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Deworming - (not) a must?

The exasperating topic of worms. Every dog ​​probably has to go through this every three months:  Tablet in, worms out, done. Unfortunately, this often leads to subsequent gastrointestinal problems. But there are other options!

Chemical dewormers

Milbemax

Active ingredients: Milbemycinoxim, Praziquantel

Area of application:

  • Treatment of roundworms (e.g. hookworms, whipworms) and tapewormsn
     

  • Prevention of heartworm disease

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Advantages: 

  • Broad spectrum of activity against various worm species

  • Easy administration in tablet form

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Disadvantages:

  • Possible side effects such as: vomiting, diarrhea, neurological symptoms

  • Not suitable for dogs weighing less than 1 kg

  • Caution should be used with certain breeds with an MDR1 defect (e.g., Collies), as hypersensitivity reactions may occur

Advocate

Active ingredients: Imidacloprid, Moxidectin

Area of ​​application:

  • Treatment of roundworms, heartworms, lungworms, and external parasites such as fleas and mites

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Advantages:

  • Combined action against internal and external parasites

  • Easy application as a spot-on preparation

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Disadvantages:

  • Not effective against tapeworms

  • Possible skin irritation at the application site

  • Not suitable for very young puppies

Panacur

Active ingredient: Fenbendazol

Area of ​​application:

  • Treatment of roundworms, tapeworms, and Giardia

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Advantages:

  • Also suitable for puppies and pregnant dogs

  • Good tolerability

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Disadvantages:

  • Longer treatment period required (usually 3 days)

  • Possible side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea​

Drontal

Active ingredients: Pyrantel, Praziquantel

Area of ​​application:

  • Treatment of roundworms and tapeworms

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Advantages:

  • Effective against a wide range of intestinal parasites

  • Available in various dosage forms (tablets, suspension)

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Disadvantages:

  • Possible side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea

  • Not suitable for very young puppies​

Profender

Active ingredients: Emodepsid, Praziquantel

Area of ​​application:

  • Treatment of roundworms and tapeworms

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Advantages:

  • Easy to apply as a spot-on preparation

  • Effective against various worm species

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Disadvantages:

  • Possible skin reactions at the application site

  • Not suitable for puppies under 8 weeks of age

Conclusion:

Choosing the right dewormer for your dog depends on several factors, including age, weight, health status, and the specific spectrum of worms to be treated. Chemical dewormers are highly effective and work quickly. Disadvantages of these products include potential side effects (gastrointestinal problems, disruption of the intestinal flora, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions), the strain on the body (the medications can weaken the immune system), and the development of parasite resistance to commonly used dewormers.

Natural home remedies

Coconut oil

Contains lauric acid, which is said to have anti-worming properties.

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Advantages:

  • Supports intestinal health

  • Has antibacterial and antiparasitic effects

  • Easy to mix into food

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Disadvantages:

  • Effectiveness against worms is not scientifically proven

  • Can cause diarrhea if given in excess

Pumpkin seeds

Contains cucurbitacin, which can paralyze worms and cause them to be excreted from the intestines.

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​Advantages:

  • Contains valuable nutrients and fiber

  • Considered a natural remedy for tapeworms​​

  • Easy to mix into food

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Disadvantages:

  • No guaranteed complete elimination of worms

  • Works more as a preventative measure than as an acute treatment.

Carrots

Their fiber structure is said to help push worms out of the intestines.

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Advantages:

  • Supports digestion and intestinal health

  • Safe and nutritious for dogs

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Disadvantages:

  • No direct wormicidal effect

  • Must be fed raw and coarsely grated to achieve the desired effect

Black cumin oil

Has antimicrobial and possibly anti-worming properties.

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Advantages:

  • Can boost the immune system

  • Has anti-inflammatory properties

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Disadvantages:

  • Strong taste, not all dogs like it

  • Effectiveness against worms not clearly proven

Apple cider vinegar

​Intended to change the intestinal environment so that it is less attractive to worms.

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Advantages:

  • Boosts digestion and intestinal flora

  • Has antibacterial effects

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Disadvantages:

  • Can irritate the stomach in large quantities (nausea, vomiting)

  • Should only be given in highly diluted form

Walnuts

Contains bitter substances that are said to repel worms.

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Advantages:

  • Natural source of antioxidants

  • Contains healthy omega fatty acids

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Disadvantages:

  • In large quantities, it can be indigestible or even toxic to dogs.

  • Bitter substances can cause stomach irritation

Conclusion:

Natural home remedies are gentler on the body and can support and strengthen the intestinal flora and the immune system. However, their effectiveness is often unclear (no scientific studies have been conducted), and they don't have an immediate effect (as with chemical dewormers). Therefore, natural home remedies are better suited for prevention than for reliable treatment.

Alternatives and additions

Fecal examination (Parasitological fecal profile test)

Stool testing involves laboratory testing for the presence of worm eggs and larvae. Usually, stool samples from three consecutive days are required to increase detection accuracy.

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Advantages:

  • No side effects

  • No after-effects (intestinal flora, immune system)

  • Cost-effective (in the long run, costs for regular deworming can be saved)

  • Targeted treatment only required in cases of actual worm infestation, thus avoiding unnecessary medication

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Disadvantages:

  • More time-consuming than direct medication

  • Not all parasites are detected (some worm stages or rare parasite species may remain undetected)

Hygiene measures

Consistent hygiene measures can reduce the risk of worm infection.

This includes, for example:​

  • Regular cleaning of bedding and feeding areas

  • Giving high-quality food (strengthens the immune system and intestines and supports worm defense)

  • Avoiding the consumption of carrion, garbage, and feces

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Advantages:

  • Supports the overall health of dogs and humans

  • Prevention reduces the risk of infection

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Disadvantages:

  • More time-consuming, as it requires regular cleaning and monitoring of the environment

  • Possible reactions to cleaning and disinfecting agents

  • Not completely protective

Nutrition and immune system strengthening

A healthy diet and strengthening the immune system can help prevent worm infestations.

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Advantages:​

  • Natural prevention, as it supports the body's defense against parasites

  • Promotes overall health (vitality and quality of life)

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Disadvantages:

  • Slow action (results only become apparent over time)

  • Not completely protective

Conclusion:

A combination of regular stool examinations, targeted hygiene measures, and strengthening the immune system can be a gentle and effective method of worm prevention. Chemical dewormers would then only need to be used once a worm infestation has been confirmed. This would protect the dog's organism and provide financial relief.

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