Many dogs and cats  have a mild parasite infestation and show no symptoms. Most puppies and kittens will be infested as they have undeveloped immune systems and gastrointestinal systems. Animals can become infested by eating feces, ingesting fleas, contact with dead animals or eating contaminated food. Common symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea
  
• Weight loss
  
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
  
• Anemia
  
• Scratching, particularly around the base of the tail
  
• Vomiting
  
• Mild to severe coughing
  
• Eating a great deal without putting on weight
  
• Bad breath

Animals with roundworm may appear to have a pot belly. Hookworm may cause anemia. If you are seeing worms in your dog or cats' stools, fur or bedding, then you are likely seeing tape worms. If your companion has tapeworm, you must first make sure there are no more fleas in the
environment (home/yard) before administering de-worming remedies or medications so that they do not become re-infested with tapeworm.  Other than tapeworm, to determine the type of worm your animal has requires taking a stool sample to a veterinarian for diagnosis.

We carry two natural remedies for expelling worms: Only Natural Pet Para-Gone. is an herbal complex and the HomeoPet Wrm Clear is a homeopathic combination remedy. Both remedies require consistent dosing 3 times per day for 10 to 14 days. We do not recommend giving both remedies concurrently, but you can give one and then follow with the other if need be.

It can take 3 days or more for the worms to begin to be eliminated, depending on the overall health of the animal and whether or not the animal is constipated. The worms will pass out of the animal's system in their stools. If the animal is constipated, a laxative herb such as Only Natural Pet Laxa-Herb is recommended to aid digestion and elimination since constipation will hinder the worming process.

The effectiveness of Para Gone and Worm Clear, as with ANY herbal or natural remedy, varies with the health of the animal. A healthier animal being fed a high-quality diet will respond better than an ailing animal on a poor quality diet, (see What You Need to Know About Your Pet's Food. The animal's system needs support in healing from within. The Para Gone and Worm Clear will only eliminate the worms currently in the system - the SOURCE of the worms must be eliminated also - i.e. fleas, eating feces, etc. or the animal will be continually re-infested.

For more information read the article: Intestinal Worms & Heartworm.

If after using natural remedies to eliminate parasites you are still seeing problems, consult a veterinarian.

The Whole Dog Journal Subscription

$20.00

The Whole Dog Journal is your advertising-free, monthly guide to natural dog care that is totally devoted to the health, happiness and longevity of your dog. We clear away the confusion by bringing together the proven discoveries of veterinarians, dog trainers, and canine experts everywhere who have helped their own dogs achieve supreme health and vitality... the natural way.


Each subscription includes:

* Information on the best -- and worst -- foods and treats to feed your dog
* Money-saving advice on how to chose nutritional supplements
* Effective positive training techniques
* Natural remedies for common ailments
* Access to the latest issue of the magazine when you register online
* Full article archive searching and on-line Customer Service

Stuffed Animal Shelter will donate a portion of your adoption fees to local animal shelters that are helping to find homes for stray and abandoned pets