Puppies commonly contract several varieties of intestinal worms: heartworms, whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. You can see tapeworms in a puppy's stool, but other symptoms such as loss of appetite and lethargy indicate other intestinal worm infestations. Ensure proper diagnosis prior to treatment by visiting a veterinarian with your puppy.
Things You'll Need
- De-worming medication
- Wet dog food
- Raw unsalted pumpkin seeds
- Food processor or blender
Instructions
Store-Bought Medications
Purchase the appropriate de-worming medication for puppies, such as WormX Plus or SafeGuard Canine Dewormer (for puppies more than six weeks old) over the counter after your veterinarian has diagnosed the type of worms your puppy has. Alternatively, obtain a prescription de-worming medication from your veterinarian.
Administer the medication inside wet puppy food to mask its medicinal flavor.
Continue treatment for three days or as long as is indicated by the medication manufacturer.
Prevent future infestations by keeping your puppy flea-free. Fleas are a major contributor to worm infestations, as they eat tapeworm eggs. When your puppy ingests fleas as it licks itself, it eats the baby tapeworm, as well, which will settle and grow in the puppy's intestines. Topical flea and tick medications like Advantage and Frontline are available over the counter and must be applied monthly for year-round protection.
Natural Remedies
Administer a natural remedy. According to Vet Info, raw ground pumpkin seeds and wheat germ oil help to kill intestinal worms in puppies. Small amounts of garlic taken in a 10-day course can also help eradicate hookworm infestation. These natural treatments may be easier on your puppy's body.
Grind raw unsalted pumpkin seeds in a food processor or blender. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of ground pumpkin seeds and 1/4 teaspoon of wheat germ oil into the puppy's food for every 10 pounds of body weight. Continue treatment every day for one week. If you see improvement, continue for an additional two weeks. If you do not see improvement, visit your veterinarian for diagnosis of the worms and administer the appropriate store-bought or prescription de-wormer.
Alternately, for hookworms, use 1 clove of garlic per 20 to 30 lbs. of weight. Hide the garlic in some wet dog food to make sure your dog eats it. Continue for five days and have the dog tested to determine the therapy's effectiveness. Do not increase the dosage, as large quantities of garlic have been associated with anemia in dogs.