In this article:
- How to keep your dog’s or cat’s immune system strong - a strong immune system is your companion animal’s natural defence against parasites;
- Foods to include in your dog’s or cat’s diet to support deworming;
- DIY natural, herbal, homeopathic dewormers.
1.0 How to keep your Dog’s, Cat’s Immune
System Strong
System Strong
A healthy body is not attractive to parasites – so the key to preventing repeated infestations of intestinal worms is to support the overall health of your companion animal by taking a comprehensive approach…
- Make sure you dog or cat is on a species appropriate diet;
- Make sure that his/her diet does not include toxins and carcinogens;
- Make sure that you only use pesticide-based flea, tick, mosquito preventatives when absolutely necessary;
Don’t over vaccinate your dog or cat – only vaccinate for what is truly necessary and have titter tests done to ascertain when repeat inoculations are required; - Don’t put your dog on antibiotics or chemical-based drugs if you can treat the issue with other interventions, for example;
- Ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, etc.
- Further educe the toxic load of your companion animal:
- Choose health care products (i.e. shampoo, dental chews and toothpaste that do not contain toxins and carcinogens;
- Dont use chemical-based cleaning products in your home;
- Dont use chemical-based pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers in your yard, on your grass, trees, garden, etc.
- Wash road-salt off of your dogs and cats paws.
Signs that your Dog or Cat Might Have an Infestation of Intestinal Parasites
- Diarrhea;
- Vomitting;
- Gastrointestinal disturbances;
- Weight loss;
- Eating a lot of food without putting on weight;
- Anemia (deficiency of red blood cells in the circulatory system);
- Scudding, scooting;
- Mild to severe coughing;
- Scratching – particularly at the base of the tail.
Dogs and cats do get some of the same parasites that we humans are prone to getting, including…
- Round Worm (common round worm – Ascaris);
- Hookworm;
- Tapeworm;
- Strongyloides – a type of round worm also known as Threadworm, Pinworm, Seatworm, etc.;
- Trichinella - a type of round worm that causes (trichinellosisor trichinosis).
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2.0 Foods to Include in Your Dog’s or
Cat’s Diet to Support Deworming
Cat’s Diet to Support Deworming
If your dog or cat does not have an infestation of worms and you are simply deworming your dog or cat once or twice a year as a routine healthcare maintenance program – blockage due to passing worms should not be an issue.
If, however you have never dewormed your dog or cat and/or you know that he/she has an infestation of worms it is very important to pay additional care to ensuring that your dog, cat has enough fibre and moisture in their system during the deworming period.
Add Beneficial Fluids to the Diet during the Deworming Period
Parsley Water or Rooibos Tea
If your dog or cat has liver problems, kidney or gall bladder problems or is pregnant or lactating do not use parsley water. Parsley is high in oxalates and can cause issues for dogs or cats with renal issues. For dog and cats with renal issues use Rooibos Tea (it is an herb and has zero tannin) instead of parsley water. Read about the health benefits and dosage for Rooibos Tea here.
Add parsley water to your dog’s or cat’s food during deworming treatment. Parsley is rich in many nutrients; it is also a diuretic – helpful to keep systems working well during deworming. The recipe for parsley water is provided below.
- Parsley is an excellent immune system booster...
Parsley’s volatile oils have been shown to inhibit tumor formation; - Parsley is:
- Rich in antioxidants;
- Rich in Vitamin A and C, both help to fight disease, Vitamin C is also an anti-inflammatory (important is intestinal walls can be inflamed from parasites adhering to the intestinal wall);
- Parsley supports cardiovascular health;
- Parsley helps the body eliminate toxins.
Parsley Water
Boil 1 quart of water;
Boil 1 quart of water;
Add one bunch of fresh parsley (curly parsley, Italian flat leaf parsley, etc.) to the boiling water;
Allow to simmer for 3 minutes;
Remove from heat and allow to cool;
Remove the parsley and discard it;
Pour the liquid into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.
Dosage
1 tbsp parsley water (for every 10 lbs of body weight) once a day for 10 days.
1 tbsp parsley water (for every 10 lbs of body weight) once a day for 10 days.
Add Beneficial Foods Your Dog’s, Cat’s Daily Diet During Deworming
When treating your dog or cat for worms it is important to include foods in their diet which will:
- Help with the expulsion of the parasite (foods ‘scrub’ the weakened worms out of the digestive tract);
- Boost the immune system;
- Sooth inflamed intestinal walls;
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