Intestinal parasites seem to be a fact of life for our animals that we, as guardians, must deal with on a continual basis. If you ask traditional veterinarians, many will recommend using chemical dewormers but the problem is, that after decades of overuse, many of these dewormers are simply becoming ineffective. In other words, the parasites have grown resistant to them, which is obviously a substantial problem. To make matters worse, chemical dewormers can have dangerous side effects for our animals as well. These might include:
- swollen glands or neck;
- puffy lips and/or tongue;
- noticeably red gum burns;
- colic;
- allergies;
- skin reactions such as hives;
- laminitis; and
- damage to the immune system.
Overuse of chemical dewormers can possibly lead to kidney damage or even a condition known as toxic hepatitis, where the liver becomes overburdened and inflamed as a result of toxins.
Another concerning issue is the fact that chemical dewormers passed through manure can be dangerous to aquatic life and also negatively impact dung beetles and other microorganisms in the soil.
The good news is that there are natural alternatives, made with herbs or other naturally occurring ingredients, which can be used in place of chemical dewormers in many instances. These natural dewormers work with the animal’s body and can even have added benefits aside from killing and expelling parasites. For instance, many of them help strengthen, instead of weaken, the immune system.
However, one difference between using chemical and natural deworming products is that, in most cases, you’ll need to use the natural products over a longer period of time versus a one-time chemical dewormer application several times a year.
Our flagship product, WormGuard Plus SC, is an FDA approved food grade Diatomaceous Earth which consists of tiny phytoplankton mainly composed of amorphous hydrated silicates. When intestinal parasites come into contact with these tiny particles, their exoskeletons are pierced, and the waxy fats and lipids leak from the cuticle of the parasite resulting in fluid loss, dehydration, and death. WormGuard Plus SC, as well as all of our natural deworming products, work in a purely mechanical manner, so parasites are not able to develop an immunity to the ingredients as they can with chemical dewormers. Our natural deworming products are safe for small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, all the way up to large animals, like cattle and horses, and they are 100% effective against intestinal parasites, including:
- tapeworms;
- large strongyles;
- small strongyles;
- pinworms;
- intestinal threadworms;
- bots; and
- ascarids.
WormGuard Plus SC also contains three lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium species, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which support healthy digestion, as well as pure Grape Seed extract for Vitamins E and C which help support the immune system.
Our other natural deworming products include Omni-WormGuard Plus, which contains the probiotics listed above plus an immune-boosting blend of vitamins and minerals, DiaGuard, a strictly pure food grade diatomaceous earth without any additives, and Omni WormGuard Plus for Senior Horses.
So before automatically reaching for a chemical dewormer next time, consider using a natural product instead!
Sources
How Should I Manage My Horse After Worming