How Can I Get My Dog To Stop Eating Worms In 2023

Medically Reviewed By Pet Expert

Your dog probably thinks you went to all that trouble making a nice juicy steak just for him, but it’s more likely he’s thinking,

“Worms are so much more delicious and nutritious. Why would anyone waste their time on this when I can have worms instead?”

We know dogs aren’t capable of understanding our logic as humans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to appeal to their senses with some simple food psychology.

After all, your dog may be willing to give up his love of slimy earthworms if they taste like something else he loves even more. Fortunately, getting your dog to stop eating worms is very simple. Dogs are highly motivated by smell and taste.

This means that if you disguise the scent and taste of an undesirable food, he will most likely lose interest in it.

Reasons Why Does My Dog Eat Worms?

Dogs eat worms ↗, slugs, and other bugs because they lack certain nutrients. Most of the time, their owner is not feeding them a nutritionally balanced diet.

On the other hand, worms, slugs, and other bugs are loaded with protein and other nutrients that your dog might need.

This is why highly malnourished dogs eat these things, even though they aren’t food. Your dog may also have worms or parasites that are making him crave worms.

If you notice your dog eating worms frequently, take him to the vet immediately. Worms and other parasites are very dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.

1

Change His Food Immediately

If you catch your dog eating worms and licking his lips as if he were savoring a luxurious meal, you should change his diet at once.

Change His Food Immediately

This is because worms are not just high in protein but also an excellent source of minerals and vitamins like calcium and vitamin B12, often missing from commercial dog food.

As a result, worms can help reduce the risk of your dog developing deficiencies and related diseases. Further, worms are very low in calories, which makes them ideal for weight control in dogs.

2

Repulsive Smell and Taste

You will want to disguise the smell and taste of worms so your dog won’t want them anymore. If your dog eats raw meat, worms are the perfect food for him, but cooked meat has no nutritional value.

Repulsive Smell and Taste

So, you should give him meat or meat-based food instead of feeding your dog worms. This is because dogs are carnivores and need a high percentage of protein in their diet.

The best way to disguise the smell and taste of worms is to marinate them in vinegar or citrus juice.

3

Rotting Food Strategy

If your dog eats worms and other decaying food, you want to give him something fresh and tasty.

Rotting Food Strategy

The best way to do this is to feed him a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and kale. Your dog may also enjoy a small amount of peanut butter on carrots.

4

Tasty Smelling and Tasting Coating

If you want to eliminate the smell and taste of worms, you can coat them with something delicious. You can wrap the worms (or whatever your dog eats) in meat or cheese.

How to stop my dog from eating worms?

The most important thing is to keep your dog well-fed. You can do this by feeding him a nutritious, well-balanced diet. If your dog is eating worms or other insects, it’s likely because he either has worms or a nutritional deficiency. Either way, you want to correct the problem as soon as possible.

1

Pica

Pica is a psychological disorder where a person (or, in this case, a dog) ingests non-nutritive substances. An example is a dog eating a piece of wood, even though it doesn’t need its nutrients. You should visit your vet if you think your dog suffers from pica.

Pica
2

Curiosity

Curiosity is another psychological disorder that may cause your dog to eat worms. In this case, your dog may be trying to figure out what these strange insects are and how they taste. The best way to stop this is to keep your dog away from any worms or other insects on purpose.

Curiosity
3

Hunting Instinct

Your dog might be eating worms because he’s hunting for his next meal. If your dog is eating worms, slugs, and other insects, it’s a sign he’s trying to supplement his diet.

Hunting Instinct

In this case, you want to feed him a nutritious meal. You can do this by buying dog food or making homemade dog food.

4

Tasty Snack

Your dog may also eat worms and other insects as a tasty snack. If he is, it’s likely because he’s bored and needs something to do.

Tasty Snack

In this case, you want to give your dog something to do that involves no eating. The best activities for dogs are fetching, walking, and playing with toys.

Are worms harmful to a dog?

Three types of worms can infect dogs: tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Each type of worm can cause different health problems for your dog.

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that attach to the lining of your dog’s intestine. They are usually transmitted to dogs through fleas and can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated soil or feces.

Tapeworms can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs. If left untreated, they can also lead to more severe health problems like anemia or blockages in the intestines.

Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in dogs. They are transmitted to puppies through their mother’s milk and can also be transmitted through contaminated soil or feces.

Roundworms can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea, leading to more severe health problems like liver damage or pneumonia.

Hookworms are another type of worm that can infect dogs. They are transmitted through contaminated soil and penetrate your dog’s skin.

Hookworms can cause anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea in dogs. Left untreated, they can also lead to more serious health problems like liver damage or kidney failure.

Conclusion

Dogs eating worms in the garden is a common occurrence – especially when there’s an abundance of earthworms.

However, having a balanced and healthy diet for your pet is essential. Worms are a great source of fiber. However, they also contain very little nutritional value.

Dogs only require a small number of earthworms per month to maintain optimal health. Excessive consumption can lead to some severe health complications.

There are many reasons why your dog may be eating worms. The most important thing is to figure out the cause and correct it immediately.

If your dog eats worms, you should switch his diet to something more nutritious and delicious. You can also try feeding your dog some tasty treats to keep him busy and satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog want to eat worms?

Your dog may want to eat worms for a variety of reasons. Some dogs are simply curious and want to explore everything they can. Others may be trying to fulfill a nutritional need, as worms can be a good source of protein. Some dogs may also enjoy the taste or texture of worms. If your dog is eating worms regularly, it’s essential to take them to the vet to ensure they’re not suffering from any underlying health conditions.

Is it OK for a dog to eat worms?

There are a variety of worms that can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. While most of these worms are not harmful to humans, they can cause serious health problems for dogs. In some cases, worms can even be fatal. Generally speaking, it is not OK for a dog to eat worms. If your dog has worms, it is essential to take them to the vet so that they can be treated.

How many days after deworming do worms come out?

It depends on the type of deworming medication used. For example, with pyrantel pamoate, the worms should start dying within 24 hours and will be passed in the stool within a few days. With levamisole, the worms should start breaking within 6-8 hours and will be given in the chair within 1-2 days.

What is the fastest way to cure worms?

The best way to cure worms may vary depending on the type of worms involved. However, some methods of treating worms may be more effective than others. For example, medications such as mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate may be effective in treating certain worms, while other worms may require more aggressive treatment. In general, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for worms.

What to drink to stop worms for dogs?

There are several different options that you can give to your dog to help them get rid of worms. These include:The use of worming tablets containing fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate, or milbemycin oxime as the active ingredient.
Feeding them raw garlic, which has natural warming properties.
Making a homemade worming solution with neem oil, coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Purchasing a commercial worming product from your veterinarian or a pet store.
Whichever method you choose, follow the instructions carefully and give the treatment for the recommended amount of time to ensure that the worms are gone.

Amy Brown
Amy E. Brown is a licensed psychotherapist (serving and author of three self-help books. She’s also a dog rescuer in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Her life-long love of literature and writing developed from her passion for author Jackie Collins novels. She discovered at the age of 12 that she wanted to become a published author. She is a Quora contributor who writes about mental health and addiction issues in both the United States and throughout the world. She is the owner and founder of Blamberg & Associates LLC, which is a private practice specializing in psychological and addiction issues. She has been working with physically and emotionally scarred people for over 30 years.