Anyone that has any experience with dogs knows that worms can be quite common. Regular de-worming protocols are implemented on a regular basis, however, it is best to de-worm your animals only if they have worms rather than doing it for the sake of doing it. Regardless of this practice, dogs can still easily get parasitic infections into their digestive tract due to the fact that they put everything in their mouth!
Roundworm (Toxocara canis) is a common parasite in dogs that are seen in their stool that look like bits of string.
Tapeworms are another common parasite in dogs that are passed down to them by fleas. They can be passed whole in their stool.
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus Vasorum) are nematodes whose larvae are carried by snails, slugs and frogs. Dogs and puppies especially are prone to these parasites. Note that foxes can be carriers of lungworm so be careful of fox stool that your dog could be drawn towards. If the stool is ingested, the larvae can move from the digestive tract to the heart and lungs which can be fatal.
Signs Of A Worm Infestation
- The dog’s stool or vomit has worms or worm fragments are visible.
- The dog’s abdomen looks bloated.
- The dog is scooting/bum-shuffling across the floor.
- Diarrhea or vomiting occurring without another clear cause.
- The dog is more quiet than usual.
- The dog loses their appetite and/or loses weight (common in lungworm infection).
- Nosebleeds without another clear cause (a symptom of lungworm infection).
- The dog develops a cough (a symptom of lungworm infection).
- If the dog bleeds for an abnormally long time when injured (a symptom of lungworm infection).
With such parasitic infections it is best to work in tandem with your holistic veterinarian, with their agreement you may then offer the dog a selection of remedies or a zoopharamacognosy practitioner. In cases like these, carrier oils like coconut and sunflower, including chickweed infused oil are often chosen. A herb which should be used carefully due to its powerful effects is Sweet Annie, Artemisia Annua. It can be offered as a powder for selection to dogs, as well as horses when a parasite infection is suspected. Using the powdered herb blended with a little suitable/self-selected carrier oil, approximately 1/4 to 1//2 a teaspoon can be offered to dogs to lick from a spoon or your fingers.
A dog infested with worms will need plenty of nutritious herbs since the worm infestation can leave them malnourished due to lack of appetite. Once the worms have passed, offer selections of gut-healing herbs such as marigold and German chamomile.
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