7711Administration
2
When a cat eats seeds, it surprises the owner. To many, this phenomenon seems unusual, because plants, as a rule, are not to the liking of cats. Some owners whose pets especially like to chew seeds are afraid to give them this product, as they consider it dangerous for the animal. Seeds can indeed cause serious health problems in a cat, but only if they are given to her illiterately. When a person offers a cat to eat seeds, knowing how to properly include them in her diet, this is quite normal, and they will have a beneficial effect on the pet’s health.
On the Internet, if you wish, you can find a funny video called “Cat eats sunflower seeds.” The cat willingly eats the seeds there. Such videos are always very popular because they look very funny and cute.
© shutterstock
Benefits of sunflower seeds for your pet
The seeds are beneficial for the cat's body due to the fatty acids, proteins, microelements and vitamins they contain. Their regular use gives your pet's coat a healthy appearance, it becomes thicker and shiny. In addition, the overall vitality of the animal increases, since the composition of the product has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Sunflower seeds contain a complex of B vitamins, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin A improves vision, vitamin E helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and vitamin D supports bones, nails and teeth. In addition, the product contains a large amount of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have an antioxidant effect and have a beneficial effect on the appearance and quality of wool.
Sunflower seeds also contain a number of micro- and macroelements:
To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should limit the amount of seeds you eat. A tablespoon of crushed product every 2-3 days is enough.
A cat eats seeds: should you worry about your pet’s eating habits?
Sunflower seeds contain a complex of B vitamins, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin A improves vision, vitamin E helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and vitamin D supports bones, nails and teeth. In addition, the product contains a large amount of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have an antioxidant effect and have a beneficial effect on the appearance and quality of wool.
Sunflower seeds also contain a number of micro- and macroelements:
- zinc;
- calcium;
- iodine;
- iron;
- phosphorus;
- selenium;
- sodium;
- silicon;
- magnesium.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, you should limit the amount of seeds you eat. A tablespoon of crushed product every 2-3 days is enough.
What harm can seeds cause to a cat?
Naturally, one seed eaten by an animal along with the husk will not cause any harm to its health. Problems can arise when eating large quantities of unpeeled seeds. The husk, accumulating in the intestines, forms a plug, which will prevent defecation and obstruction will occur. In this case, without timely veterinary care, the risk of the pet’s death is high.
In addition to obstruction, unpeeled seeds can cause the following troubles:
- gum injury, which can lead to gum inflammation;
- a cut to the mucous membrane of the throat, which in severe cases can be fatal;
- minor damage to the intestines, from which the cat may develop cancer over time.
In addition, any seeds contain a lot of fat, which can harm a cat’s health, especially if it has liver problems and high cholesterol. The large amount of phosphorus present in the product is also undesirable for animals. We should not forget that cats are predators, therefore, their gastrointestinal tract is poorly adapted to digesting plant foods, and as a result, allergies can develop.
Can the seeds be given to cats, dogs, parrots and other animals?
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are loved not only by people, but also by animals. So, every owner gives seeds to cats, dogs or parrots. This is not 100% prohibited by veterinarians. But it is better to refuse to feed animals with seeds until all the circumstances are clarified.
What is the danger
This product does not pose a lethal threat to animals, but should be avoided when feeding certain species in certain situations. Pay attention to heat treatment of seeds.
For cats
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are not prohibited for cats, but it is better to clean them first. As for the possible harm caused to the health of cats, the following factors are distinguished:
- Any form of this product contains a lot of fat, which increases the level of cholesterol in the animal’s blood.
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are difficult for the human body to digest. As for the animal, their digestive system is vulnerable to the consumption of unusual foods with large amounts of carbohydrates and fats. Therefore, if you want to eat fruits, give them to your pet for food, a small amount is required. This is recommended for a kind of test of the animal’s food sensitivity to the presented product.
Often the nuclei provoke the development of an allergic reaction in animals. In cats, this is manifested by involuntary sneezing, strong scratching of the ear and other unusual manifestations.
- If a cat eats unhulled seeds, it may experience intestinal obstruction. The owner will have to help - the pet needs to be shown to a veterinarian.
- Unpeeled fruits contain toxic substances that are harmful to the health of the animal and can cause poisoning.
These are only the most common reactions in a pet from eating sunflower or pumpkin fruits. It is better to refuse to feed cats with the presented product or give it in small quantities and in purified form.
For dogs
Peeled sunflower and pumpkin seeds should not be given to dogs at all or in large quantities. Here are the reasons for the bans:
- The high caloric content of the product leads to obesity of the animal. And we’re not just talking about subcutaneous fat. In dogs, digestion is designed in such a way that excess incoming calories are deposited on the internal organs. The accumulation of fat puts pressure on the heart, which becomes fatal for the animal.
- The kernels cause disorders in the digestive system. This is vomiting, severe diarrhea, or constipation. Stomach or intestinal disorders have a bad effect on the dog’s health - disturbances in the functioning of other internal organs occur.
- Plant products in the fields absorb large amounts of nitrates and other poisons. As a result, their consumption by pets can lead to poisoning of the body, which, unlike humans, has increased susceptibility.
Helpful advice: if your dog loves seeds and feels good after eating them, you can solve the problem with nitrates and poisons. To do this, the product is grown independently in the private sector. It is recommended to avoid treating crops with pesticides and other toxic solutions in order to protect them from insect attacks.
For parrots
Surprisingly, sunflower fruits are included in most parrot foods. We are talking only about raw kernels, but you need to forget about fried seeds for the parrot. This is explained by two factors.
The first is the lack of useful microelements and vitamins in fried seeds. They simply evaporate during heat treatment.
The result is a useless product from the point of view of improving the health of the parrot.
The second factor is the release of various poisons during frying of seeds in vegetable oil. The amount of toxic substances will not harm a person, but for a small organism they can become deadly.
What is the benefit
Having decided whether or not to give roasted or raw seeds to an animal, it is better to familiarize yourself with the recommendations for safe consumption and the benefits of what is planned.
Contraindications for use
As for contraindications, here are the features and prohibitions:
- presence of predisposition to allergies;
- periodic disturbances in the digestive system - vomiting, diarrhea or constipation sometimes bother the pet;
- the presence of pathologies of internal organs.
Before starting to introduce seeds into the diet, it is better for the pet owner to consult a veterinarian and show him his pet.
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can be given to animals, but only in compliance with the permitted dosage. It is better to avoid feeding cats, dogs and parrots seeds if there are concerns for their health.
Source: https://orehitut.ru/zdorove/mozno-li-koskam-semecki/
Which cats should absolutely not eat sunflower seeds?
Not every cat can include sunflower seeds in their diet. It all depends on the health status of each individual animal. This product should not be given to your pet in the following cases:
- with elevated cholesterol levels;
- in the presence of liver diseases;
- if you are allergic to sunflower oil;
- for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by ulcerations of the mucous membrane;
- for inflammation of the mouth and gums (until they are eliminated).
Experts also advise not to give seeds to kittens until they are six months old, as they may develop intestinal obstruction (even from a purified product). In addition, you should not give cats store-bought sunflower seed pastes and halva. They contain sugar, which should be excluded from the cat's diet.
Whether or not to give seeds to your pet is up to each owner to decide for himself. But if the norms of consumption are observed, this product can enrich the animal’s diet, saturate the body with essential vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances.
Contraindications for use
As for contraindications, here are the features and prohibitions:
- presence of predisposition to allergies;
- periodic disturbances in the digestive system - vomiting, diarrhea or constipation sometimes bother the pet;
- the presence of pathologies of internal organs.
Before starting to introduce seeds into the diet, it is better for the pet owner to consult a veterinarian and show him his pet.
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds can be given to animals, but only in compliance with the permitted dosage. It is better to avoid feeding cats, dogs and parrots seeds if there are concerns for their health.
Why does the cat eat seeds?
When a cat eats seeds, it surprises the owner. To many, this phenomenon seems unusual, because plants, as a rule, are not to the liking of cats. Some owners whose pets especially like to chew seeds are afraid to give them this product, as they consider it dangerous for the animal. Seeds can indeed cause serious health problems in a cat, but only if they are given to her illiterately. When a person offers a cat to eat seeds, knowing how to properly include them in her diet, this is quite normal, and they will have a beneficial effect on the pet’s health.
On the Internet, if you wish, you can find a funny video called “Cat eats sunflower seeds.” The cat willingly eats the seeds there. Such videos are always very popular because they look very funny and cute.
What is the danger of seeds for cats?
If a cat ate a seed in the husk, then it will not get sick from one. Seeds can cause harm to the animal if they are given unpeeled and in large quantities. The husk will clog the intestines, which is why it will gradually form a plug, which will cause obstruction in the cat. If in such a situation the owner does not pay attention to the animal’s condition in a timely manner and does not seek help from a veterinarian, there is a high risk of the cat’s death.
Cats love not only sunflower seeds, but also pumpkin seeds. They must be treated with caution due to the content of senyl acid in their composition, which is poisonous in large quantities. Such seeds, in addition to needing to be peeled, are also required and given very limitedly. You should not give your cat more than 5 pumpkin seeds per day. This healthy pumpkin product is not given to cats fried.
In addition to intestinal obstruction, unpeeled seeds can cause serious health problems in cats, which include:
- gum injury, leading to the development of inflammation;
- a throat injury that, if severe, could result in the death of the cat;
- minor damage to the intestinal mucosa, due to which the cat may develop cancer with age.
What is the danger
This product does not pose a lethal threat to animals, but should be avoided when feeding certain species in certain situations. Pay attention to heat treatment of seeds.
For cats
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds are not prohibited for cats, but it is better to clean them first. As for the possible harm caused to the health of cats, the following factors are distinguished:
- Any form of this product contains a lot of fat, which increases the level of cholesterol in the animal’s blood.
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds are difficult for the human body to digest. As for the animal, their digestive system is vulnerable to the consumption of unusual foods with large amounts of carbohydrates and fats. Therefore, if you want to eat fruits, give them to your pet for food, a small amount is required. This is recommended for a kind of test of the animal’s food sensitivity to the presented product.
Often the nuclei provoke the development of an allergic reaction in animals. In cats, this is manifested by involuntary sneezing, strong scratching of the ear and other unusual manifestations.
- If a cat eats unhulled seeds, it may experience intestinal obstruction. The owner will have to help - the pet needs to be shown to a veterinarian.
- Unpeeled fruits contain toxic substances that are harmful to the health of the animal and can cause poisoning.
These are only the most common reactions in a pet from eating sunflower or pumpkin fruits. It is better to refuse to feed cats with the presented product or give it in small quantities and in purified form.
For dogs
Peeled sunflower and pumpkin seeds should not be given to dogs at all or in large quantities. Here are the reasons for the bans:
- The high caloric content of the product leads to obesity of the animal. And we’re not just talking about subcutaneous fat. In dogs, digestion is designed in such a way that excess incoming calories are deposited on the internal organs. The accumulation of fat puts pressure on the heart, which becomes fatal for the animal.
- The kernels cause disorders in the digestive system. This is vomiting, severe diarrhea, or constipation. Stomach or intestinal disorders have a bad effect on the dog’s health - disturbances in the functioning of other internal organs occur.
- Plant products in the fields absorb large amounts of nitrates and other poisons. As a result, their consumption by pets can lead to poisoning of the body, which, unlike humans, has increased susceptibility.
Helpful advice: if your dog loves seeds and feels good after eating them, you can solve the problem with nitrates and poisons. To do this, the product is grown independently in the private sector. It is recommended to avoid treating crops with pesticides and other toxic solutions in order to protect them from insect attacks.
For parrots
Surprisingly, sunflower fruits are included in most parrot foods. We are talking only about raw kernels, but you need to forget about fried seeds for the parrot. This is explained by two factors. The first is the lack of useful microelements and vitamins in fried seeds. They simply evaporate during heat treatment. The result is a useless product from the point of view of improving the health of the parrot.
The second factor is the release of various poisons during frying of seeds in vegetable oil. The amount of toxic substances will not harm a person, but for a small organism they can become deadly.
This is interesting: How much dry food does a cat need per day?
What are the benefits of seeds for cats?
Since pumpkin and sunflower seeds have different effects on the cat’s body, you should gradually add both to your pet’s diet. This combination allows you to provide the cat with the necessary substances. The main thing for owners to remember is that roasted seeds are not healthy for cats, while raw seeds are very useful.
Sunflower seeds
Cats need sunflower seeds because they contain many fatty acids, microelements, protein and vitamins that are beneficial for the animal. If you regularly feed your cat sunflower seeds, his coat will become thicker and shinier, and the pet’s vitality will also increase.
However, in order for the cat to only benefit from the product, you should not give your pet too much of it. To satisfy the body's need for nutrients, a tablespoon of seeds is enough, which the cat eats once every 2-3 days.
Pumpkin seeds
The benefits of pumpkin seeds for animals cannot be underestimated. When a cat eats them regularly, she not only looks better, but becomes stronger and gets sick less often. The main benefits of pumpkin seeds for cats are as follows :
- improved digestion;
- prevention of the appearance of worms - due to the presence of senilic acid in the composition, they prevent the development of parasites, and also destroy them if the number of worms is small;
- removal of harmful substances from the cat’s body, including heavy metals and toxins;
- elimination of constipation, which is associated with age-related changes in the cat’s body;
- strengthening the cat’s body during the recovery period after illness.
Thus, one should not underestimate the benefits of including seeds in your pet’s diet, but in moderation.
Pinworms: Komarovsky on the prevention and treatment of enterobiasis
Have you been trying to get rid of PARASITES for many years?
Head of the Institute: “You will be amazed at how easy it is to get rid of parasites by taking it every day.
The most common type of helminthiasis is enterobiasis, the appearance of which is promoted by pinworms. Most often, these parasites are found in preschoolers or schoolchildren, which is explained by household factors.
As a rule, infection occurs through underwear and bed linen, when changing and shaking it, helminth eggs spread throughout the room. Then the person begins to come into contact with invasive objects, as a result of which the worms quickly penetrate his body. Pinworms can also enter the host’s body after drinking raw water or due to swimming in a polluted pond or pool.
We suggest you read: How to give Kwamata to a cat
The leading sign of helminthic infestation is itching in the anus, which makes you want to scratch the affected area. The appearance of this symptom is explained by the peculiarities of the life cycle of pinworms. At night, the female crawls out of the anus to lay eggs in the perianal area, after which she dies.
In a video about enterobiasis, Komarovsky talks about the causes of itching in the anal area. This occurs due to skin irritation to the sticky substance that envelops the worm eggs. If you scratch the anal area, the eggs will end up under your nails, and even after washing your hands, there is a risk of self-infection again.
Diagnosing enterobiasis is quite simple. To do this, apply adhesive tape to the skin near the anus and then examine it under a microscope. But pinworms can be recognized even by examining stool, where small white worms will be visible. Since enterobiasis is often re-infected, its treatment must be timely, systematic and competent.
Pinworms can be removed using drugs such as Sulfur depuratum and Sulfur praecipitaturn. They can be drunk in concentrated form or diluted: to improve the taste, the products are mixed with licorice powder in equal parts.
Sulfur preparations must be taken with meals 3 times a day. in a day. The duration of therapy is 5 days.
To increase the effectiveness of antiparasitic treatment, sulfur is taken with Santonin. This method is most often used for mixed helminthiasis, when ascariasis is added to enterobiasis.
Treatment is carried out in cycles: first you need to drink Santonin, then take a break for 5 days, and then you should take sulfur. The course must be repeated three times.
Phenothiazine powder or tablets also help with pinworms. The drug is drunk three times a day before eating. The dosage is calculated depending on the age characteristics of the patient:
- 2-5 years – 200 mg;
- From 10 years and older – 400 mg;
- 6-9 years – 200 mg.
Duration of therapy – 5 days. On the last day of treatment you need to drink a laxative. It is not necessary to follow a diet.
Another well-known anthelmintic drug is piperazine. For enterobiasis, it is taken in courses (2-3 courses of 5 days each) with a break of one week. At the end of treatment, the patient needs to take a laxative.
Gentian violet is also prescribed for pinworms. The dosage of the drug is calculated depending on the age of the invasive person (0.0005 g per 1 year of life). As in previous cases, treatment is carried out in courses (2 times) with a break of 7 days.
Some people try to get rid of pinworms using traditional medicine recipes. However, Dr. Komarovsky insists that many of the remedies are ineffective, and some are even unsafe. In addition, in the process of long-term deworming, parasitizing worms can cause significant harm to the body of its owner.
Komarovsky's advice
Contraindications for giving your cat seeds
Not all cats can eat seeds. The answer to the question of why one cat eats this product and benefits from it, while another should not eat it, is related to the health status of the particular animal. Contraindications apply equally to pumpkin and sunflower seeds. You should not give them to eat in such cases if the cat has :
- elevated cholesterol levels;
- liver diseases;
- allergic reaction to the product;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which there are ulcerations of the mucous membrane;
- inflammation of the gums until they are eliminated.
Also, you should not give the product to kittens under 6 months, as the seeds, even in peeled form, can cause intestinal obstruction.
If a cat eats sunflower and pumpkin seeds, this is not surprising, and the owner just needs to ensure that the pet can safely consume the treat.
Is it possible to give cats pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds have long been known to humans as a source of a huge amount of useful substances, as well as an effective means for cleansing the body of toxins and various parasites. Unlike medications, the process of deworming with pumpkin seeds occurs gently, without injuring the body, but on the contrary, restoring the intestinal tract and saturating it with vitamins. Daily consumption of pumpkin seeds protects against the appearance of parasites, normalizes intestinal function, and improves the condition of skin and hair.
So is it possible or not?
There is no clear answer to this question. Most veterinarians are inclined to believe that pumpkin and any other seeds can harm a cat . However, if the pet owner carefully cleans and grinds the seeds, then a small amount of them can still be added to food. The use of pumpkin seeds is also supported by the fact that the cats themselves, having smelled them, beg the seeds from the owner and eat them with pleasure. And, as you know, if an animal’s body needs certain substances, then the pet itself chooses a product that covers these needs.
Skepticism about the consumption of pumpkin seeds by cats is based on the fact that the predatory organism is simply not adapted to most plant foods. To digest such a highly nutritious product as seeds, a certain set of enzymes is required, as well as a long intestine, like in herbivores, neither of which cats have.
The benefits of pumpkin seeds
- Contain a large set of proteins and amino acids.
- Contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.
- Contains fiber to stimulate intestinal function.
- The composition includes a large set of vitamins: A, vitamins B, C, D, E; and microelements: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, fluorine, iodine. Pumpkin seeds can replace multivitamin complexes, in which the vitamins are synthetic, while those in the seeds are natural and bioavailable.
- They are a mild laxative and enveloping agent.
- They are an effective anthelmintic and protect against infection by worms; they kill parasite eggs.
- Capable of removing toxins, heavy metals and other harmful compounds from the body.
- They are a nutritional supplement to food for weakened animals.
Harm of pumpkin seeds and contraindications
- You should not give cats sunflower seeds that are not peeled, fried or crushed.
- Seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are a food unusual for a cat’s diet, so they can be difficult for the entire digestive system of the animal.
- Pumpkin seeds are quite a fatty product and can be harmful, especially for liver problems and high cholesterol in cats.
- Pumpkin seeds contain some substances and enzymes that are incapable of being absorbed by the cat's body.
- May cause an allergic reaction.
- Sometimes they cause constipation and intestinal obstruction, and can aggravate stomach and liver problems.
- Any seeds and nuts contain a large amount of phosphorus, which is undesirable for the animal.
- Poorly peeled pumpkin seeds contain toxic substances that are very harmful to the cat's body, especially to the nervous system.
How to properly give pumpkin seeds to cats
If the owner of a cat still decides to add pumpkin seeds to food, then this should be done carefully, protecting the pet from unwanted consequences and reactions.
- Thoroughly clean the seeds, not only from the shell, but also from the thin film under the shell, which contains harmful toxic substances.
- Never give roasted seeds, even if the animal likes their smell and taste, because... they contain a large amount of harmful and carcinogenic substances, and few vitamins, microelements and nutrients.
- Grind the seeds very finely, preferably in a coffee grinder. Whole, unground seeds are not absorbed by the body, making the digestion process more difficult.
- Start adding seeds with a small amount, gradually increasing the dose. Do not give more than 5 seeds per day.
- Monitor the quality of the product, because... Improper storage leads to unusable seeds. The fats contained in seeds can be converted into toxic substances if not stored properly.
- Do not leave open containers with seeds in places accessible to cats, because... Some pets love this product and can become poisoned if consumed in excess.
- Monitor your cat's reaction, behavior and physical condition when feeding pumpkin seeds. Note whether the animal's stool and appetite have worsened - these are the main indicators of its condition.
- Take breaks in feeding seeds to avoid the accumulation of substances that are difficult for the animal’s body. For example, you can do courses for one month four times a year.
- If your cat often has digestive problems, then you should not give pumpkin seeds.
- Do not give cats ready-made pumpkin seed paste sold in stores, as it contains sugar, which should not be present in a cat's diet.
Can a cat have a pumpkin?
In alternative medicine, pumpkin pulp is often used. I'm talking about treating not only people, but also pets, including cats. Diarrhea, constipation, indigestion - in all of these cases, this vegetable is used as a folk remedy. However, the healing properties of pumpkin have not yet been recognized in official veterinary medicine. I will try to tell you in detail about whether cats can eat pumpkin and how it can be useful for pets.
First of all, it is worth noting that pumpkin contains fiber. Fiber is that part of the plant mass that is not destroyed by digestive enzymes and is not digested in the animal’s body.
Effect of fiber on cats:
- Eating foods rich in fiber helps you lose weight. A feeling of satiety is created, and significantly fewer calories are consumed. Therefore, if your cat is obese, pumpkin will be an excellent alternative to its previous diet. However, in such cases it is worth consulting a veterinarian, just in case.
- This vegetable contains soluble fibers that absorb excess moisture in the digestive tract. Eating pumpkin helps cure diarrhea in cats. If diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours or is caused by a specific medical condition, be sure to consult your veterinarian
- This is a little contradictory to the previous point, but this vegetable helps your cat get rid of constipation. Pumpkin pulp contains balanced fiber and moisture content. This helps normalize intestinal motility (peristalsis - wave-like contractions of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract).
- Pumpkin helps remove ingested hair from the cat's body. This is explained by the same properties that help in the treatment of constipation.
But fiber is far from the only beneficial substance in this vegetable. Pumpkin also contains:
- Vitamin A. Strengthens the immune system and maintains visual acuity.
- Vitamin C. Activates the activity of enzymes (since it is a cofactor) and is necessary for the formation of collagen (this is a protein that is part of tendons, cartilage, bones, skin, etc.).
- Vitamin E. Regulates enzyme activity, is a fat-soluble antioxidant (slows down oxidative processes).
- A-carotene (alpha-carotene). Antioxidant, protects body cells from chemical and biological damage.
- Calcium. Part of bones and teeth, it is necessary for the normal functioning of the cytoplasm of cells.
- Iron. It is part of hemoglobin (red blood cell protein) and ensures respiration processes.
- Lutein. Essential for maintaining healthy eyes, skin and coat.
I’ll tell you right away what you shouldn’t do. Under no circumstances should you give your pet pumpkin stems (if you have such an idea) - they are prickly and rough, this will only have a negative effect on the animal’s digestive tract. The same can be said about pumpkin peel - it is difficult to digest.
The soft and sticky core of the pumpkin is not suitable for feeding a cat. Do not feed your pet raw or canned pumpkin. It should not contain any flavorings or spices. So how can you feed your cat pumpkin? Boiled pumpkin pulp is perfect for these purposes. Be sure to remove the peel and core before cooking.
The most complete information on this issue can only be obtained through personal consultation with a veterinarian. Therefore, the information below is intended primarily for informational purposes. So, for adult cats, the norm is 1 teaspoon of pulp and 1/8 teaspoon of pumpkin seeds. These small amounts of pumpkin are added to regular cat food.
Pumpkin storage
Cleaned cat food packaging is suitable for storing vegetables for several hours. But if you plan for a longer period, the pumpkin will have to be frozen. If the vegetable is left indoors at room temperature, then feeding the cat pumpkin may have negative consequences.
Deworming a dog is a concern not only for the health of the pet, but also for the owner himself. As is known, some types of worms can infect humans. Treating dogs for worms is especially important if your pet has access to a garden, plays with other dogs, or walks outside the home on a daily basis.
And although there are special preparations for this purpose, which are recommended to be given once every 3-6 months, nevertheless, during this time, new parasites manage to mature again in the animal’s body more than once. Fortunately, there are many folk remedies for treating worms in dogs that can help prevent it.
We suggest you find out how many lambs a goat has per year
Can cats eat seeds?
There is nothing surprising in the fact that the cat eats the seeds. By eating this treat, the pet tries to enrich the body with missing vitamins and nutrients. But when introducing this product into the diet, you should follow the recommendations of veterinarians. If you do not adhere to the feeding rules, violating the norms for the quantity and quality of seeds, you can cause severe harm to your pet.
Basic folk remedies and home methods
Alternative medicine offers a number of remedies, methods and recommendations for the treatment of helminthiasis in dogs. But all of them can only be effective against parasites that live in the intestines. Although these are the most common, and include the most common types of roundworms and tapeworms, there are also helminths that are localized in the heart, blood, lungs and other tissues. It is difficult to get rid of them without the use of traditional remedies, such as pyrantel, piperazine, praziquantel, fenbendazole.
Sagebrush
An effective herbal remedy for expelling helminths. This plant has been used for centuries to get rid of roundworms and tapeworms. The downside to treating with wormwood is that it also contains essential oils, along with tannins, which can be harmful to your dog if not used with caution. In case of overdose, the nervous system is damaged. Wormwood is used as follows: a quarter teaspoon of dried herb is added to dog food. Treatment should not be carried out for more than three days in a row.
Garlic
This remedy causes a lot of controversy. Like everything else, it should be used in moderation. You need to grate the garlic and mix it with dill, then add it to the food. Due to the content of substances such as ajoene and allicin, garlic has a detrimental effect on various intestinal parasites, in particular roundworms. You can also use garlic powder (dried grated garlic) or its extract. You should give garlic to your dog for worms every day for at least two months to achieve the effect. But it should be remembered that in large doses it can cause harm, irritating the mucous membranes of the animal.
Black Walnut
This plant will rid your dog of roundworms and worms. But it grows in America and we will have to purchase a tincture or extract, which are not very cheap. Black walnut is safer than most medications, but it is potentially toxic if not dosed correctly. It should only be used when other natural remedies do not help expel the worms. It is necessary to boost your pet's immune system before using black walnut. For this purpose, consultation with a veterinarian is important. Side effects include diarrhea, gastritis, and vomiting.
Carrot
When raw, it should be cut or grated into relatively large pieces (the size depends on the dog) and mixed with food. This root vegetable itself is practically not digestible in its raw form, so its composition will not affect the dog’s health in any way and will not change the pH of the food. But at the same time, carrot pieces will scrape mucus from the intestinal walls along with the parasites that attach to them. Within a few hours, the dog will come out with carrots in the same shape and size, as well as mucus and worms.
Diatomaceous earth (diatomaceous earth, rock flour, celite)
Helps remove worms, but you should only use this mountain dust specially released for oral administration. And if possible, give preference to other deworming agents for dogs, since diatomaceous earth is potentially toxic to dogs. For small dogs weighing up to 25 kg, it is enough to add a teaspoon of the product to the dog food once a day. For larger animals you will need to use a tablespoon of tripoli. It is necessary to ensure that the tripoli is well mixed with food, since the mixture will irritate the mucous membranes if inhaled.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia)
This remedy came to us from America, so you can only buy it. It contains berberine, which fights infection, improves immunity and has an antiseptic effect. This component protects against fungi, viruses, bacteria and parasites. It is also given as a liver tonic. You need to buy Oregon grapes in the form of a tincture and give your dog 12 drops for every 10 kg of weight twice a day. This plant should not be used if the dog is pregnant or has liver disease.
Pumpkin seeds
Used to treat parasitic diseases. Recent research has shown that pumpkin seeds can be used as an effective dewormer to expel tapeworms and other parasites in both dogs and humans. They have a paralytic effect on parasites thanks to an amino acid called cucurbitin, which removes them from the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to its ability to treat helminthiasis, pumpkin seeds are beneficial for health. They contain large amounts of fiber, iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, potassium, folic acid, amino acids, and calcium. Pumpkin seeds are not toxic, so the more you can feed your dog daily, the better.
Figs
The enzyme ficin, which is part of it, destroys the integument of worms and weakens them. You should give your dog dried figs daily as a tasty treat. It should not be mixed with other food, so it is important that the dog eats it between main feedings. But a large amount of figs will cause harm instead of benefit, so you should not give more than 1-2 fruits at a time.
Apple vinegar
This is an affordable product that can be purchased at any grocery store. Giving just one teaspoon a day of apple cider vinegar is enough to help your dog get rid of worms. It should be given on an empty stomach so that it has maximum effect on the tissues of the parasites. And it is important to use a natural product, and not ordinary vinegar with dye and flavoring, which costs several times less and can harm the animal.
Wheat germ oil
A teaspoon should be added to food for several days, which will help improve the dog’s general condition and also have an effect on tapeworms. This is not the most effective dewormer, but it is much safer than most others.
Parsley
It needs to be crushed and boiled in water for three minutes. Then strain and freeze in an ice cube tray. Adding one of these cubes to your dog's food every day can help your dog get rid of worms. You can also try adding just chopped parsley to your dog's food, but it has a stronger smell and will be less likely to make the animal want to eat its portion of the food.
Carnation
Ground cloves, or even better dried flower buds, in small quantities can help a dog get rid of tapeworms, as this spice has strong antiparasitic, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The dog should be given one dried bud per day (or approximately the same amount of ground spice) immediately after meals for a week, and then take a break for one week. This treatment should be carried out for two months.
Tansy
This plant is one of the most famous folk remedies. For dogs, tansy against worms is used as an infusion of flowers and leaves - 20 g of herb is poured into a glass of boiling water, infused for about 8 hours and filtered. The dosage is 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.
Starvation
One of the simple and effective home ways to rid your dog of worms is a temporary lack of food. The pet needs to be fed nothing for 24 hours once a week. The bottom line is that after a few hours without food, the worms weaken and lose the ability to attach to the intestinal walls. But first you need to consult a veterinarian and make sure your dog is healthy enough.
Diet
Helminths especially love eggs, whole milk, and foods rich in sugar and fat. Therefore, you should not give them to your dog during the treatment period, and even more so, sweets are generally toxic to these animals. You can return these products to the animal’s diet only after all worms have been expelled from the body.
After deworming, you should wait at least three weeks and then carry out a diagnosis to make sure that there is no re-infection. If parasites are detected again, the course of therapy is repeated.
It is advisable to consult a veterinarian before using any product.
There is nothing surprising in the fact that the cat eats the seeds. By eating this treat, the pet tries to enrich the body with missing vitamins and nutrients. But when introducing this product into the diet, you should follow the recommendations of veterinarians. If you do not adhere to the feeding rules, violating the norms for the quantity and quality of seeds, you can cause severe harm to your pet.
Composition and properties of seeds
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain a number of B vitamins, which ensure normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin A, which is included in the composition, improves vision, vitamin E strengthens the walls of blood vessels, vitamin D is responsible for the strength of bones, nails and teeth. In addition, the seeds contain a large amount of amino acids and polyunsaturated acids, which are a unique antioxidant and also have an excellent effect on the quality and appearance of cat fur.
The seeds contain many micro- and macroelements, such as:
- calcium;
- zinc;
- iron;
- iodine;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- selenium;
- silicon;
- magnesium.
All components have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems and help the cat’s body function normally.
Can cats have pumpkin seeds?
There is nothing surprising in the fact that the cat eats the seeds. By eating this treat, the pet tries to enrich the body with missing vitamins and nutrients. But when introducing this product into the diet, you should follow the recommendations of veterinarians. If you do not adhere to the feeding rules, violating the norms for the quantity and quality of seeds, you can cause severe harm to your pet.
Composition and properties of seeds
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds contain a number of B vitamins, which ensure normal functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin A, which is included in the composition, improves vision, vitamin E strengthens the walls of blood vessels, vitamin D is responsible for the strength of bones, nails and teeth.
In addition, the seeds contain a large amount of amino acids and polyunsaturated acids, which are a unique antioxidant and also have an excellent effect on the quality and appearance of cat fur.
The seeds contain many micro- and macroelements, such as:
- calcium;
- zinc;
- iron;
- iodine;
- phosphorus;
- sodium;
- selenium;
- silicon;
- magnesium.
All components have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems and help the cat’s body function normally.
Benefits and harms for cats
Cats love both sunflower and pumpkin seeds, but they have different effects on the body. Therefore, veterinarians recommend combining both when adding them to the diet. In combination, these products will provide your pet with all the beneficial substances. Veterinarians clarify that only raw seeds can be given to cats; fried seeds are contraindicated for them.
When a cat eats sunflower seeds, it receives a huge supply of vitamins, proteins and microelements necessary for the healthy functioning of the body.
Thanks to fatty acids, the pet's coat becomes shiny and thick, and the vitality of the body increases. If a cat loves pumpkin seeds, then this is only good for her.
She becomes more beautiful and stronger, more playful and active, and gets sick much less often. The product has the following beneficial properties:
- enriches with necessary substances and vitamins;
- has a laxative and enveloping effect;
- eliminates worms;
- removes toxins.
In addition to the benefits, the seeds can also cause harm to the animal’s body. It consists of the following:
- Due to the high fat content in the product, cholesterol may increase.
- Some cats find this food difficult to digest.
- The product may cause an allergic reaction in pets.
- Unpeeled seeds sometimes cause intestinal obstruction or constipation.
- Poorly cleaned seeds contain toxic substances that are very harmful to cats.
Sunflower seeds
Veterinarians disagree on the need to feed cats seeds. However, one thing is clear - if given, it will be in strictly limited quantities. When offering sunflower seeds to your pet, you need to remember the following recommendations:
- The seeds must be well dried.
- It is not allowed to use rotten kernels.
- Before feeding, the product must be thoroughly cleaned of husks.
- Well crushed seeds should be given.
- You can feed no more than 10 seeds at one time. This can be done no more than 3 times a week.
Benefits and harms for cats
Cats love both sunflower and pumpkin seeds, but they have different effects on the body. Therefore, veterinarians recommend combining both when adding them to the diet. In combination, these products will provide your pet with all the beneficial substances. Veterinarians clarify that only raw seeds can be given to cats; fried seeds are contraindicated for them.
When a cat eats sunflower seeds, it receives a huge supply of vitamins, proteins and microelements necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. Thanks to fatty acids, the pet's coat becomes shiny and thick, and the vitality of the body increases. If a cat loves pumpkin seeds, then this is only good for her. She becomes more beautiful and stronger, more playful and active, and gets sick much less often. The product has the following beneficial properties:
- enriches with necessary substances and vitamins;
- has a laxative and enveloping effect;
- eliminates worms;
- removes toxins.
In addition to the benefits, the seeds can also cause harm to the animal’s body. It consists of the following:
- Due to the high fat content in the product, cholesterol may increase.
- Some cats find this food difficult to digest.
- The product may cause an allergic reaction in pets.
- Unpeeled seeds sometimes cause intestinal obstruction or constipation.
- Poorly cleaned seeds contain toxic substances that are very harmful to cats.
Return to contents
What is the benefit
Having decided whether or not to give roasted or raw seeds to an animal, it is better to familiarize yourself with the recommendations for safe consumption and the benefits of what is planned.
For cats
Cats love sunflower or pumpkin kernels, although they affect the body differently. Veterinarians recommend combining both types of seeds and giving the mixture to the animal in small quantities. The general benefits of seeds for cats are presented as follows:
- Eating seeds enriches the cat with vitamins and microelements, which have a positive effect on its health.
- The fatty acids contained in the composition make the animal's coat shiny and thick. Muscle tone gradually increases - this has a beneficial effect on the functioning of internal organs.
- Vitamins make the cat more active and playful. The immune system is strengthened, which makes the pet less sick.
- The fruits contribute to the timely removal of worms, waste and toxins.
It is important! Cats, like parrots, are prohibited from giving roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The prohibitions are explained by similar harmful factors described above.
Feeding the animal should follow the recommendations:
- The seeds must be dried before serving, after washing and peeling them.
- It is forbidden to give cats rotten or moldy kernels.
- It is better to offer crushed fruits to cats, since these animals cannot chew the kernels even in their peeled form. Since they are poorly digested in the stomach, whole seeds can cause intestinal obstruction.
- You should not give your cat more than 10 seeds at a time. At the first feeding, the amount is reduced by 2 times, and then they look at the animal’s well-being.
It is acceptable to feed your cat sunflower or pumpkin seeds no more than 3 times a week. An animal may love the product in question until it can be consumed in unlimited quantities, which is explained by a lack of trace elements and certain vitamins. In this case, it is better to give your pet special vitamin complexes than to feed large portions of seeds.
For dogs
Dogs consuming seeds are enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins and microelements. But the allowed amount is only 40-50 g per day. Toy breeds such as Yorkies and Chihuahuas should not eat seeds of any kind. Their digestive system is “delicate” and therefore requires special dietary nutrition. Fruits, raw or fried, can cause severe stomach or intestinal upset.
The benefits of pumpkin or sunflower seeds for dogs are presented as follows:
- Pumpkin seeds contain vitamins PP, manganese and other microelements. As a result of consuming peeled seeds, the dog’s immunity increases, cholesterol levels decrease, and bone tissue strengthens.
- Sunflower kernels are high in vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant. Regular consumption of seeds has a positive effect on the removal of waste and toxins.
- Sunflower kernels contain phytosterols, which help reduce cholesterol levels in a dog’s blood, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, strengthening arteries and blood vessels.
You should not overfeed your dog with seeds, as this will lead to the development of complications in the animal’s condition. It is important to monitor your pet’s condition after consuming the product in question. If the dog has changed in behavior, it is better to stop feeding seeds.
For parrots
As mentioned above, parrots are prohibited from eating fried seeds. They are allowed and even recommended to eat raw sunflower kernels. Thanks to their composition, they help digest food and remove waste and toxins.
Vitamin E in this case helps maintain the healthy state of the mucous membranes of parrots and has a positive effect on the skin. These pets are at increased risk of developing pathologies of the skin of their paws, so it is important to give them complexes of vitamins and minerals in a timely manner. This can be done specifically when feeding the parrot with its usual foods. You are allowed to choose special food that contains sunflower seeds and particles of pumpkin kernels in small quantities.
There are special foods divided into products according to the type of parrot - budgerigar or cockatiel must eat distinctive food. If you look at special foods, you will notice that a pet receives no more than 2-3 seeds per feeding. This is the permitted dosage, from which it is prohibited to depart.
Can it be given to cats?
Sunflower seeds
Veterinarians disagree on the need to feed cats seeds. However, one thing is clear - if given, it will be in strictly limited quantities. When offering sunflower seeds to your pet, you need to remember the following recommendations:
- The seeds must be well dried.
- It is not allowed to use rotten kernels.
- Before feeding, the product must be thoroughly cleaned of husks.
- Well crushed seeds should be given.
- You can feed no more than 10 seeds at one time. This can be done no more than 3 times a week.
Return to contents
Pumpkin seeds
When choosing a pumpkin for preparing a product, you need to pay attention to the ripeness of the melon vegetable. Unripe pumpkin seeds contain a large amount of chenille substances, which can cause poisoning in a cat. After removing the seeds, you need to dry them well. Then they need to be peeled and filmed, chopped and treated to your pet. The daily norm is 5-6 pieces. Just like sunflower seeds, you can give them no more than 3 times a week.
Such seeds can be combined with pumpkin pulp.
It has been proven that vegetables that cat owners add to the menu are of great benefit. Therefore, you can add finely chopped pumpkin to the cooked seeds. The animal will definitely like this treat and benefit it. When feeding pumpkin seeds, you need to carefully monitor the physical condition of your pet and monitor the digestion process. If constipation or diarrhea occurs, such meals should be discontinued.
Restrictions
You should not feed cats pumpkin or sunflower seeds if they have high cholesterol, allergic reactions to fats, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, inflammation of the mouth and gums. Treats should not be given to kittens under 6 months of age. Such feeding can cause intestinal obstruction in babies. The seeds must be well cleaned, since if even a small amount of husk gets into the animal’s stomach, intestinal blockage can occur. You should not feed cats commercial pastes made from certain seeds. When making these products, manufacturers add sugar, which is very harmful to the cat's body.