Does My Dog Need to Be Wormed? An Evidence-Based Approach
Introduction
Worm infestations in dogs are a concern for many pet owners. Worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe health complications. Understanding the types of worms affecting dogs, risks for puppies versus adult dogs, the role of diet and immunity, ways dogs get infected, and both pharmaceutical and natural treatment options will help you decide what is best for your fur family.
Types of Worms, Their Impact on Dogs, and Clinical Signs of Worm Burdens
Dogs are susceptible to several types of parasitic worms. Common gut worms include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, poor coat condition, and abdominal pain. Clinical signs of a significant worm burden often include visible worms in the stool or vomit, a pot-bellied appearance (especially in puppies), lethargy, poor growth, and general unthriftiness.
Heartworm, a more dangerous parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause severe health issues, including coughing, exercise intolerance, and even heart failure as the worms grow within the heart and lungs. Left untreated, heartworm can be fatal, making regular screening or preventative treatment essential, particularly in areas where heartworm is endemic.
Increased Risks for Puppies
Puppies are particularly vulnerable to worm infestations due to their underdeveloped immune systems. They can acquire worms from their mothers in utero, through their mother’s milk, or by exposure to contaminated environments. Because they are less capable of naturally resisting parasites compared to healthy adult dogs, routine deworming is generally recommended during this critical stage of development.
The Role of Diet and Immune Health
A strong immune system is key to resisting parasites, and diet plays a central role—arguably the most important one. Puppies and adult dogs alike benefit from a fresh, balanced diet that supports optimal immune function, enhancing their natural defenses against parasitic infections. In contrast, ultra-processed diets like kibble lack the bioavailable nutrients of fresh food and may even contribute to inflammation, further compromising immune resilience.
For pet owners feeding raw diets, it’s worth noting that freezing raw food effectively kills worm eggs (though not bacteria), making properly handled raw food a safe and nutritious choice with minimal risk of contamination. By focusing on immune health and providing a nutrient-dense diet, pet owners can give their dogs the best chance at resisting worms naturally.
How Dogs Get Worm Infections
Dogs can contract worms in various ways, including through contact with infected soil, contaminated feces, and, in the case of heartworm, mosquito bites. Eating raw meat without appropriate handling and freezing may pose a risk of worms, though research suggests that raw diets handled correctly are low-risk. You can read more about Big Dog’s quality process here. Dogs can also acquire worms from other dogs or animals, highlighting the importance of maintaining good hygiene and regular health checks.
Pharmaceutical Deworming Options
Pharmaceutical dewormers are designed to target specific parasites by disrupting their metabolic processes, effectively eliminating them from the dog’s system. While effective, some pet owners are cautious due to potential side effects, including gut dysbiosis and strain on the liver, as the body processes these drugs. Integrative veterinary care can provide a balanced approach, using pharmaceuticals judiciously and considering individual health needs.
Natural Deworming Alternatives and Their Evidence Base
Many pet owners are interested in exploring natural options for deworming, such as pumpkin seeds, garlic, seaweed, and diatomaceous earth. Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, believed to paralyze worms, while garlic is often highlighted for its potential antiparasitic properties. While research, including the review by Ndjonka et al. (2013), has investigated plant extracts for managing parasites, Louise Buckley’s review in *Veterinary Evidence* points out that evidence for their effectiveness in dogs is still inconclusive.
These natural products can certainly be considered as part of a well-rounded approach to parasite management. However, until evidence-based research provides a clearer picture of their efficacy, regular fecal egg counts (FECs) are crucial. FECs can help identify low levels of parasites early, reducing the risk of pets developing clinical signs from significant worm burdens. By combining natural options with careful monitoring and guidance from an integrative veterinarian, pet owners can support their pets’ health while staying proactive in parasite control.
Using Fecal Egg Counts for Monitoring
Fecal egg counts are a non-invasive way to screen for worm infestations, offering insight into whether a dog has a parasite load that requires treatment. Regular FECs are especially valuable for pet owners pursuing natural deworming methods, as they provide an evidence-based way to track the presence of worms and make informed decisions about when treatment may be necessary.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to deworm your dog is a personal choice that should take into account both conventional and natural approaches, tailored to your pet’s unique health needs. Providing a complete and balanced fresh food diet can significantly enhance your dog’s natural resilience to parasites. Incorporating an evidence-based approach—such as regular fecal egg counts and consulting with an integrative veterinarian—ensures your dog’s health is supported while aligning with your treatment philosophy. By staying informed and proactive, pet parents can develop a deworming strategy that best fits their dog’s health and lifestyle.
About the Author - Dr. Nicole Rous
Dr. Nicole Rous completed her degree with Honours from the University of Sydney in 2008. She initially worked in the UK before returning to small animal practice in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Nicole has a keen interest in animal reproduction and has been granted Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in this specialty. She is also passionate about complementary therapies such as massage and enjoys discussing ways to enhance pets' overall well-being and quality of life.
In August 2021, Dr. Nicole joined the Mont Albert Veterinary Surgery team as a director and continues to provide exceptional care to her patients. She is dedicated to utilising her knowledge and experience to assist pets in living longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Dr. Nicole's commitment to providing natural and holistic health practices for pets inspired her to establish Shy Tiger, a company that offers natural pet products made from premium ingredients sourced primarily from Australian farms and producers. Her expertise in natural health practices and dedication to providing excellent care to her patients make her a reliable partner for pet owners in Melbourne and beyond.
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Reference
Buckley, Louise. "Is There Any Evidence to Support the Use of Garlic as a Wormer for Dogs and Cats in the UK?" Veterinary Evidence 4, no. 2 (2019).
Ndjonka, Dieudonné, Ludmila Nakamura Rapado, Ariel M. Silber, Eva Liebau, and Carsten Wrenger. "Natural Products as a Source for Treating Neglected Parasitic Diseases." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 14, no. 2 (2013): 3395–3439.