Parasites can be something that can impact your pets and animal health. They will all, at some stage, get worms, and many people don't want to use toxic chemicals. So what can you do naturally to keep them worm-free?

Worm over the Full Moon

The best thing you can do to keep your animals worm-free is to worm them around the full moon. The body's circadian rhythm responds to the moon's cycles. The circadian rhythm is a natural process that regulates the body's sleep-wake cycles. Usually, the body has a good balance of the hormones serotonin (awake) and melatonin (sleep). But the body produces more serotonin around the full moon than melatonin, so it is awake more than asleep (this can be why you don't sleep well over the full moon). Melatonin helps with sleep and controls the immune system: less sleep = a lower immune system to fight off parasites.

Serotonin is a feel-good neurotransmitter, and worms have receptors for this; it helps them to be more active. So the more serotonin, the more active the worms are. Because they are more active, they detach and move around the body. Once they are detached, they are easier to expel.

The great thing about worming over the full moon is that the expulsion won't affect the flora of the animal's gut, and they won't lose weight or condition; it is a gentle cleanse.

So what can you use to worm your pets and animals?

At Natural Pet, we have several products for worming that cover the common parasite complaints that animals get.

Wiggles (Hom) or Wiggles – in our Tagiwig range for cats and dogs

Horswrm – in our Agripathics range for horses

Farm WRM - in our Agripathics range for all farm animals, including chicken and dairy cows.

Other natural options:

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – helps to increase the alkaline levels in the body. As a result, it helps the animal absorb nutrients and minerals more effectively and expels worms.

Cats / Dogs – ¼ - 1 teaspoon into food or water daily

Horses and cattle – up to 1 cup of feed or hay daily

Pumpkin seeds – are a great natural dewormer. They contain the amino acid called cucurbitin, which paralyses the worms so they can be expelled easier. So next time you cut up a pumpkin, save the seeds, dry them for a few days, and then grind them into a powder in the kitchen whiz. Sprinkle this on food at least three days before and after a full moon. 

Cats/Dogs – 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon daily

Horses / Cattle – ½ cup into feed daily

What are the best times to worm your pets and animals?

For best results, we suggest worming four days over the full moon. We do it three days before and one day after the full moon for optimum results.