Best Dog Worming Tablets and Natural Preventatives

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best dog dewormer

This is an overview about OTC dog worming tablets including prescription medication and natural preventatives. Natural treatments are a personal preference; however, if your dog is infested with worms, you should consult your vet for some prescription dog worming tablets. Once the infestation is resolved, you can return back to natural treatments.

Prescription medications have their place and should never be ruled out completely. Natural treatments are great preventatives but if your dog is seriously infested the parasites may take much longer to die off. This is where strong prescription dog worming tablets become a priority because those nasty creatures need to be eradicated fast.

The thought of losing a dog from worm infestations sounds horrific. Worms can cause dogs a lot of pain and if they’re not properly treated, their health could seriously be compromised.

If you are in any doubt concerning your dog’s symptoms, you should always contact your vet for a proper diagnosis. Some symptoms could be another illness looming. For more information on signs and symptoms of worms in dogs, we have a comprehensive guide at the ned of this page.

When choosing OTC dog worming tablets or natural preventatives select organic and/or cold pressed when possible. Organic produce and products are usually processed differently and are more potent.

Natural dog worming tablets and treatments

Brewer’s yeast works from the inside to outside and is an excellent immune booster. Additionally, brewers yeast is effective at warding off fleas as well. When a dog consumes this for long periods of time, the yeast alters the taste of a dog’s blood.

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Many believe that brewer’s yeast ferments in a dog’s stomach, but this has not been scientifically proven. Our large dogs given 1/2 tsp daily and they’ve never experienced any issues.

Apple cider vinegar is an immune booster, it regulates PH levels in the body and is known as a preventative for bone and arthritis ailments. It is better to use an organic unprocessed apple cider vinegar such as Bragg. Give 1 tsp to 1 tbsp daily, our dogs weigh 40kg and we them 1/2 tbsp.

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Garlic has varying controversies; it is said to cause toxic build up because of its natural chemical compound. If you’re unsure about using garlic then it is always better to err on the side of caution; however, many dog owners use small amounts of garlic if their dog has worms.

Natural Oils such as Tea Tree OilFlaxseed OilWalnut Oil and Neem oil are excellent choices, these oils build up the immune system and also give your dog shiny coats.

Cayenne Pepper can be used daily to ward off worms. Generally, 225mg for a 50lb dog daily is suffice and toy dogs should only have a pinch. Be cautious with this supplement as it can make a dog’s poop very hot, which could make his anus feel like it’s on fire.

Parsley is an awesome supplement and a great worm deterrent. Usually, 5ml per 10lb dog daily is suffice.

Wheat bran has amazing results and is inexpensive. Give approximately 1/8 tsp per 10lb dog daily, for small breeds a pinch is sufficient.

Flying Bassets is a great worming treatment and it’s an immune booster. This is an organic natural product with 100% human grade ingredients. This parasite product eradicates all types of parasites, including intestinal worms and heart worms. It needs to be administered every six months, one capsule per feeding for a seven-day period. This is an inexpensive product and contains 100 capsules.

Humaworm is a leading favorite brand, this company has great testimonials for prevention of human and pet worms. This can be bought in powder form and can be frozen.

Paddock Farm Verm X Liquid and Verm-X herbal Crunchies are made with 100% natural ingredients and are a palatable alternative to some of stronger tasting treatments. Some of the ingredients are salmon and chicken, whey, rosemary, whole wheat.

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Prescription dog worming tablets

Milbemax is a very good product and can be bought from your vet as a prescription, it needs to be administered every three months. These dog worming tablets kill roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms, lung worms and prevents heart worm.

Drontal dog worming tablets can be bought over the counter. It is about half the price of Milbemax, but doesn’t kill all worms. It is effective at eradicating roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. This is known to give animal’s diarrhea.

Advocate is the number one all-in-one treatment and is prescription only, and is more expensive than Milbemax. This needs to be absorbed through the skin and administered monthly. It is highly effective for fleas, controls flea larvae, roundworms, hookworms, whip worms, heart worms, intestinal nematodes, sarcoptic mange, ear and Demodex mites. This is a good product and worth the expense.

Stronghold can be bought from your vet as a prescription, it needs to be absorbed through the skin and administered monthly. It is a great all-in-one treatment, and is efficient at killing fleas, lice, dog worms, including heart worm and mites. This isn’t cheap and isn’t as effective as Milbamax or Advocate.

Equimax is for horses, but many owners and vets use this for their dogs. Overall, it works out very cheap and kills hookworms, roundworms, heart worms, whip worms, tapeworms, lung worms, lice, sarcoptic and psoroptic mange, Dictyocaulus Viviparas, brown worms, ear mites and fleas.

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The dosage is 0.25ml per 25lb dog and it has to be correctly administered. If you under-do-it, it won’t be effective and if you over-do-it, you’ll kill your dog – you’ve been warned!

Please do more research before considering administering Equimax as some dog breeds cannot tolerate Equimax, also contact your vet before considering administering Equimax. We are not held responsible for commenting on this product.

Ingredients in dog worming tablets and vials

    • Ivermectin is specifically for heart worm
    • Milbemycin Oxime – is specifically for heart worms, hookworms, roundworms and whip worms
    • Paziquantel – is specifically for tapeworms
    • Pyrantel Pamoate is specifically for hookworms and roundworms
    • Selamectin is specifically for heartworms, hookworms and roundworms

Signs And Symptoms Of Worms In Dogs

As there are many types of parasites, there are also many different symptoms of worms in dogs. All worms can survive for long periods of time in a dog’s body before we’re even aware of there presence, and most can transfer to humans.

Regularly checking your dog’s mess can tell you a lot of things. Look for anything that is abnormal, blood, slime, diarrhea, constipation, etc.

Without hesitation always take your dog to your vet should you be suspicious of parasites.

Understanding symptoms of worms in dogs

  • Check your dog’s poop, sometimes they’re visible, and you can also see them wriggling around the anus.
  • Do they have an intense appetite? Worms in dogs stomachs eat their food, steal their nutrients and make them very hungry?
  • Do they have diarrhea and blood mixed in with it?
  • Weight loss is apparent even though they’re eating more than usual.
  • Do they have an itchy anus?
  • Bloating or swelling of the stomach.
  • They may even appear weak and lethargic.

Always consult your vet for a proper diagnosis if you are doubtful about your dog’s symptoms. There are many dog treatments on the market today, some are natural wormers, some can be bought over the counter and some are prescription medications. For more information on worming treatments go HERE.

Campylobacter or Campylobacter jejuni.
The symptoms of this bacteria are: diarrhea possibly with blood, fever, cramping and vomiting, these are produce by the onset of toxins which invades the immune system. It can spread to humans, those with ill health will be at greater risk of becoming very sick. The produces a bacterial disease, which is connected to the gastrointestinal track area.

Canine Corona is from the Coronaviridae family.
This contagious virus duplicates in the small intestines, although this is a mild disease, it does make dogs more susceptible to the Pavo Virus, which can kill. The Canine Corona type l resides in the small intestines and Canine Corona type ll is located in the lungs, it is spread through infected poop. The symptoms are vomiting, severe weight loss, and diarrhea.

Coccidia Isospora or Coccidiasina.
Symptoms are diarrhea, lack of appetite, weakness, anaemia and dehydration. These parasites are ingested from eating infected rodents, which can be passed onto dogs. They are contagious through handling dog poop and so can be passed onto humans. These parasites particularly latch onto vulnerable puppies or humans with compromised immune systems.

Cryptosporidiosis or Crypto.
This is a tiny one cell parasitic disease and is connected to the gastrointestinal. These parasites are so minute that they can’t even be seen through a standard microscope. The symptoms are slimy, watery poop, feverish, cramping, and vomiting. This can be passed on to humans, people with a compromised immune system can be severely affected, which can be especially fatal for people with HIV and AIDS.

Cutaneous larval migrans or Sand worms.
This is a parasitic disease in humans passed on from infected dog poop. The infection begins with the ancylostomatidae hookworm family and is easy to catch should you walk around barefoot. The little parasite bury themselves under the skin and wriggle around, it’s not difficult to miss them. Symptoms include severe painful itching, if scratched this can lead to further bacterial infection.

Echinococcus Granulosus or Hydatid / Hyper and Dog Tapeworm.
This 2mm to 7mm  parasite lives in the dog’s intestines, they are from the tapeworm family. Humans can catch them if their hands are not washed. Once a human contracts this parasite, it is possible to develop Hydatid Disease, which needs to be treated surgically. Symptoms include enlarged liver and ruptured cysts.

Giardia
This parasitic disease produces symptoms of diarrhea, gas, bloating, and weight loss. The excrement could appear slimy; have a fetid odor and stools are pale in color. Dogs can have this parasite for many years before symptoms occur. Giardia can live outside the intestines in poop for many months and is easily transferred from human to human.

Parvo Virus type 2 CPV2.
The virus is very contagious through indirect or direct contact; it can kill a dog within 72 hours. It affects the stomach and heart muscle with symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and vomiting. It is contracted from eating poop, and walking in contaminated poop whereby your dog attempts to clean his paws after a walk. Vaccination is vital and puppies are at greater risk.

Salmonella or Salmonellosis bacterium.
Salmonella is a bacteria that can spread from animal to human. It is usually contracted through food and water; once ingested, it can spread into the intestines and blood stream. Salmonella is expelled through an animals poop and can survive without a host for some time. If humans accidentally touch the poop, they can become infected and if not treated death is imminent.

Toxocariasis or Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM).
Toxocariasis is quite rare because humans have developed Toxocara antibodies. This infection is caused by roundworm parasites, which can be contracted from infected poop. Symptoms include stomach ache, coughing, and headaches. If you suspect you or your dog have ingested this parasite you must visit your doctor to avoid risk of blindness.

Roundworm or Toxocara Canis, Toxascaris Leonina.
Symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, and can be seen in their poop. These worms can reproduce quickly and can grow very long. If it’s not detected early they will congest the stomach making your dog look very bloated, which can eventually kill them. If you have a garden, then the soil can contain the eggs for many years. Puppies can be born with worms if the mother was infested.

Tapeworm or Dipylidium caninum.
Symptoms are stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, shaking, loss of appetite and weakness due to nutrients being lost. Tapeworms are easy to spot in poop; they look little wriggling white rice and usually itch more at night. Your dog can become infested with these dog worms by swallowing fleas.

Heartworm or Dirofilaria immitis. Symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing, fainting, lethargy, weight loss, fever and stomach swelling. Dogs can acquire these worms from infected mosquitoes, so if you live in an infested area, always take precautions. In the UK, you should not find mosquitoes so heart worms are very rare. These dog worms destroy the heart muscle which will lead to heart failure, and eventually death.

Lungworm or Angiostrongylus vasorum.
Symptoms are respiratory; these worms live in the windpipe and are coughed up or pooped out. The adult lung worm lives in the blood vessels from the lungs to the heart. If a dog eats infected fox poop, snail or a slug, then your dog could become infected.

Hookworms or Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala. Symptoms are weight loss, anaemia, blood in stools and skin irritations. These ugly creatures live in the intestines, and hook themselves onto the intestinal lining which causes bleeding. Puppies can contract these unsightly worms when the mother is pregnant and through feeding. If you suspect your dog has these creatures, you must contact your vet.

Whipworms or Trichuris vulpis.
These creatures produce symptoms of diarrhea with blood, anaemia, lethargy, and slime in their poop. They live in the intestines and suck on your dog’s blood like little vampires. Unlike other dog worms, these can’t be seen with the naked eye. If you suspect your dog has these, you must consult your vet.

How do dogs get worms?

  • Does your dog eat raw wildlife? Eating uncooked food does have its downside.
  • Walking or running around in long grass, briar, muddy areas, ponds or lakes, etc.
  • Worms can be passed on from dog to dogs and puppies.
  • Eating slugs are the major cause of lung worms.

All worms can survive for long periods of time in a dog’s body before we’re even aware of it. It is possible for most of them to transfer to humans through accidentally touching dog poop or stepping in it. 

Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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