we try to find out whether its fact or fiction.
Back in May we were at Paws in the Park, South of England Show Ground promoting our dog food range for the first time, where we met lots of a gorgeous four-legged furry friends and pet parents.
We learnt quite a lot that weekend and one of the hot topics of conversation was about natural furry dog treats, and whether they are a good alternative to mainstream pet wormers.
We had a dig around to see what we could find out. What we discovered was that furry dog treats, by themselves, are not typically effective as dewormers. The fur on treats such as rabbit feet, lambs’ leg, rabbit ears, venison and cow scalp and ears doesn’t fully break down in your dogs’ stomach, so as it moves through their digestive system, it acts like a brush. As the fur moves through the stomach and intestinal tract, it helps remove any build-up of food residue and any parasitic eggs.
While certain natural ingredients may have some potential anti-parasitic properties, it is important to note that they are not a reliable or comprehensive solutions for worm infestations in dogs. Worms in dogs are typically treated with specific medications prescribed by your vet that eliminate internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
Although the fur helps to remove the worms, eggs, and parasites, it doesn’t prevent your pet getting worms again and it doesn’t kill the eggs. We must also bear in mind that although it can take one to three weeks for the eggs that are passed in the faeces to become infectious; the eggs can survive in the environment for many months.
Overall, the cleansing nature of the fur through your dog’s digestive system allows for better nutrient absorption for your pet. A buildup of food in the digestive tract can lead to a sluggish digestive system that can become a breeding ground for yeast and other bacteria/fungi. A clean digestive system allows more nutrients to be absorbed through the body – and what’s not to love about that?
We think that giving your pet furry treats as part of a healthy diet and alongside regular prescribed wormers is best. Although we strive to ensure our furry friends have minimal chemicals and natural a diet as possible, sometimes we can’t avoid giving them prescribed medication.
If you suspect that your dog has worms or if you want to prevent worm infestations, it is wise to consult a veterinarian. They can accurately diagnose the presence of worms through faecal examinations and recommend appropriate deworming treatments based on the type of worms and the specific needs of your dog.
We think that giving your pet furry treats as part of a healthy diet and alongside regular prescribed wormers is best. Although we strive to ensure our furry friends have minimal chemicals and natural a diet as possible, sometimes we can’t avoid giving them prescribed medication.
If you suspect that your dog has worms or if you want to prevent worm infestations, it is wise to consult a veterinarian. They can accurately diagnose the presence of worms through faecal examinations and recommend appropriate deworming treatments based on the type of worms and the specific needs of your dog.
Detecting worms in dogs usually involves a combination of observations (checking their poo), watching out for symptoms, and if you’re not sure, ask your vet.
Here are some steps you can take to detect worms in dogs:
• Eggs or worms in their faeces or around the anus
• Diarrhoea or changes in stool consistency (e.g., bloody, or mucous covered)
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy or weakness
• Swollen abdomen
• Coughing (especially if it persists)
• Itchy rear end or scooting on the ground.
Check the dog’s faeces regularly to inspect your dog’s stool for the presence of worms. Some worms, like roundworms and tapeworms, may be visible to the naked eye. Look for small, white, rice-like segments (tapeworm) or spaghetti-like worms (roundworm) in the stool.
There are also many other holistic and natural supplements that are believed to help towards keeping your dog’s gut healthy.
Pumpkin seeds: Some believe that pumpkin seeds may have natural deworming properties due to their content of an amino acid called cucurbitacin.
Coconut: Coconut and coconut oil have been suggested to have anti-parasitic properties. A small amount of coconut oil can be added to your dog’s diet, but moderation is key as it is high in fat.
Diatomaceous Earth: Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) has been used by some pet owners as a natural parasite deterrent. However, it’s crucial to choose a food-grade version and consult with a vet before using it.
Fermented foods: Some fermented foods, like plain yogurt with live cultures, might help promote gut health by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Remember that these are not substitutes for proper veterinary care and deworming medications.