Can pumpkin seeds kill heartworms?
Pumpkin seeds for dogs heartworm Yes, pumpkin seeds have been found effective in removing heartworms from dogs. In fact, according to a study published in The Journal of American Veterinary Medicine: “The present study was conducted on 42 animals infected with D. immitis and treated using Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) as anthelmintic drug at the rate of 200mg/Kg body weight. Amongst 42 animals, 36 worms were exposed to pumpkin seeds and all were killed within 24th hour without much damage to muscles”.
“It is safe and less expensive than deworming medicine,” says Sherry Weaver, LVT. So yes! Pumpkin seeds can kill heartworms… but not every time, as the seeds only expel the worms when they are ripe enough.
“The pumpkin seed for deworming is processed by drying the seeds, removing shells and grounding into powder.” says Sherry Weaver.
You can buy them in any pet store or even over the internet, then you only have to sprinkle it onto your dog’s food every day until the heartworm dies away (usually within 2 months). “If you want to do this yourself, please speak with a veterinarian,” adds Sherry Weaver.
Further Reading: Can dogs eat pumpkin everyday
How Heartworm Disease Impacts Dogs?
According to petMD:
“Heartworm disease (HD) is a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes and occurs in all 50 states. The American Heartworm Society estimates that nearly one million dogs are infected with heartworms each year, bringing the number of cases per year closer to 1.5 million.”
“The real danger lies within the long-term health risks associated with treatment and prevention,” says Sherry Weaver. “No matter how successful treatment for heartworm is, the dog will have a lifelong predisposition to develop future autoimmune disorders because of its exposure to Dirofilaria immitis larvae.”
So before you start treating your dog orally or topically, please first speak with a veterinarian as this may affect her long-term health.
“Are there any alternatives for pumpkin seeds? Why not using papaya pills?”. Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is apparently very effective in killing heartworms.
But both Sherry Weaver and petMD agree that…”the popularity of alternative medicines often creates the confusion.” I mean… it sounds nice to have a “natural” worm-killing product, but as this kind of medication hasn’t been tested by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), we can’t be sure about their quality or even if they work at all!
One more thing: Even if you’re buying them from a trusted store like Amazon, always speak with your veterinarian before giving those pills to your dog, as some dogs may be allergic to the ingredients included in some pills.
How to get Heartworm Disease For dogs?
So if you’re wondering how dogs get the heartworm (simply by mosquito bites), the female mosquito can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.
Once this larva is inside your dog’s body, it will travel through your pet’s blood vessels and will eventually end up being lodged in its heart or lungs.
There are three stages of heartworms:
“The first symptoms are subtle but should not be ignored,” says Sherry Weaver. “They include coughing, lack of energy, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue”! Also, watch out for vomiting after exercise as this may indicate serious problems with your dog’s circulation”.
If left untreated… these worms can cause severe damage to the organs, including the lungs and the heart, and can even be fatal!
How to prevent Heartworm Disease? The best way to protect your dog (and even you!) from heartworms is to use a monthly pill like “Heartguard.” Remember that mosquitoes can breed everywhere; in your back yard, at the park, and even inside your home. “Mosquitoes can lay eggs on any water surface,” says Sherry Weaver.
So if you live near a lake or a river (wherever there’s still enough sun and where leaves pile up), make sure you clean them out regularly as this will ensure fewer mosquito larvae around!
Also, take extra care when walking your pet early in the morning or late afternoon as those are the hours preferred by mosquitoes as they find it easier to bite our pets at this time. “Some dog owners prefer using topical products like Advantix or Frontline for their dogs, but again these are only effective if they are applied directly on the skin.”
As always, speak with your veterinarian before applying any of those topical medications as some dogs will be allergic to them (and please do not forget to ask him/her what you should do next if your pet is already infected by heartworms).
And remember that prevention is always better than treatment… so even if you’re thinking about putting a cedar bed next to your dog’s cage, then think twice. Cedar can be toxic for dogs!
Further Reading: Pumpkin seeds for worms in dogs
Other Heartworm Disease Symptoms For Dogs:
Most dogs will show some sort of symptoms due to heartworm disease.
Sudden and unexplained weight loss, coughing, fatigue, lameness, and swollen ankles are all common signs of heartworms in dogs. A dog with a fever may be suffering from anemia caused by the worms. If you notice any of these symptoms, then contact your veterinarian immediately.
The most important thing that you can do for your dog is to prevent them, and if they already have heartworms (or even if they don’t), make sure to seek immediate veterinary care.
These parasites attack the kidneys and lungs as well as causing infections which can lead to death. You also need to protect yourself against contracting heartworm disease as we’ve seen how easy it’s for dogs to get it, and we certainly don’t want you returning to your pet with it either!
As always, if you’ve noticed any symptoms (or even if you haven’t but still live in a heartworm endemic area), make sure to speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible. The earlier heartworms are detected, the easier they are treated.
If left untreated, this parasitic disease can be fatal for dogs… and extremely harmful for us humans as well!
The Best Ways to Give Heartworm Preventatives to Dogs
Heartworm preventatives can be given in a few different ways, and it’s important for pet owners to know the benefits and drawbacks of each method.
It’s very important that you consult with your veterinarian before using any heartworm preventative medications on your dog. The dosage may depend on the weight of your dog, age, and other factors.
The most common methods of giving heartworm preventatives are Oral medication given once a month, Injections given once or twice a year; Topical liquid applied monthly Heartworm pills which must be chewed.
Another method is an implant inserted under the skin, which works for three months until replaced by another one at the end of its lifespan.
Heartworm Prevention Guidelines
The day to day heartworm prevention guidelines for pet owners is as follows:
Routinely give your dog a heartworm preventative on a monthly basis. Only use approved medications and follow all dosage instructions. Keep your dog inside when mosquitoes are most active in the early morning hours and late afternoon/evening. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving any medication or supplement to your furry friend.
Heartworms can cause serious illness and even death, so it’s extremely important that you take steps to protect yourself and your canine companion from contracting this dreaded parasitic disease.
About The Author: Casey Lamont is an animal lover who has years of experience working with dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc… She also runs her own web-based business where you can find great deals on heartworm preventative medications for your dog or cat.
Pets are susceptible to all types of ailments, and most of them are just as hard on pet owners as they are for our furry companions. Heartworms Disease, however, is one that many people may not be aware of, but it still has a significant effect on pets all across the US. Although most humans will never get “Heartworms” (Elaphe obsoleta), this doesn’t mean it’s not serious…
in fact, if your pooch contracts them or a different type of parasitic infection, then you’ll end up going down the same route as the canine victim. Here’s some info on Heartworms Disease in canines and how it affects humans as well!
Heartworm prevention for dogs isn’t usually something that ordinary dog owners think about unless they live in an area where heartworms are endemic. The fact is, however, that even if your pooch doesn’t live where heartworms are common… they still have a risk of contracting this deadly parasitic disease.
In most cases, heartworms will attack a dog’s heart and surrounding areas, but there is always a slight chance that a few worms could travel to a different part of your furry friend’s body, such as their liver; kidneys, etc…
Further Reading: Can dogs eat salted pumpkin seeds
How to Give Supplement Supplements to Dogs
Many canine supplements and medications can be given in a variety of ways, and this is something that pet owners should always keep in mind when administering any type of supplement or medication.
The most common methods used include: Topical application – The medication comes as a liquid which you apply to the skin under the chin, paws, ears, etc.… When done properly, your dog won’t even notice you’re doing it. Oral ingestion – This includes giving pills, capsules, tablets, etc.…
Some dogs will swallow pills without any issues, while others will turn their nose up at swallowing them no matter how tasty you think they are! Injections – Most medications will come as either a solution or suspension, and if they do, then an injection must be given for them to work.
Injections can be given in a number of locations, including under the skin, vein, or muscle. Intravenous – If you plan on giving your dog an injection, then it will have to first be administered into a vein via intravenous injection. You may need to take your dog to a vet clinic if this is the case, as most pet owners won’t have access to such equipment.
In cases where oral ingestion is not suitable for whatever reason, then give your doggy the supplement by applying it topically, as this will usually suffice.
Some supplements can even come as chewable tablets that your furry friend might find tasty enough to eat! These are available from some more mainstream brands, which makes them ideal for use with dogs who either don’t like swallowing pills or are just plain picky eaters.
You should always read the instructions that come with any supplement to see what the recommended dosage is and then stick to it… even if your dog doesn’t seem to mind taking more of their supplement than they’re supposed to!
You may also want to give them a small treat following every dose as some dogs will lap up quite a lot of supplements/medications – not because they need it, but quite simply because they love having tasty treats on top of the medication itself!
How To Give A Dog A Pill
Giving your pooch a pill can be frustrating for both you and your canine friend, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right approach, you can go from a situation where your dog is refusing to take their medication to one where they’ve been given it without even noticing!
The fact is, most dogs will only resist taking pills because they don’t like the taste or texture. In order to get around this, you’ll need to make the entire process as simple and easy-going for your furry friend as possible. Here’s how:
Step 1 – Allocate plenty of time.
If you’re in a rush when giving your pooch a pill, then there’s a very good chance that all hell will break loose… in other words, be prepared for some resistance from your pet if you’re trying to stick it. Down its throat within 5 minutes!
The trick, therefore, is to give yourself plenty of time so that you can easily take your dog to a secluded area and administer the pill without any distractions or last-minute panic.
Step 2 – Create familiarity with the process.
If you’ve never given your pooch a pill before, then don’t expect it to simply open its mouth for you on the first attempt! From your pet’s perspective, this is something completely new, and it will see no reason why it should allow medication down its throat unless you make it very clear what’s expected of them.
The best way to do this is by getting into a routine where they associate taking their medication as part of their daily routine instead of an individual event. To demonstrate the point, every day when feeding your dog its meal, use this as an opportunity to simply give them their medication afterward.
Further Reading: Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds
If you have to, do this for a few days before actually giving it the pill so that they can get used to what’s expected of them when they hear the words “time for your medicine.”
Step 3 – Put them in a calm and relaxed mood.
Never approach your dog when it’s in full flow of playing around or barking… doing so will immediately put them on edge, and they’ll feel threatened by anything you try to do with them at that point! Instead, wait until they’re tired out from their antics, and then take the time to build up a rapport between yourself through small talk and gentle petting. As they finally begin to settle down, just casually walk up beside them and push the pill into their mouth.
With some dogs, it may take a few days before they’re used to your routine and calm enough for you to go through with this process without resistance.
That doesn’t mean that it’s not working though, just be patient and allow yourself more time than perhaps you first thought necessary before giving them the medication.
Step 4 – Making swallowing easier.
In most cases, animals have no problems whatsoever when being given pills as long as they don’t have any trouble taking them naturally from your hand… however, there are exceptions to every rule! If your dog is one of those creatures who simply refuses to open its mouth so you can pop in a pill, then here’s what you need to do:
Get a small amount of peanut butter and smear it around the outside of your dog’s mouth. The smell will make them want to lick it off, which should encourage their mouths to open… then simply drop the pill inside and let them close their mouth again.
Once they realize that you’re offering a tasty treat, there’s a chance that they’ll go along with whatever you want from them! Even if your dog isn’t too keen on the idea of additional condiments, though, still be patient as time is often enough for animals to get used to new ideas and feelings towards taking medication.
The important thing here is not how long it takes but rather what you do after this period has passed… in other words, stick at the process until they’ve finally taken the pill, and then don’t forget to show them some appreciation.
After all, without their co-operation, you’d be in a lot of trouble when it comes to getting this medicine down their throat!
Step 5 – Preventing regurgitation.
There’s nothing worse than spending time preparing medicine for your pet only to have it return half an hour later with what appears to be half of it stuck in its throat or on its tongue…
in most cases, this will mean that the dog has simply refused the medication and is now coughing and gagging in order to get rid of it before starting all over again. The solution? Some dogs just need more time than others, so use these tips:
As soon as they swallow the pill, put a small amount of peanut butter on it. This will make the medicine stick to its tongue and avoid any further choking issues… if they do continue to vomit, then you can be almost certain that it’s simply because the pill has been given too quickly.
Trying one or more of these solutions should help you better understand how to give your dog medication without struggle; just remember that taking them regularly is what’s most important, so never allow yourself to become lazy when doing so!
Further Reading: Can dogs eat pepitas
How to feed your dog pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds are a valuable addition to your dog’s health and can be used to help improve immunity, digestion, and even get rid of worms. But how do you feed them pumpkin seeds?
Here we will give you some valuable tips on how to feed your dog pumpkin seeds:
Step 1 – Allow them to soak in water for about 5 hours beforehand. This will make it easier for your dog to digest and avoid any stomach problems. It is important that they don’t just gulp down all the seeds at once, as this could lead to choking or intestinal obstruction.
Step 2 – Make sure they’re dry before serving them up. You don’t want anything that might cause serious skin irritation, such as excess moisture.
Step 3 – Allow them to have a certain amount every day. Pumpkin seeds for dogs, in fact, is the required daily dose, according to Dr. Roger Mugford from the Animal Behaviour Centre.
Step 4 – If you’re using canned pumpkin, then it’s recommended that you give them about three-quarters of a cup without seeds three times a week or one and a quarter cups twice a week.
You can also use the raw vegetable but ensure that your pet isn’t allergic to it ahead of time by feeding them a small amount at first and observing their body for any signs of distress such as vomiting or diarrhea.
However, remember to never feed your dog uncooked pumpkins or squash. These contain cucurbitacin, which has been known to cause both circulatory and digestive problems.
It’s also necessary to note that seeds aren’t the only nutritious part of pumpkin since there are many other great vitamin sources found within it.
These include Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E as well as magnesium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus… in fact, 100 g of canned pumpkin can provide up to 12% of your daily recommended value for calcium.
Why Pumpkin Seeds Are the Best?
Pumpkin seeds are not only one of the healthiest foods to feed your dog but also one of the biggest sources of beneficial nutrients.
They are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that promote both digestive and heart health. The main benefits you will get by feeding your dog pumpkin seeds include:
- – Promote healthy skin
- – Improve digestion
- – Assist weight loss
- – Help to prevent cancer
During the Autumn season, pumpkins can be easily found in local supermarkets are relatively cheap. This makes it easy to take advantage of their nutritious benefits without having to hunt for them everywhere else.
Now that you know how to feed your dog pumpkin seed properly make sure you consider this simple step towards a better dog’s life!
Further Reading: Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds
Dehydrating Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
When it comes to adding pumpkin seeds into your dog’s diet, you probably don’t want to just give them raw seeds every time. One reason why pumpkin seeds should be sold already roasted is that they taste so much better than the raw ones.
If your dog loves eating roasted sunflower seeds, then she or he will also love eating roasted pumpkin seeds as well!
So what do you need to know about dehydrating pumpkin seeds for dogs? Follow these easy steps:
– Clean out the inside of each seed with a paper towel. You only want the shell and nothing else since this may upset your dog’s stomach if they eat too many… although if their stomach can handle it, then there’s no harm in giving them a little more than usual.
– Place all of the seeds on a greased baking sheet and place them in an oven that’s been preheated to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the seeds every 20 minutes, so they dry out evenly. It should take about 3o minutes or so until they have a crunchy texture.
– Remove from the oven and allow to cool down before you serve them up for your dog to eat! Now wasn’t that easy? Of course, this is not always possible because you might be gone throughout the day, but if you want to give pumpkin seeds as treats when you’re home, then dehydrating them is definitely worth it.
Where to Buy Them
Pre-packaged seeds can be found at local pet stores, but if you want to make sure that you only use the best pumpkin seeds for dogs, then it would probably be a good idea to buy them from an organic or healthy food store.
Here, they will also come in a wide array of flavors which your dog might enjoy even more!
Alternatively, you can check out amazon, where many people sell dehydrated pumpkin seeds for dogs in bulk. Just make sure that when buying any kind of food for your dog, you take precautions and check its history to make sure it’s safe.
How long does it take pumpkin seeds to kill worms in dogs?
It’s best to let the seeds sit in the gut for at least 1 hour, but after that, there should actually be no negative consequences. There are only benefits since the seeds will absorb any moisture within your dog’s stomach and help to cleanse it out.
After this time has elapsed, you can give them a little water before feeding them some pumpkin seed meal if you want.
This is not necessary because even though pumpkin seeds are known for their ability to remove toxins from your dog’s stomach, they can also do harm by blocking up their system, so it would probably be better not to risk it until you have thoroughly researched how these work first before giving them anything new.
These are just some of the reasons why preparing raw pumpkin seeds correctly can make a huge difference when it comes to feeding them to your dog if you want to learn more about how this can benefit their health.
Further Reading: Can dogs eat sesame oil
How many pumpkin seeds do you give a dog to get rid of worms?
It depends on the size of the seeds and how big your dog is, but in general, one seed per 10 pounds of weight should be healthy.
Just make sure that you only give one at a time and then wait until it’s digested before giving them more, or else they might end up choking.
This goes for too many things though really… single ingredients tend to be safer than foods with multiple components in them, especially when it comes to dogs like huskies who have a sensitive stomach.
References:
https://www.petpartners.com/blog/pet-health-and-safety/6-natural-ways-to-treat-and-prevent-worms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRPWyfsBHNY
