“Parasites don’t invade a strong, resilient body—they seek out imbalance, weakness, and dysfunction. Yet, the conventional approach tells us to attack them with toxic chemicals, ignoring the root cause of infestation. These synthetic dewormers and pesticides may kill the parasites, but at what cost? They also burden the liver, disrupt the gut microbiome, and suppress the very immune system that should be naturally repelling them. The cycle never ends—worms return, fleas persist, and we are told to use stronger, more frequent doses of chemicals.

True prevention isn’t about relentless extermination; it’s about restoring balance. A well-nourished, naturally supported immune system creates an environment where parasites can’t take hold, rather than poisoning the body in the name of protection. When we stop blindly reaching for pharmaceutical solutions and start addressing the underlying health of our dogs, we break the cycle and give them what they truly need—a body strong enough to thrive, not just survive.” – Timea R. Bodi

Worm infestations are a common concern for dog owners, yet conventional dewormers often come with a long list of side effects, including liver toxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and immune suppression. Fortunately, nature provides powerful alternatives to rid dogs of internal parasites safely and effectively.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about deworming your dog naturally, using time-tested remedies that eliminate parasites while supporting overall health.

Understanding Worm Infestations in Dogs

Dogs can be affected by a variety of internal parasites, including:

1.  Roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) – Common in puppies, they can cause bloating, poor growth, and digestive issues.
2.  Hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala) – These bloodsucking parasites can cause anemia and weakness.
3.  Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.) – Often contracted through fleas or raw meat, they cause itching and nutrient deficiencies.
4.  Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) – Affecting the large intestine, they can lead to chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
5.  Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) – Spread by mosquitoes, these worms infest the heart and lungs, leading to severe complications.

Each type of parasite requires a specific approach for effective removal.

Why Avoid Conventional Dewormers?

Pharmaceutical dewormers such as ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel, and fenbendazole work quickly but often come with risks:

•   Liver and kidney toxicity
•   Neurological side effects (seizures, lethargy)
•   Digestive disturbances (vomiting, diarrhea)
•   Weakened immune function
•   Parasite resistance from repeated exposure

Natural remedies, on the other hand, work synergistically with the dog’s body, promoting long-term health while eliminating parasites.

A Three-Phase Natural Deworming Approach

1.  Killing and Expelling Worms – Using herbs and natural compounds.
2.  Healing the Gut – Repairing any damage caused by parasites.
3.  Preventing Reinfection – Strengthening immunity and using natural repellents.

Phase 1: Eliminating Worms Safely

1. Black Walnut Hull (Juglans nigra)

One of the most powerful anti-parasitic herbs, black walnut hull contains juglone, which paralyzes and kills worms.

Dosage (Tincture Form):

•   Small dogs (<20 lbs): 2-3 drops daily.
•   Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 5-6 drops daily.
•   Large dogs (50+ lbs): 8-10 drops daily.
•   Use for 6 weeks, following a 5-days-on, 2-days-off cycle.

🛑 Caution: Do not use on pregnant dogs. Overuse can be toxic.

2. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Wormwood has been used for centuries to expel intestinal worms. It works by disrupting parasite metabolism.

Dosage (Tincture or Powder):

•   Small dogs: 1/8 tsp powder or 2-3 drops tincture once daily.
•   Medium dogs: 1/4 tsp powder or 5-6 drops tincture once daily.
•   Large dogs: 1/2 tsp powder or 8-10 drops tincture once daily.
•   Use for 5 days on, 3 days off for 10 weeks.

🛑 Caution: Do not use in pregnant or lactating dogs.

3. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)

Clove oil contains eugenol, a potent compound that kills parasite eggs and larvae.

Dosage:

•   Small dogs: 1 drop (diluted in 1 tsp coconut oil) per day.
•   Medium dogs: 2 drops diluted per day.
•   Large dogs: 3 drops diluted per day.
•   Administer for 6 weeks, taking a 3-day break after every 10 days.

🛑 Caution: Always dilute clove oil before use.

4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Food-grade diatomaceous earth dehydrates parasites, making it an effective natural dewormer.

Dosage:

•   Small dogs (<10 lbs): 1/4 tsp daily.
•   Medium dogs (10-50 lbs): 1/2 tsp daily.
•   Large dogs (50+ lbs): 1 tsp daily.
•   Mix into food daily for 30 days.

🛑 Caution: Only use food-grade DE. Avoid inhalation.

Phase 2: Healing the Gut and Supporting Detox

Once worms are eliminated, focus on repairing gut damage and supporting the detoxification process.

1. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Supports liver detoxification and helps clear out parasite toxins.

Dosage:

•   1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily for 4 weeks.

2. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

Flushes out parasite waste via the kidneys.

Dosage:

•   1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily for 4 weeks.

3. Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

Soothes gut inflammation and restores healthy digestion.

Dosage:

•   1/4 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight daily for 4 weeks.

Phase 3: Preventing Reinfection

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Boosts the immune system and repels parasites.

Dosage:

•   1/4 tsp fresh minced garlic per 20 lbs of body weight, 3-4 times per week.

🛑 Caution: Avoid garlic in anemic or sensitive breeds.

2. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Natural anti-parasitic and mosquito repellent.

Dosage:

•   Neem leaf powder: 1/8 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight.
•   Neem oil (diluted with coconut oil): Apply externally to repel fleas and ticks.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Creates an inhospitable environment for parasites.

Dosage:

•   1 tsp per quart of water daily.

Advanced Holistic Support

1. Homeopathy • Cina 30C – For worms causing digestive distress.
   • Sulphur 30C – Helps with parasite elimination.
2. Ozone Therapy

Increases oxygen levels in the blood, making the body inhospitable to parasites.

3. Shungite for EMF Protection

Shungite collars help reduce oxidative stress, making the immune system stronger.

Natural Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Prevention

DIY Herbal Repellent Spritz:

•   1 cup distilled water
•   10 drops lavender oil
•   10 drops neem oil
•   10 drops tea tree oil
•   Shake and spray on coat before outdoor exposure.

Holistic Deworming Schedule

Week 1-2: Parasite Elimination

✔ Black Walnut, Wormwood, Clove
✔ Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root
✔ Diatomaceous Earth
✔ Hydration & Rest

Week 3-4: Gut Repair & Detox

✔ Reduce Black Walnut & Wormwood
✔ Continue Clove & DE
✔ Add Slippery Elm & Probiotics

Week 5-6: Prevention

✔ Garlic & Neem
✔ ACV in Water
✔ Herbal Mosquito Spray

A Deeper Look at Each Natural Deworming Method: Why It Works and How It Supports Your Dog’s Health

Natural deworming is more than just eliminating parasites—it’s about restoring balance in the body, preventing reinfection, and strengthening your dog’s overall health. Let’s break down why each approach works and how to ensure a safe, effective, and holistic deworming process.

The Science Behind Natural Dewormers

Unlike chemical dewormers, which act as poisons targeting parasites, natural dewormers work with the body’s innate defense system to create an environment in which parasites cannot thrive. Here’s how:

1.  Paralyzing and Expelling Parasites
•   Herbs like Black Walnut Hull, Wormwood, and Clove contain potent compounds that disrupt parasite metabolism, causing them to detach from the intestinal wall.
•   These herbs do not kill the host’s beneficial gut bacteria, unlike pharmaceutical dewormers.
2.  Destroying Worm Eggs and Larvae
•   Clove oil is particularly effective at killing parasite eggs, preventing reinfestation.
•   Diatomaceous Earth (DE) dehydrates larvae before they can mature.
3.  Healing the Gut Post-Infestation
•   Worm infestations damage the gut lining, leading to malabsorption and inflammation.
•   Herbs like Slippery Elm, Dandelion Root, and Milk Thistle help restore gut integrity and support detoxification.
4.  Boosting the Immune System for Long-Term Resistance
•   A strong immune system is a dog’s best defense against parasites.
•   Garlic, Neem, and Apple Cider Vinegar make the body inhospitable to worms without harming gut flora.

How to Recognize Parasite Infections in Dogs

Before starting a deworming protocol, watch for these signs of worm infestation:

✔ Visible worms in stool or vomit (Tapeworm segments, roundworms)
✔ Scooting or dragging the rear (Tapeworms)
✔ Persistent coughing (Hookworms, Heartworms)
✔ Potbelly appearance (Common in puppies with roundworms)
✔ Diarrhea or constipation
✔ Dull coat and weight loss
✔ Increased appetite but failure to gain weight
✔ Lethargy and overall weakness

🔍 How to Confirm Worms Naturally:

•   Use a fecal float test at home or via a holistic vet.best to collect fecal when there’s full moon where worms re more active then. 
•   Observe changes in stool during deworming (worms often expel visibly).
•   Monitor for improved energy and digestion post-treatment.

Step-by-Step Natural Deworming Schedule

To eliminate parasites and prevent reinfection, follow this six-week cycle, then move to a maintenance phase.

🗓 Weeks 1-2: Parasite Attack Begins

•   Black Walnut Hull Tincture (5 days on, 2 days off)
•   Wormwood Tincture (5 days on, 3 days off)
•   Clove Oil (diluted in coconut oil) (Daily)
•   Diatomaceous Earth (DE) in food (Daily) or use 00 capsules to avoid inhalation. 
•   Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root for liver/kidney support (Daily)
•   Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Ground) for fiber to push out worms (Daily)

🚫 Exercise restriction during active parasite die-off to avoid toxicity overload.
💧 Ensure hydration and liver support for detox.

🗓 Weeks 3-4: Gut Healing & Detox

•   Reduce Black Walnut & Wormwood use (less frequent dosing).
•   Continue Clove, DE, and Liver Support Herbs.
•   Add Slippery Elm Bark to soothe the gut (¼ tsp per 10 lbs).
•   Begin introducing probiotics and raw diet for recovery.

🌿 Bonus Healing Foods:

•   Raw fermented goat milk or kefir
•   Bone broth with collagen to repair intestinal lining

🗓 Weeks 5-6: Prevention Phase

•   Neem powder or garlic (2-3x per week) to repel parasites.
•   ACV in water (1 tsp per quart) to keep gut pH parasite-resistant.
•   DIY Mosquito Repellent Spray to prevent heartworms.

✔ Final stool check for any remaining worms.
✔ Transition to long-term maintenance.

Ongoing Parasite Prevention: A Lifetime Approach

Once parasites are eliminated, keeping them away is essential. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Strengthen the Immune System

A well-nourished immune system prevents parasites from taking hold. Essential components:

•   Raw diet with organ meats and glands (like spleen, pancreas, kidney).
•   Colostrum for immune boosting.
•   Shungite-infused water to reduce oxidative stress.

2️⃣ Minimize Environmental Exposure

•   Rotate natural preventatives seasonally (Neem, Garlic, ACV).
•   Wash paws after walks in parasite-prone areas.

3️⃣ Monitor Parasite Load Regularly

•   Use at-home fecal test kits every 3-6 months.
•   Observe energy levels, coat quality, and digestion.
•   Reintroduce short-term deworming cycles 2x per year.

Natural Deworming vs. Conventional Dewormers: A Comparison

Factor Natural Deworming Chemical Dewormers
Kills worms ✅ Yes, gradually ✅ Yes, but aggressively
Supports gut health ✅ Yes, nourishes microbiome 🚫 No, may damage gut
Boosts immune system ✅ Yes, strengthens immunity 🚫 No, can weaken defenses
Prevents reinfection ✅ Yes, with ongoing prevention 🚫 No, only kills existing worms
Side effects ✅ Minimal (with proper dosing) 🚫 Liver toxicity, GI distress, seizures
Long-term safety ✅ Excellent for lifetime use 🚫 Risk of resistance & toxicity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ How long does it take for natural deworming to work?

It depends on the severity of the infestation. Most dogs show improvement in 2-4 weeks, but full elimination takes 6-8 weeks.

2️⃣ Can I use these methods for puppies?

Yes, but modify dosages:

•   Black Walnut Hull and Wormwood – Only for puppies over 12 weeks.
•   Clove Oil and DE – Safe for puppies but in lower doses.
•   Slippery Elm & Goat Milk – Best for soothing puppy GI tracts.

3️⃣ Can these remedies prevent fleas and ticks too?

Yes! Many of these herbs, like Neem, Garlic, and DE, work against both internal and external parasites.

4️⃣ Can I use these remedies alongside conventional preventatives?

•   If transitioning, support detox with Milk Thistle and Dandelion Root first.
•   Never mix Wormwood with pharmaceutical dewormers.

5️⃣ What if my dog has severe worms?

For serious cases:

•   Increase liver support with Milk Thistle & CoQ10.
•   Use homeopathy (Cina 30C or Sulphur 30C).
•   Work with a holistic vet for additional support.

Final Thoughts: A Safe, Natural Approach for a Parasite-Free Dog

Natural deworming works with your dog’s body, not against it. By using herbs, diet, detox support, and lifestyle adjustments, you can ensure your dog remains parasite-free without toxic side effects.

🌿 Your Next Steps:

✅ Start the 6-week deworming cycle based on your dog’s size.
✅ Monitor stool, coat health, and energy levels.
✅ Transition to a preventative maintenance schedule.
✅ Incorporate Shungite for EMF protection and immune support.
✅ Stay consistent—natural health is a long-term commitment.

With patience and proper care, you can keep your dog thriving—without synthetic chemicals.