11 DIY Dog Dewormer (Natural & Highly Effective)
If you’re anything like me, you want to keep your pup happy, healthy, and as chemical-free as possible. That’s where DIY dog dewormer ideas come in handy! With a few natural remedies and a little know-how, you can support your dog’s digestive health right from your kitchen. Just remember: natural doesn’t mean risk-free so always consult your vet before trying anything new.
Dog Dewormer Step by Step Guide
Materials Needed
Before we dive into the different dewormer ideas, let’s go over the basic ingredients and tools you might need. Many of these items are common pantry staples or natural supplements that are easily found at your local health store or online.
- Pumpkin seeds (raw, unsalted): $3–$5
- Apple cider vinegar (organic, unfiltered): $3–$5
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade): $5–$10
- Turmeric powder: $3–$7
- Carrots: $1–$3
- Coconut oil: $3–$5
- Garlic (in small amounts): $1–$3
- Cloves (ground): $2–$4
- Papaya seeds: $3–$5
- Parsley: $2–$4
These natural ingredients are often available at health food stores, and the total cost per remedy is very affordable, usually between $5 and $10 depending on the materials you already have on hand.
Phase 1: Preparing the Ingredients
For each of these DIY dewormers, the preparation is usually simple. Many involve grinding seeds or herbs, mixing liquids, or simply adding a few items to your dog’s food. The key to using natural remedies is consistency, so you’ll want to prepare enough to administer over a few days or weeks.
Phase 2: Administering the Dewormer
When using natural dewormers, it’s best to incorporate them into your dog’s daily routine by mixing them with food. For powdered or liquid ingredients, sprinkle or stir them into their meals. For solid ingredients like carrots or pumpkin seeds, offer them as snacks or mix them into your dog’s food bowl.
DIY Dog Dewormer Ideas
Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into 10 natural, DIY dog dewormer ideas that are easy to make, effective, and budget-friendly. Each remedy uses natural ingredients that help eliminate worms while promoting your dog’s overall health.
1. Raw Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the most effective natural dewormers for dogs. They contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes intestinal worms and allows them to be expelled from your dog’s system. To use pumpkin seeds, grind them into a fine powder and add about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s weight to their food once or twice a day.
The great thing about pumpkin seeds is that they’re also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. This remedy costs around $3–$5, depending on how many seeds you need, and it’s a safe and effective method to try regularly.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another simple and effective natural remedy. It works by creating an acidic environment in your dog’s gut, which makes it difficult for worms to survive. To use, mix 1 teaspoon of raw, organic apple cider vinegar into your dog’s water or food daily.
Not only does apple cider vinegar help with deworming, but it also has added benefits like improving your dog’s coat and skin. This remedy costs about $3–$5 and is an easy, versatile option that you can use regularly to keep your dog’s system balanced and healthy.
3. Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder that helps eliminate parasites. It works by dehydrating worms and other intestinal parasites, making it an excellent dewormer. Make sure to use food-grade DE, and add about 1 teaspoon per day to your dog’s food for small dogs, or 1 tablespoon for larger dogs.
DE is safe for pets and humans, and it’s a great long-term solution for preventing worms. Just make sure to mix it well with food, as it can be a bit dusty. This remedy costs around $5–$10, and you can use it consistently for both prevention and treatment.
4. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, but it also has deworming benefits. The compounds in turmeric help to expel worms while soothing inflammation in the digestive tract. To use turmeric as a dewormer, mix about 1/8 teaspoon for small dogs or 1/4 teaspoon for larger dogs into their food daily.
This remedy is both affordable and highly beneficial for your dog’s overall health, including their immune system and digestion. The cost for turmeric powder is about $3–$7, making it a budget-friendly and holistic deworming solution.
5. Carrots
Carrots may seem like a surprising remedy, but they are effective at scraping the intestinal walls and removing worms due to their fibrous texture. You can simply add grated carrots to your dog’s food or give them as snacks. The natural fiber in carrots helps to eliminate parasites while promoting healthy digestion.
Carrots are an easy, everyday solution that you can incorporate into your dog’s meals regularly. They cost around $1–$3, making them one of the most accessible and affordable natural dewormers.
6. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another powerful natural remedy that helps expel parasites while promoting overall gut health. It contains medium-chain fatty acids that have antiparasitic properties. To use coconut oil, mix about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight into your dog’s food daily.
Not only does coconut oil work to eliminate worms, but it also boosts your dog’s skin and coat health. The cost is about $3–$5, and you can easily incorporate it into your dog’s daily meals.
7. Garlic (in Small Amounts)
While garlic is toxic in large amounts, small, controlled doses can help eliminate worms naturally. Garlic has antiparasitic properties that help to expel worms from your dog’s system. To use garlic safely, mince a small amount (about 1/2 clove for small dogs, 1 clove for larger dogs) and mix it into your dog’s food once a day for a week.
Be cautious with this remedy and consult with your vet if unsure, but when used correctly, garlic can be an effective natural dewormer. The cost is around $1–$3 for a garlic bulb, making it a cost-effective remedy when used sparingly.
8. Cloves (Ground)
Cloves are another natural dewormer, particularly effective against tapeworms. The active compounds in cloves help to kill and expel parasites from the digestive tract. To use ground cloves, add a pinch to your dog’s food for three consecutive days. For small dogs, use about 1/8 teaspoon, and for larger dogs, use 1/4 teaspoon.
Cloves are a potent and affordable solution, costing around $2–$4. However, they should be used in moderation and for short periods only, as they can be strong.
9. Papaya Seeds
Papaya seeds contain an enzyme called papain, which helps to kill parasites and aid digestion. To use papaya seeds, grind them into a powder and add 1/4 teaspoon to your dog’s food daily. Papaya seeds are not only a natural dewormer but also great for digestive health.
This remedy is simple, with seeds costing about $3–$5, and it’s easy to add to your dog’s regular diet for ongoing protection against parasites.
10. Parsley Water
Parsley is a natural diuretic that helps flush out toxins and parasites from your dog’s system. To make parsley water, boil a handful of fresh parsley in water for 10 minutes, strain the liquid, and let it cool. Add a small amount (1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for larger dogs) to your dog’s water bowl or food.
Parsley water is a mild and safe dewormer that also promotes urinary tract health. The cost for fresh parsley is around $2–$4, making this an easy, low-cost option for keeping your dog healthy.
FAQs
1. Are DIY dog dewormers safe for all dogs?
Yes, when used in moderation and with the correct ingredients, DIY dog dewormers made from natural ingredients are safe for most dogs. However, always consult your vet before starting any new treatments, especially if your dog has health issues or sensitivities.
2. How often should I use DIY dog dewormers?
For preventative care, many of these remedies can be used regularly, like adding pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, or parsley to your dog’s food once a day. If your dog has worms, you may need to administer the dewormer for a few days or weeks until the worms are gone. Always follow up with your vet to ensure your dog is worm-free.
3. Can I use these dewormers on other pets like cats or rabbits?
Some of these natural remedies, like pumpkin seeds, parsley, and carrots, are safe for other pets, including cats and rabbits. However, certain ingredients, like garlic and cloves, should not be used for cats. Always check with your vet before using any new remedy on pets other than dogs.
4. Will DIY dog dewormers replace regular veterinary care?
No, DIY dog dewormers can be a great supplement to your dog’s health routine, but they should not replace professional veterinary care. Regular vet check-ups and fecal tests are important to ensure your dog is healthy and worm-free.
Making your own DIY dog dewormers is a fun, simple, and budget-friendly way to keep your dog healthy and parasite-free. Whether you choose pumpkin seeds, apple cider vinegar, or coconut oil, these natural remedies are safe, effective, and easy to incorporate into your dog’s diet. So grab your ingredients and start treating your dog to some natural, homemade care!
