Critical steps to take: Dog worm edition

Tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms are revolting, but intestinal parasites like dog worms are more common than you may think, especially in puppies. Most are born with worms, so we treat them before they go home at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Your vet will then deworm them at 10 and 14 weeks, and they will receive another when they are six months old.

Worms even exist in healthy adult dogs. Though parasites are relatively harmless to the dog, a heavy infestation of hookworms can cause blood loss making them prone to anemia and very often can cause weakness due to malnutrition.

So what do you do when you find out your dog has worms?

You will speak to your vet, who will recommend a three-day deworming program to eliminate all worms.

Then it's your turn; you'll want to replenish the iron lost in the blood by feeding your dog iron-rich foods, such as raw organic liver, once daily for three weeks.

Then begin giving them a diet high in good-quality animal protein and fat along with probiotics and olive oil for fat supply as it contains phytonutrients, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fruits and veggies like pumpkin seeds, carrots, beetroot, banana, apple, coconut, and papaya are rich in fiber and act as natural dewormers. You can make veggie treats at home as rewards during training or add pumpkin powder to their food. We prefer to feed our dogs a raw diet or a high-quality pebble-like this one.

Worms live in the ground; they never die, depending on where you live. It rarely freezes in Florida, so worms go unchecked here. Your dog can pick them up by simply stepping onto something contaminated while taking a walk. The good news is, all and all, worms are 100% treatable!

Questions? Comment below!