Coconut oil has become an increasingly popular supplement for both humans and pets in recent years. Some proponents claim that coconut oil can help eliminate intestinal parasites, or “deworm”, dogs naturally. But is there any truth to this? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What are intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites, also known as intestinal worms or helminths, are organisms that can infect the gastrointestinal tract of dogs. Some common types include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
These parasites live in the intestines and feed off partially digested food, robbing your dog of vital nutrients. They can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, dull coat, and a pot-bellied appearance. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to parasitic infections.
How do dogs get intestinal worms?
There are a few ways dogs can pick up intestinal worms:
- Ingesting eggs or larvae from contaminated soil or feces – This is the most common route of transmission. Parasite eggs and larvae may be present in feces, dirt, or contaminated water. When dogs ingest them, they can hatch and mature in the intestinal tract.
- Consuming infected fleas or rodents – Tapeworms can be transmitted this way. If a dog swallows an infected flea or eats a rodent with tapeworm larvae, those larvae can turn into adult tapeworms inside the intestines.
- Transmission from mother before birth – Roundworms and hookworms can sometimes be passed from a mother dog to her puppies before they are born or through her milk when nursing.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal worms
Some common signs and symptoms of an intestinal parasite infection in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dull, dry coat
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Coughing (with roundworms moving to the lungs)
- Colic
- Intestinal obstruction
- Anemia
- Poor growth (in puppies)
However, some dogs with intestinal parasites may show no obvious clinical signs. The worms can steal nutrients and cause damage even without systemic symptoms.
Are intestinal worms common in dogs?
Yes, intestinal parasites are very prevalent in dogs. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), up to 45% of dogs may be infected with some type of gastrointestinal parasite at any given time. Puppies are particularly vulnerable, with over 90% of puppies estimated to have roundworms.
Part of responsible pet ownership is having your veterinarian check your dog’s stool at least once a year and deworming as recommended. Puppies need more frequent deworming on a schedule advised by a vet. Many heartworm prevention medications also contain dewormers for added protection.
Conventional deworming treatments
There are several broad-spectrum deworming medications used to eliminate intestinal parasites in dogs. Common options include:
- Fenbendazole
- Pyrantel pamoate
- Ivermectin
- Praziquantel
- Epsiprantel
- Milbemycin oxime
These medications paralyze and kill different types of intestinal worms. Several are often combined together in heartworm prevention products to control a wide range of internal parasites.
The exact medication, dose, and treatment schedule will depend on your dog’s age, health, and what types of worms are present. Your veterinarian will make specific recommendations tailored to your pet.
Does coconut oil help eliminate intestinal worms?
Coconut oil has many health benefits for dogs when given in moderation. It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain triglyceride that may have anti-parasitic effects. So in theory, regularly feeding dogs coconut oil could help control some types of intestinal worms.
However, there are a few important things to note:
- There is limited research specifically on coconut oil and deworming in dogs. Much more study is needed.
- Not all intestinal worms are affected by coconut oil. Tapeworms, for example, are unlikely to respond.
- Coconut oil may reduce shedding of some worm eggs and larvae, but is not rapidly lethal to adult worms like conventional dewormers.
- Coconut oil must be given regularly at the appropriate dose to maintain anti-parasitic effects. It does not work as quickly as commercial dewormers.
- Coconut oil alone is not reliably effective against all common canine intestinal parasites.
While coconut oil may have a partial effect against some worms, experts recommend relying on proven parasite medications prescribed by your veterinarian as the foundation of your dog’s deworming protocol. Coconut oil can be used as an additional supplement, but not a standalone treatment.
Using coconut oil to help eliminate worms
If you want to use coconut oil to help control your dog’s intestinal parasites, here are some tips:
- Always work with your vet – Have regular fecal tests done rather than guessing if parasites are present. Follow your vet’s advice about deworming medications and schedule.
- Give the right coconut oil dose – For small dogs under 30 lbs, start with 1/4 tsp twice per day. Medium dogs 30-50 lbs can have 1/2 tsp twice per day. Large dogs over 50 lbs can have 1 tsp twice per day. Adjust as needed.
- Choose virgin/unrefined organic coconut oil – This retains more lauric acid compared to refined varieties.
- Give with food – Mix into your dog’s normal meals so it’s easier to administer.
- Start slowly – Gradually build up to the full dose to avoid diarrhea or stomach upset.
- Continue long term – Parasites have a complex life cycle so coconut oil must be given regularly.
Speak with your vet before giving coconut oil if your dog has a medical condition or takes any medications. Stop use if it causes any digestive upset.
Other natural supplements
Some other foods and supplements may provide additional anti-parasitic benefits when used along with conventional dewormers. Options to discuss with your vet include:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Raw garlic
- Papaya
- Carrots
- Chicory root
- Diatomaceous earth
- Parsley
- Black walnut hulls
However, none of these natural products are proven “miracle cures” that can completely eliminate all kinds of worms by themselves. They may provide some helpful benefits when used under veterinary guidance, but cannot replace proper deworming.
The takeaway on coconut oil for deworming dogs
To summarize the key points:
- Intestinal parasites are very common in dogs and puppies.
- Infections can rob dogs of nutrients and cause other problems.
- There are several effective deworming medications used to kill intestinal worms.
- Coconut oil may have mild anti-parasitic effects against some types of worms.
- There is limited evidence and coconut oil cannot replace real dewormers.
- Coconut oil could provide added benefits when used along with traditional deworming treatments.
- Work closely with your vet for proper deworming of your dog.
While coconut oil may be a helpful supplemental tool, proven deworming medications and protocols should form the core of your parasite control program. Your veterinarian is the best source of advice for effectively deworming your dog and keeping them free of intestinal parasites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should dogs be dewormed?
Puppy deworming schedule:
- 2-4 weeks old – first deworming
- 6-8 weeks old – second deworming
- 10-12 weeks old – third deworming
- 14-16 weeks old – fourth deworming
Adult dogs: Recommended to be dewormed 1-4 times per year based on risk factors. Higher risk dogs may need deworming every 3 months. Testing fecal samples helps determine necessary frequency.
What worms does coconut oil kill in dogs?
There is limited evidence that coconut oil may have mild activity against certain nematode worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. It is unlikely to be effective against other types like tapeworms. Coconut oil alone cannot reliably eliminate intestinal parasite infections.
What are signs of worms in dogs?
Signs of intestinal worms in dogs can include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Pot belly
- Dull coat
- Coughing
- Colic
However, some dogs with worms may show no obvious symptoms. Testing stool samples for parasites is recommended.
How do I completely deworm my dog at home?
There are no effective home remedies that can completely eliminate all types of intestinal worms. While some natural products may have partial benefits, they cannot take the place of real medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Complete deworming requires vet-prescribed dewormers matched to your dog’s diagnosis.
The takeaway
Coconut oil and other natural products may provide supplemental benefits against some worms, but proven medications and protocols should form the core of your dog’s parasite control program. Work closely with your vet for the most effective deworming.
Table Comparing Deworming Options
| Treatment | Effective Against | How it Works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional dewormers (fenbendazole, ivermectin, etc.) | Broad spectrum activity against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms | Paralyze and kill worms | Considered highly effective when given properly. Requires vet prescription. |
| Coconut Oil | Possible partial activity against some nematodes like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms | Contains lauric acid which may disrupt worm cell membranes | Limited evidence and mild efficacy. Not reliable as sole treatment. |
| Pumpkin Seeds | Possible effects against intestinal parasites | Contain a compound called cucurbitin | Very limited evidence. Insufficient as sole treatment. |
| Papaya/Pineapple Juice | May disrupt lifecycle of some worms | Contain digestive enzymes like papain and bromelain | Insufficient evidence. Cannot replace dewormer medications. |
Conclusion
Coconut oil may offer some mild benefits against certain dog worms, but there is limited evidence and its efficacy appears low compared to proven deworming medications prescribed by veterinarians. While coconut oil and other natural products could provide some useful complementary effects, they should not replace conventional parasite treatments. For the most effective and complete deworming of your dog, work closely with your vet and use real deworming medications matched to your pet’s diagnosis and needs.