Effectively Banish Parasites From Your Pet Naturally

Our dog is an important part of our family. Just as your pet is to you, I’m sure. I treat and feed her just like I do the rest of my family. So when she was diagnosed with Coccidia, a form of parasite, I knew I wasn’t going to load her up with antibiotics where dosage would have to be repeated compromising her gut and immune system.

Here is the story of what we did to get rid of the parasite naturally, effectively and frankly more cost effectively too.

About Coccidia

Coccidiosis is an intestinal tract infection caused by parasitic, one-celled organisms (protozoa) called coccidia. Coccidium and other parasites such as giardia and worms are sadly, common problems with pets. ¹⁾https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coccidiosis-in-dogs

The most common coccidia found in dogs do not have any affect on humans.

How Pets Get Infected

Figure 1.1 Coccidia life-cycle²⁾https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/09/21/pet-intestinal-parasites.aspx

Oocyst, immature coccidian, are usually passed in the feces of an infected animal. The oocysts are very resilient and can live for quite some time in the environment³⁾https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/coccidiosis-in-dogs

Coccidia infections typically spread from one dog or cat to another through contact with infected feces. Coccidiosis is most commonly found in puppies or kittens that have contracted the parasite from an adult dog’s feces or eating a mouse that is infected with coccidian.

These oocysts “sporulate,” and become infectious under certain temperatures and humidity. If a susceptible pet ingests the sporulated oocysts, the oocysts will release “sporozoites” that invade the intestinal lining cells and set up a cycle of infection in neighboring cells.

Symptoms of Coccidia

The most common symptom of coccidiosis is watery diarrhea that contains mucous. Left untreated, the infection can eventually cause bloody, explosive diarrhea; weakness; and lethargy.

Some animals don’t show the common symptom of the infection. Scheduled stool testing is the best way to find out if your pet is infected.

Conventional Treatment

The most common drug used to eliminate coccidia is the sulfa-type antibiotic, sulfadimethoxine. It is usually given for five to twenty days.

According to Dr. Foster Smith ⁴⁾http://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1449 Albon is a prescription antibiotic drug, and is prescribed as a general antiprotazoal. It is used for the treatment of a wide range of susceptible bacterial infections, as well as coccidiosis.

The Problem with Antibiotics

Dr. Mercola’s ⁵⁾https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/19/giardia-infection-on-pets.aspx article on the subject states that coccidian is growing resistant to many common anti-protozoal medications, resulting in an increasing number of pets becoming persistent carriers.

My vet advised me that it is common and necessary to repeat the treatment several times before infection clears.

The way to determine that the infection has cleared is with multiple monthly fecal float tests for the first 3 to 4 months after treatment is completed, followed by an ELISA test (An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test) in some cases to make sure the infection is truly cleared.

ELISA tests are not quick, however. Because it can take up to 6 months for the the giardia antigens to clear from the animal’s bloodstream, the test can take up to 6 months for accurate results.

Following up treatment with a few fecal floats will provide the best information about whether the infection is completely resolved. Remember giardia cysts aren’t passed in every single stool sample, which is why multiple fecal float tests are necessary to insure the infection is completely resolved.

To help prevent and minimize risk of transmission

Do’s:

• Properly pick and up and dispose of your pet’s poop as soon as possible.
• Clean up your pet’s food bowls as soon as they finish eating, and also wash drinking bowls frequently.
• Wash all beddings and sofa covers where your pet has had a chance to jump on.
• Test your pet’s fecal sample twice a year at your vet’s office. This will help identify if there are any parasitic infections before your pet’s digestive function is compromised.

Don’t:

• Avoid walking your dog in areas where other animals have defecated.
• Avoid, as much as possible, having your pet drink water that is possibly unclean and unsafe, such as running water from street and standing water in yards or streams.
• Avoid kenneling your pet with other animals.

Since no drug is entirely safe, do not routinely deworm your pet with strong pharmaceutical medication. There are always risks associated with giving medication.

Also, do not use natural dewormers without a vet’s diagnosis. Dr. Becker has seen many cases of significant GI inflammation in her practice caused by doses of strong herbal preparations that were unnecessary since the animal had no parasitic infection. Just because a substance is non-chemical doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe.

While one medication or herb will not work to deworm your pet, with proper monitoring, natural remedies can be as effective as pharmaceutical solutions.One medication or herb will not work to deworm your pet. Every parasite has its unique imprint and its unique solution to resolve it.

*Consult your vet before performing ANY at-home treatments.*

The Holistic or Natural Approach

It is best to do all you can to prevent your pet from getting these pests. If your pet should still present with symptoms, you may want to seek natural alternative remedies after receiving a professional diagnosis. Fortunately, there are quite a few remedies that can be used safely and effectively.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

GSE is used by many as a natural remedy that aids in the elimination of giardia and coccidia in dogs.

Herbs that contain the active alkaloid constituent berberine, such as goldenseal and Oregon grape.

Essential oils contain known active ingredients, including phenols, aldehydes, terpenes, oxides, and carvacrol, which have a direct effect in raising the body’s electrical frequencies. One of their key modes of action is targeted against microbial membranes and cell walls, which are then disrupted by the higher frequencies being generated.

Oregano and thyme oils have been researched, and used by many for their especially high levels of carcacol.

Some herbs that are useful include licorice and cleavers. For diarrhea caused by giardia or coccidia, the herb slippery elm is effective.

Other Natural Supplements

If your pet is put on a raw diet of meat, organs, glands, and bone from an organically raised animal, there may be no need for any additional supplements. A raw diet as close to whole prey as possible contains all the following naturally.

Natural supplements for your pet with giardia or coccidia are:

• Probiotics – to restore the balance of microflora in the dog’s intestinal tract.
• Digestive Enzymes – to aid proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• L-Glutamine – to help protect the stomach and intestinal lining and also may prevent the formation of stomach ulcers.
• The natural product – Kocci Free from Ambertech is a formula that contains natural herbs and spices that have properties against microbes and parasites. They have been specifically formulated with the correct dosage for your pet. Carefully balanced ingredients include: olive leaf, mustard seed, black seed, Pau D’arco, cloves, grapefruit seed extract, jatoba, ethyl alcohol, and distilled water.
• Only Natural Pet GI Support delivers advanced gastrointestinal support to dogs and cats. It aids digestion with a unique combination of probiotics, vitamins, herbs, health-building co-factors, and enzymes. This best selling formula is ideal for animals with poor digestion, food allergies, or bowel concerns.
• L. Acidophilus – This well known probiotic helps balance intestinal microflora when it has been disturbed by illness or antibiotic use. Acidophilus helps normalize digestion, which may help to reduce gas, bloating, and bad breath.
• Saccharomyces Boulardii – Clinical research with this probiotic has demonstrated its consistent ability to maintain healthy stool and support the GI tract.
• Slippery Elm Bark – This herb has been traditionally used to soothe the digestive tract and intestinal walls. Slippery elm provides mucilage, which forms a slippery substance when combined with water. Mucilage can calm intestinal tissues, promote healthy detoxification in the bowel, and help maintain normal elimination patterns.
• Alfalfa – A rich source of vitamin K, this botanical helps support rebuilding of the intestinal wall and other mucous membranes, and helps the body to produce more of its own beneficial microbials. Alfalfa is known to balance hyperacidity in the digestive tract and has been traditionally used for digestive ailments. Alfalfa also supports the body’s normal inflammatory response.
• Licorice Root Extract – Licorice is included in most traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulas to balance the other herbs and to promote vitality. An adaptogen, it is believed to bring the entire body into balance and to promote well-being. Licorice has also been used in Western herbal traditions to soothe stomach upsets.
• Proteolytic Enzymes (Pepsin, Papain, and Bromelain) – Enzymes are essential for proper digestion and for assimilation of bioavailable ingredients. They also support the body’s normal inflammatory response.
• Folic Acid – A member of the B complex of vitamins, folic acid supports protein metabolism and in the formation and growth of healthy nerve cells. Folic Acid maintains healthy antibodies, which are important for immune support. It also supports the body’s normal ability to fight against foreign bodies and food poisoning.
• Quercetin – This powerful bioflavonoid supports the body’s normal inflammatory response and also provides antioxidant properties. Research with quercetin indicates it is helpful in supporting against stomach irritations, due to its ability to maintain a healthy stomach.
• L-Glutamine – An important amino acid with cellular energy producing qualities, L-Glutamine helps protect the lining of the stomach and also may prevent the formation of stomach irritations.
• Pantothenic Acid – Also known as Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid works with enzymes to aid in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Vitamin B5 is important in the synthesis of amino acids and fatty acids. Deficiency in this important vitamin is thought to contribute to constipation and stomach upsets.This formula contains the herbs licorice, slippery elm, and alfalfa, as well as supplements such as digestive enzymes, probiotics, L-Glutamine, and more. It gives advanced gastrointestinal support to dogs suffering from digestive problems that may be caused by giardia, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and so on.

BareFood Angel’s Bottomline

After researching natural options, I chose to treat my furry friend’s parasite problem naturally. It was not only safe, it was effective. Check out the results.

Following a hunch that my furry friend had a parasitic problem in December, I had her fecal sample tested for many things including Coccidia. The lab picked up presence of this parasite.

After careful administration of natural remedies, I had her fecal sample tested again in January. The results came back negative.

To make sure that there was no residual proliferation of parasites, I tested my dog’s fecal sample again in April. The results were negative. No more Coccidia.

My vet was shocked. She said that in her many years of practice she has never seen anyone treat their pet’s coccidia naturally. Well, I guess she either didn’t have many clients who tried it naturally to collect clinical cases or her clients tried it and didn’t tell her. I know our case isn’t an anomaly. There are many anecdotals and clinical cases where parasites are treated naturally and effectively.

It would have been saner if I found a holistic veterinarian. We don’t have a holistic veterinarian practicing near by. It would have saved me a ton of research and worry time.

Our pets are important to us. They are members of our family. I know that we all want to keep them healthy, and parasite free. I truly hope that all of this valuable information serves to be helpful and useful in preventing, and banishing parasites from your pet naturally.

To Your Health,

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About Caroline

My vision is to empower you to achieve your optimal health and lead a healthy life through awareness and education. It is to bring you simple, delicious, nutritionally dense foods and easy recipes that support the wellness of your mind, body and soul. My goal is to teach the effective principles and practices of our ancestors in a modern context forliving a vibrant life.

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