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We’ve been conditioned to see worms as dangerous parasites that “invade” our dogs from the outside. The story goes something like this: puppies pick up worms from their mother’s uterus or milk, and adult dogs get them from contaminated soil.
We’re told that because worms are everywhere, the only answer is constant prevention, harsh chemicals, testing, and a mindset of fear. Vets even push “health plans” that convince us our dogs need endless chemical treatments, when in reality, these only burden the body further.
But here’s the truth: this whole way of thinking is backwards.
Worms are not random invaders lying in wait to attack your dog. They are nature’s recyclers – opportunists that arrive when the body is struggling to cope with overload. Their role is to break down excess waste and congestion inside the terrain. In other words, worms are a symptom of imbalance, not the root cause.
In fact, a long-term, one-of-a-kind study at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Centre—with a herd that hasn’t received any deworming treatment for over 40 years—confirmed that despite the horses carrying significant parasite loads, they remained healthy throughout the year. The researchers noted:
👉 Mare pregnancy, foaling and lactation did not affect parasite fecal egg counts.
👉 No differences in parasite egg shedding between seasons.
👉 Horses had antibodies to the bloodworm (Strongylus vulgaris) throughout the year, and the parasite was steadily detected in fecal samples.
👉 Mares passed these antibodies onto their foals through the colostrum.
👉 Full article summary in the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science Review (PDF)
Just like in the natural world, worms in our dogs exist to restore balance. Out in the wild, they break down waste, keep soil healthy, and help ecosystems recover when something becomes overloaded. Inside the body, it’s the same. Worms appear not to harm, but to help – until their work is no longer needed.
We are all connected to these same laws of nature. The same cycles that govern the earth – balance, detoxification, renewal – also govern our dogs’ bodies and ours. Yes, humans can have worms too! Worms aren’t intruders; they are part of this larger system. When the internal environment is clean and balanced, worms have no job to do and fade away naturally.
It’s also completely normal for dogs to carry a low worm burden without any issues. A healthy body manages it with ease. Problems only arise when the terrain is compromised or ‘dirty’, allowing worms to multiply beyond what the body can handle.
What About the Scary Numbers?
Lab websites often share dramatic facts:
- A single female hookworm can produce 20,000 eggs per day.
- A roundworm, up to 85,000 eggs per day.
- Whipworm eggs can survive in soil for years.
- Tapeworms are linked with fleas, which can each lay around 50 eggs per day.
Yes, those numbers may be true. But here’s the key: numbers don’t equal disease.
Your dog could be exposed to worm eggs every single day and never develop an issue – if their terrain is strong and balanced.
The symptoms you often see listed – diarrhoea, a pot-bellied tummy, dull coat, coughing, lethargy – are not signs of worms randomly attacking a healthy dog. They’re signs of an overloaded system, where worms have multiplied to assist in the clean-up.
Even the “prepatent period” (how long from ingestion until eggs are detectable in faeces)—e.g. 15–20 days for hookworm, 14–80 days for roundworm, 74–90 days for whipworm isn’t something to panic about. What matters is not when eggs appear, but whether the terrain is strong enough to prevent worms from thriving in the first place.
As for tapeworms – yes, they’re linked to fleas. But rather than panicking and dousing your dog and home with harsh chemicals, remember this: dogs with strong, clean systems are naturally less attractive to parasites. You can manage fleas gently, without adding to the toxic load.
The Real Solution
We’ve been taught to fear worms and to reach for chemical wormers as the only solution. But these drugs don’t address why the worms are there. In fact, repeated chemical use only weakens the body further – creating the very conditions worms love.
The real solution is simple but powerful: support your dog’s terrain.
- Feed real, species-appropriate food.
- Reduce toxins.
- Allow the body to detox.
- Add gentle natural supports when needed – like Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), pumpkin seeds (contain cucurbitacin, a natural worm expeller), and cucumber (a mild anti-parasitic).
There are many natural herbal supplements marketed for worms, too, but I rarely recommend them. Most of the dogs I work with are already in overdrive. Adding more “stuff” often complicates things further, instead of simplifying.
When you focus on creating a clean internal environment, worms have no job to do. They simply step aside.
I used to be scared of my dogs getting worms. I would worm-count every three months because I thought it was the responsible thing to do. But now, worms rarely even enter my head. Once you understand their role and support your dog’s terrain, the fear naturally fades.
✨ Remember: worms are not the enemy. They are nature’s clean-up crew, stepping in when the terrain is congested. When you honour the natural laws that connect all living things, you begin to see worms for what they really are: part of a much bigger picture.
True health starts from the inside out.
🌿 Need Help?
If you’re unsure where to start, or your dog is dealing with ongoing worm issues, I’m here to help. I offer guidance on how to support your dog’s inner terrain naturally – without fear, stress, or chemical overload.
📩 Reach out for support or a personalised plan – your dog’s healing journey can begin today. https://canine-wellness-specialist.uk/services-2/
Thank you for reading,
Teresa x
Reference
Martin Nielsen et al., “New study from one-of-a-kind herd with no deworming for 40 years,” University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Centre. equine.ca.uky.edu
Canine Wellness Specialist 