Deworming With Tobacco Is Dangerous — Why Do People Still Do It?

If you’ve ever searched “does tobacco kill worms in dogs?” you’re not alone.
This idea has been passed around for generations — from farmers’ barns to online forums — claiming that a little chewing tobacco can “naturally” deworm a dog.

But before you sprinkle tobacco into your dog’s food bowl, here’s the truth: yes, tobacco can kill worms — but it can also kill your dog. Let’s talk about where this myth started, why some people still swear by it, and what you should actually do to get rid of worms safely.

Why People Still Believe Tobacco Works

Decades ago, long before modern dewormers existed, farmers used nicotine sulfate (a compound in tobacco) to kill parasites in livestock.
They saw the worms die — and assumed it worked safely.

What they didn’t see were the long-term effects: poisoned animals, damaged organs, and deaths that were never connected to the “cure.”
That’s how the tobacco-as-dewormer myth was born, and it never quite disappeared.

What Really Happens When a Dog Eats Tobacco

Nicotine is a natural pesticide — that’s why it can paralyze and kill parasites.
But it doesn’t stop there. It also affects your dog’s nervous system, heart, and liver.

Even a small amount of chewing tobacco or cigarette tobacco can cause:

• Vomiting or drooling
• Tremors and muscle twitching
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures or collapse
• Death in severe cases

So while the worms might die, your dog could die too. There’s no safe “dose” that kills only the parasites.

“But I Read Online That It Worked…”

It’s easy to find stories from owners who swear they used tobacco successfully.
Here’s what’s likely happening:

• The worms might have passed naturally, and the timing felt like proof.
• The dog’s immune system may have fought off a mild infestation.
• The amount of tobacco was too small to cause immediate poisoning — but still did nothing beneficial.

No peer-reviewed research supports the idea that tobacco safely or reliably kills worms in dogs.

Safe Alternatives That Actually Work

If your goal is to keep your dog parasite-free, there are plenty of vet-approved options that are inexpensive and proven effective.

1. Prescription and over-the-counter dewormers

• Safeguard Canine Dewormer – kills roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
• Bayer Chewable Quad Dewormer – one of the most effective broad-spectrum treatments.
• Nemex-2 Liquid – good for smaller dogs and puppies.

2. Gentle natural supports (not cures)
You can also use mild, vet-safe foods to support gut health between treatments:

• Ground pumpkin seeds (contain cucurbitacin, which helps expel some worms)
• A spoon of coconut oil for antimicrobial support
• A splash of apple cider vinegar to balance gut pH

These can help make your dog’s system less hospitable to parasites — but they don’t replace medication.

How to Know if Your Dog Has Worms

Watch for these common signs:

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Weight loss despite a healthy appetite
• Dull or thinning coat
• Scooting or licking at their rear
• Visible worms in stool or vomit
• Swollen belly, especially in puppies

If you see any of these, collect a stool sample and call your vet. They can confirm the type of worm and prescribe the right dewormer.

What Happens if You Do Nothing

Untreated worms don’t just make your dog uncomfortable — they can cause:

• Internal bleeding or anemia
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Organ damage
• In severe cases, death

They can also spread to other pets — and sometimes to humans.

That’s why consistent deworming (usually every 3–6 months) is essential.

Yes, tobacco can kill worms — but it’s not worth the risk.
Nicotine is a poison, not a treatment. Using it as a home remedy is like trying to cure fleas with bug spray: it might kill the fleas, but it could take your dog down too.

The good news? Safe, affordable dewormers exist — and they work fast without risking your dog’s life.

If you truly want a natural approach, talk to your vet about integrating gentle supplements with proven medical treatments.
Your dog deserves real relief — not a dangerous myth from the past.

It’s one of those old-school dog “remedies” that just won’t die.
Generations ago, people swore that a pinch of chewing tobacco could clear worms from a dog’s belly. The internet still repeats it — and thousands of owners search it every month.

But here’s the truth: while nicotine can kill worms, it can just as easily kill your dog.