Home Remedies for Dog Worms: Natural Treatment Guide

Natural Herbal Remedies for Worms

Dr. Pitcairn recommends a homemade herbal formula using equal parts fresh grated garlic, powdered rue, and wormwood in No. 2 gelatin capsules. For small or young dogs, give 3–5 capsules; for medium or large dogs, 6–8 capsules. Take this daily for several days, making the mixture fresh each day or refrigerating it due to the garlic.

This herbal mix works best when followed by castor oil—administered about 30 minutes later—to flush worms from the intestines. Use ½ tsp for puppies under 3 months, 1 tsp for older puppies and cats, 1½ tbsp for medium dogs, and 2 tbsp for large dogs.

Diet and Laxative Support

After giving the herbs and castor oil, feed a warm, semi-liquid mixture of raw milk thickened with slippery elm powder, honey, and rolled oats. This helps soothe the gut and carry out worms and eggs. If vomited, repeat after 30 minutes.

For the next three days, feed this mixture in three small meals daily. Each morning, give half the herbal dose. In the evening, use a mild laxative—¼ to ½ tsp of powdered senna with a pinch of ginger—to support cleansing. Stop the laxative once solid food is tolerated and bowel movements are normal.

Supportive Foods and Supplements

Include roughage like wheat or oat bran (½ to 2 tsp daily) to help move worms through the digestive tract. Add grated raw carrots, turnips, or beets to the diet for natural support.

Diatomaceous earth (natural, unrefined form only) can be added to meals—¼ to 1 tsp per meal—to irritate worms and help flush them out. Avoid pool-grade diatomaceous earth, which is unsafe for pets.

Also, feed fresh garlic (½ to 2 cloves daily) or garlic capsules. Use charcoal tablets once every 2–3 days for up to a month after treatment to absorb intestinal impurities.

Fasting and Special Diet Approach

For a more intensive natural program, fast your dog for 2 days (1 day if under 6 months), offering only water and a small amount of honey for energy. On the first night, give castor oil to clear the bowels.

During the 3–4 day pre-fast period, feed a special diet: soft rolled oats, lightly boiled fish, and nutritional yeast. Avoid fats, sugars, eggs, and whole milk—foods that worms thrive on.

After the fast, restart the herbal treatment and follow the same laxative and dietary steps as above.

When to Seek Veterinary Help

Even with natural treatment, check your dog’s stool with a vet’s lab test 6–8 weeks after treatment. Repeat testing periodically until worms are fully gone.

If worms persist, switch to conventional deworming medication. Natural methods may help young dogs tolerate drugs better if used first.

For hookworms—especially in southern regions—start with conventional treatment due to their severity. Use natural methods afterward to prevent reinfection.