Worms. Not something we want to think about, right? But did you know that if your pet has worms they could be compromising their health, and can even lead to death if untreated? And did you know that if your pet has worms, you can also become infected with worms? Think of that as your dog or cat snuggles up with you in bed.
Conventional treatment falls into three chemical classes:
- Macrocycliclactones (ivermectin, moxidectin)
- Benzimidazoles (fenbendazole)
- Pyrimidines (pyrantel)
Growing scientific evidence is mounting showing that parasites are building up a resistance to conventional chemical de-wormers. This is causing super parasites that are immune to most chemicals, much like the overuse of antibiotics has caused super bugs that nothing can eliminate. Not to mention the side effects of the chemicals themselves.
Some possible side effects include:
- Colic Swollen Neck and Glands
- Allergic reactions
- Laminitis in Horses
- Various Gut Disturbances and Problems
- Skin Reactions Tongue Hanging Out,
- Horse Drooling
- Disturbances in the Hoof Walls of Horses
- Internal Damage
- Damage to the Animals Immune System
- And in rare cases, even Death
So what are your options? You don’t want your pet to have worms and you don’t want to poison your pet with chemicals. Fortunately, Mother Nature provides what we need if we know where to look. One great option is food grade Diatomaceous Earth. It is truly one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts.
Diatomaceous Earth is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called Diatoms. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth can be used for many things around the home and in agriculture. Food grade diatomaceous earth is EPA approved to be mixed with grains to control mealworms and other pests, against indoor and outdoor crawling insects, as an anti-caking agent for animal feed and food grade diatomaceous earth is FDA approved for internal and external use. It has been given a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) rating by the FDA.
This is only a partial list of the benefits of Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth:
- Natural wormer – eliminates many parasites without chemicals
- Safe, non-toxic, parasites don’t build immunity as they do with traditional wormers
- 15 trace minerals – great for animals, humans, plants, and soil
- Helps detox heavy metals, E.coli, bacteria, viruses, etc.
- Promotes shinier coats
- Digestive aid Colon cleanser
- Better overall health
- Eliminates pests in stored grains
- Reduces flies, fleas, ticks, etc.
- Reduces manure odor
- Drying agent
- Antifungal properties – good for garden fungal growths
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is made of fossilized microscopic hard shells and as it comes in contact with insects it penetrates and removes their waxy outer layer causing them to lose moisture and dehydrate. Unlike chemical wormers, the parasites never build up a resistance and because it works gradually there is no danger of complications from die-off in the case of heavy infestation.
You can have naturally worm free animals. There are several good options available, herbal formulations, homeopathic remedies, and food grade diatomaceous earth, to name a few. All work very well when used properly, along with simple diet and lifestyle tweaks. Here are a few recommendations:
Feeding the best quality food and water free of chemicals and fillers. Cleaning up fecal droppings regularly In dogs and cats make sure you are eliminating fleas with non toxic natural flea remedies, as fleas lead to tape worm infestation. In horses, use natural fly repellants as flies that lay their eggs in the manure can lead to a viscous cycle of re-infestation. Using a product like Wormfree Naturally regularly, not just when you see worms, to break the cycle of re-infestation
I like the idea of using a product like Wormfree Naturally that contains food grade diatomaceous earth along with pro-biotics. It addresses the internal parasites, halts re-infestation by eliminating larvae in the manure, while also offering trace minerals and pro-biotics that are essential for a healthy digestive tract. Why wouldn’t you want to do that for your pets? Can chemical de-wormers do all that?
Wormfree Naturally is available at http://www.alternativeanimal.com