This highly contagious disease causes partial hair loss in dogs and can spread to other animals and possibly humans.
ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by worms at all, but a fungus that can infect the skin, hair, and nails. This highly contagious disease causes partial hair loss in dogs and can spread to other animals and possibly humans.
ringworm symptoms
Typical symptoms of ringworm in dogs include:
- Skin lesions usually appear on the head, ears, paws, and forelimbs.
- Ringworm may appear as patchy, crusted, round bald spots, sometimes with a red center
- In mild cases, there may be only a few broken hairs, while in severe cases it may spread to most of the dog's body.
- Pets can also carry the fungus but not show any symptoms.
Dogs are more susceptible to ringworm.
- Puppies under one year old are most susceptible to infection
- Malnourished, immunocompromised and stressed dogs are also at greater risk.
- Ringworm can spread quickly in kennels, shelters, and other closed environments with many dogs.
diagnosing ringworm
Because the infection can spread throughout your dog's body and infect other animals and people, it's important to see your veterinarian if your pet shows any signs of skin problems for an accurate diagnosis.
- Your veterinarian can use ultraviolet light to diagnose ringworm or can examine fungal cultures taken from the affected area.
Treat ringworm
Treatment for ringworm depends on the severity of the infection.
- Your veterinarian may prescribe a shampoo or ointment that contains a special medication that kills the fungus.
- In some cases, oral medications are necessary.
- It is important to treat your dog for the time recommended by your veterinarian.
- Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that another infection will not occur.
If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with ringworm, he or she will explain what steps you must take to prevent the fungus from spreading to your other pets and family members. But remember, if you have other pets, chances are most of them have been exposed as well. Your veterinarian may recommend the following:
- Bath all pets in the home with a medicated rinse or shampoo.
- Wash infected animals' bedding and toys with a disinfectant that kills ringworm spores.
- Throw away items that cannot be thoroughly disinfected (carpeted cat trees, etc.)
- Vacuum regularly to remove infected hair and skin cells from your home. (Yes, fungus can survive on your dog’s shed hair and skin!)
- Wash your hands thoroughly after bathing or handling your cat.