormers are chemical free and non-toxic, utilising natural ingredients either individually or combined to create the same result as a traditional dewormer but without the unpleasant side effects. The biggest draw back of many natural dewormers is that they tend to take longer to do their job. Some natural products will take a week or two to treat your pet versus the 24-48 hours that their chemical-based counterpart will take.
What are the natural options available?
Sadly, as with many ‘alternative therapies’, the amount of scientific research to back up the claims of natural dewormers is still very lacking. There are several reputable sources through where you can conduct some of your own research into what is being recommended. Dr Conor Brady, the founder of Dogs First, is a great source of information so if you want to read further on this topic I would suggest heading over to his site.
Natural dewormers are derived from plants and herbs, some may utilise essential oils but in general they have their roots in nature. Centuries ago, before western medicine was even a blip on the horizon, our ancestors relied on the plants and herbs that grew in the wild to cure all sorts of ailments, in both animals and humans. Natural dewormers are a way of getting back to those purer times and avoiding unnecessary chemicals and toxins.
The following article, although a couple of years old now, also shares some good reviews on a variety of natural dewormers, so is a good place for you to continue your research in to natural deworming as a viable option for your pet: https://petexperta.com/articles/best-natural-dewormers-for-dogs-top-organic.html A quick word of warning though, this is an American based site so you may find not all products are available here in the UK.
It is always your choice on how you look after your pet. As a new pet owner, or even a seasoned owner that has had dogs for many years, it is great to expand your knowledge and look at all the available options. Here at Pet Nanny Boutique, we aim to always be open and honest and provide you with information that can help you to make informed decisions. Are you willing to consider a more natural approach to your dogs health? If this is something you are willing to consider then why not also take a look at our range of natural based grooming products to support your dog.
