Discovering that a beloved pet has become sick can be stressful for any pet owner, but it is even more so when it is due to intestinal parasites such as worms. Dogs can become infected with worms inside the mother’s womb or simply by being outside. No matter the cause, it is critical to act quickly to get rid of them. The safest and most effective treatment for worms is with deworming medication recommended by your veterinarian. In difficult situations where conventional treatment is not accessible, owners can learn how to deworm a dog with tobacco as safely as possible using the following tips.
If you suspect that your dogs may be infected with worms, do not panic. It is extremely common for most dogs to become infected at some point in their lives. Dogs often pick up worms from their surrounding environment, which can include the mother’s womb, soil, feces, fleas, or mosquitos. Unfortunately, it is sometimes inevitable, but luckily this condition is very treatable.
Despite its prevalence, any parasite infection should not be taken lightly. Your pet should be closely monitored and treated accordingly. If left untreated, your dog can suffer more serious health issues down the line. Symptoms to watch out for a parasite infection include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite, and a rough and dry coat. However, these signs can be indicative of other serious diseases. A more accurate diagnosis can be obtained from a fecal examination by your veterinarian.
Yes, tobacco can kill your dog if handled improperly. The general dangers of tobacco in humans have been well-documented, and our pets are no exception to the rule. Tobacco contains nicotine, a highly poisonous substance that can make your dog fall severely ill and can be fatal depending on the amount given and the size of the dog. Owners have claimed that the nicotine in tobacco is powerful enough to kill the worms when taken in small amounts without causing severe harm to the animal. There is no guarantee as to how any dog will react to the tobacco.
Chewing tobacco has become a popular natural dewormer in communities where conventional dewormers are relatively inaccessible. Owners have successfully treated parasite infections in dogs, cats, sheep, horses, cattle, and chickens. It is generally recommended against using tobacco as a dewormer by veterinarians due to the high potential for nicotine toxicity.
Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine are the two main types of roundworm species that affect dogs, especially newborn puppies. These worms inhabit the tissues of the mother’s gastrointestinal tract and are passed onto the puppies at birth or through the mother’s milk. This can happen even if the mother was previously treated for worms. Roundworms can also be found in soil and fecal matter that dogs happen to eat. If a dog is infected by roundworms, it can exhibit more specific symptoms such as malnourishment, vomiting, diarrhea, swollen stomach, lethargy, and visible worms in the vomit or stool. It is critical for puppies to go through veterinary care as soon as possible to prevent the infection from getting out of hand since it can affect their growth and development. Due to the toxic and non-specific nature of nicotine in tobacco, it has the potential to kill roundworms and other parasites in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. In large doses, it can harm your pet.
How much tobacco to give a dog for worms is not an exact science, but it is generally best to feed them the least amount possible. As one can imagine, ingesting tobacco can be an unpleasant experience. Because of its bitter taste, your furry friend is not likely to eat it directly. Owners have found it helpful to mix the tobacco in the dog’s food or by putting it in a meatball.
As with any substance given to your dog, precautions should be taken. If you notice that your dog shows signs of drooling, twitching, small pupils, vomiting, or diarrhea after tobacco ingestion, it is strongly recommended to consult a veterinarian.
If you are unsure about deworming your dog with tobacco, you could try homemade dewormers. Make sure to consult a veterinarian before administering these alternative remedies. Some owners have reported treating their dogs with natural remedies such as:
Carrots (raw or in juice form) are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet that can help them expel worms from their intestinal system. Not only can carrots boost the immune system, but they also work to physically push and scrape out the worms from their intestines into their feces and make the digestive tract not as worm-friendly.
Dogs are able to eat garlic in small amounts with no ill effects. It is reportedly effective against worms according to a 2008 study (Ayaz et al, Recent Pat Antiinfect Drug Discov. 2008 Jun) in mice. There is not yet any evidence that substantiates this finding in dogs.
Coconut oil and even coconut husks have the potential to fight the worms in your dog’s system. While they may not necessarily kill the worms, they help dogs excrete the worms. Be careful to limit the coconut oil to moderate amounts as it can cause loose stools.
Turmeric, a spice used in curry dishes, prevents inflammation and can get rid of worms. Both of these properties will heal your dog and strengthen its digestive tract.
Those pumpkin seeds in your cupboard can also double as your dog’s dewormer. They contain cucurbitin, an amino acid thought to prevent further parasitic population and aid in worm elimination from the intestines.
While worms are a part of our natural environment, they are unwelcome guests in your pet’s gastrointestinal system. They can wreak havoc on your dog’s health and even prevent healthy growth and development. To get rid of worms, we showed you how to deworm dogs with tobacco and with a few other natural home remedies. Tobacco is not recommended as the first resort for deworming treatment but can be used if necessary. To ensure that your dog receives the best-personalized treatment they deserve, make sure to consult a veterinarian for expert advice on the best health outcomes for your furry friend.
