Categories
General care Healthy feeding Supplements and Products

Natural Remedies for Internal Parasites in Dogs

19/01/2025 by Eulalia Gronkowski

Dogs can be affected by a variety of internal parasites, which are organisms that live inside the body and can cause health problems. These parasites can range from microscopic organisms to larger, more visible creatures. Common internal parasites in dogs include worms, protozoa, and other parasites that affect the gastrointestinal system or other parts of the body.

Common Internal Parasites in Dogs:

1. Intestinal Worms (Helminths)- Roundworms (Toxocara spp.), Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis), Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)

2. Protozoal Infections- Giardia, Coccidia (Isospora spp.)

3. Other Internal Parasites-Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis),Lungworms

Symptoms to Look Out For in Your Dog

Internal parasites in dogs can cause a range of symptoms depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infestation. Some symptoms may be mild, while others can be more severe and indicate a serious health issue. Here are the most common symptoms of internal parasites in dogs:

1. Digestive Issues

2. Changes in Stool- Visible Worm Segments in Stool, Black or Tarry Stools, Mucus in Stool

3. Itching or Scooting-Dogs may drag their rear along the floor due to irritation caused by tapeworms or anal gland issues, which are sometimes linked to parasitic infestations.Parasites like tapeworms can cause itching around the anus, leading to scooting or licking of the area.

4. Lethargy and WeaknessFatigue: A dog with internal parasites may seem unusually tired, lethargic, or weak due to the drain on their nutrients and overall health.

5. Skin Problem-Chronic skin issues, such as hot spots or itchy skin, can be indirectly linked to parasitic infections. Internal parasites like roundworms can cause allergic reactions that show up on the skin.

6. Unexplained Swelling or Bumps-In severe cases, some parasites like heartworms can cause fluid retention, leading to abdominal swelling or bloating.

7. Respiratory Distress-Heavy Breathing or Panting

Natural Remedies for Internal Parasites in Dogs:

  • Pumpkin-Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which has natural deworming properties.The compound helps paralize and eliminate worms in the intestinal tract.
  • Coconut – contains lauric acid, which can help to kill and expel intestinal parasites.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)-helps promote a healthy gut environment that’s less conducive to parasite survival. It also has mild antibacterial properties.
  • Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes-Supporting healthy gut flora can help strengthen your dog’s immune system and make the digestive tract less hospitable to harmful parasites.
  • Fasting-That is a natural way to help the body clear out toxins and give the digestive system time to reset.