Intestinal worms in pets - roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms prevention and treatment for dogs and cats
Worms

Worms in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Causes, Testing & Holistic Support

Worms in dogs and cats are common intestinal parasites that can impact digestion, immune health, skin, and overall vitality. Understanding the types of worms, symptoms to watch for, and holistic treatment options can help pet parents address the root cause instead of just masking symptoms. This guide covers conventional deworming, natural parasite support, prevention, and species-appropriate nutrition strategies

Ground raw pumpkin seeds are a great natural worm prevention.  

Start with 1/2 tsp of freshly ground PUMPKINS SEEDS per 10 lbs of body weight. Increase the serving daily until you see a decrease of worms in the dogs stool.

SOLUTIONS PET PRODUCTS PARASITE FREE (5% off with this URL) will purge any unwanted visitors out of your dogs digestive tract. Its our top recommendation!

A raw or gently cooked diet can go along way to combat worms from invading your dogs intestinal tract.

Natural Treatment for Worms in Dogs and Cats:

It is essential to be aware that certain parasitic organisms can inhabit your pet’s body. These parasites can interfere with your pet’s ability to absorb vital nutrients, compromise the integrity of the intestinal lining, and lead to serious health complications. Implementing effective parasite control measures, such as deworming, is crucial in protecting not only your pet’s well-being but also the health of your family.

The most common types of parasites in cats and dogs.

  • Roundworms
  • Ringworms
  • Hookworms
  • Whipworms
  • Tapeworms
  • Coccidia
  • Giardia
Saving Pets One Pet At A Time Natural Worm and Pesticide Prevention
The Spruce Pets logo — Vet reviewed & pet approved

“Common Types of Worms and Intestinal Parasites in Dogs.”

It’s important to understand that commercial dewormers labeled as “preventative” do not actually prevent infections. Instead, they target and eliminate worm larvae before they mature into adult worms. These products are strategically designed to disrupt the worm lifecycle and halt the formation of adult worms. They do nothing to prevent infection.

Best Preventative Measures:

CBD Dog Health logo

“Support Your Dog’s Immune Function & Vitality”  with 7 powerful dual-extracted mushrooms.

Best Holistic Natural Supplement for Parasites And Worms:

Solutions Pet Products Parasite Free 8 OZ (5% off with this URL)
$53.00

The purpose of this product is to assist the body in purging unwanted visitors from the digestive tract. This means it will most likely cause some diarrhea, but diarrhea in conjunction with a disconnection of parasites from the intestinal wall (which may result in a small amount of blood). It is important that you expect your pet to have some level of diarrhea and a small amount of blood when using dewormers – it is important to allow this process. 

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Best Treatment Options for Dogs and Cats for Pesticides:

Dogs Naturally logo

“How To Get Rid of Dog Worms At Home: The Natural Way.”

CBD Dog Health logo

REPLENISH is a gentle, natural dog shampoo made with Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, lemongrass, aloe, and organic oils to help maintain comfort in dogs with itchy or sensitive skin. 

(15% off code: SAVINGPETS)

Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets logo

Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “Intestinal Parasites in Cats & Dogs.”

Adored Beast Apothecary logo

“Prevention and Remedies for Dealing with Dog Worms Naturally.”

Is Garlic Safe for your dog and cat? Safe feeding guidelines

Ivermectin:

The use of ivermectin is not advised due to the presence of numerous risks and unknown variables that warrant testing before any usage. Ivermectin is a widely utilized active pharmaceutical ingredient in several heartworm treatments and “preventatives;” however, it is also employed “off-label” for the management of various other parasitic infections. Certain dog breeds exhibit heightened sensitivity to ivermectin, which can lead to toxic and potentially lethal outcomes. It is noteworthy that ivermectin possesses the capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier.

Certain canine breeds exhibit a propensity for a genetic mutation identified as MDR1. This mutation is predominantly observed in herding breeds, such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, resulting in heightened sensitivity to ivermectin and other medications, increasing the risk of neurotoxic effects. This mutation has also been documented in cats. Clinical signs of ivermectin toxicity may encompass mydriasis, ataxia, tremors, ocular impairment, lethargy, and in critical cases, progression to coma or mortality. Preemptive testing for this mutation is imperative prior to the administration of any products containing ivermectin. Therefore, we just cannot risk recommending ivermectin on this site.

Ivermectin product adverse reactions

Additional Information:

Dr. Andrew Jones Veterinary Secrets logo

“Puppy worms? This is a proven natural dewormer”  by Dr. Andrew Jones.

Dogs Naturally logo

“Hookworms In Dogs.”

Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets logo

Dr. Judy Morgan (2025 Holistic Veterinarian of the Decade): “How Dog & Cats Get Tapeworms.”

Natural Pet Doctor logo

“Top Natural Remedies For Parasites In Your Dogs & Cats – Holistic Vet Advice”  by Dr. Katie Woodley.

Adored Beast Apothecary logo

“How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs and Cats Naturally.”

CBD Dog Health logo

“CBD Shampoo for Dogs with Itchy Skin”  by Krysta Fox.

Saving Pets the original Facebook Group logo

Facebook post “Why you should rethink chemical dewormers in your dogs!”

Saving Pets Store Logo lr

You can get 5% off anything in our Saving Pets Store.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions on worms in cats & dogs

A raw and gently cooked diet is key to strengthen their immunity from pesticides and worms.  Also, feeding ground pumpkin seeds are an effective option. 

The use of ivermectin is not advised due to the presence of numerous risks and unknown variables that warrant testing before any usage. Ivermectin is a widely utilized active pharmaceutical ingredient in several heartworm treatments and “preventatives;” however, it is also employed “off-label” for the management of various other parasitic infections. Certain dog breeds exhibit heightened sensitivity to ivermectin, which can lead to toxic and potentially lethal outcomes. It is noteworthy that ivermectin possesses the capability to traverse the blood-brain barrier.

Recommendations:

  1. A raw or gently cooked diet is your best defense against worms.
  2. Detox your pet with the SOLUTIONS PET PRODUCTS HEAVY METAL DETOX (5% off with this URL)  or look for other recommendations on our DETOX page.
  3. Ground PUMPKIN SEEDS are an inexpensive and easy option.

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Saving Pets One Pet At A Time Inestinal Parasites for Dogs and Cats infographic
Saving Pets One Pet At A Time Natural Worm and Pesticide Prevention

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