Interestingly, ringworm is not classified alongside hookworm, roundworm, or tapeworm. Contrary to its name, it is not a worm but a fungus that causes round or semi-round areas of baldness and rashes on the skin.
Ringworm is a fungal infection named for the ring-like or worm-like shape that often appears on red, swollen skin rashes.
Ringworm is not a worm at all; it is a type of fungus that is similar to the one that causes athlete’s foot.
Dogs with ringworm experience hair loss, generally in patches, often accompanied by a crusty layer. However, many other skin conditions can resemble these symptoms.
Ringworm can be transmitted from your dog to you and others who interact with your dog.
If you suspect your dog might have ringworm, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for guidance and treatment. However, it’s worth noting that ringworm is relatively rare, and many other skin conditions can appear similar.
Although its name suggests otherwise, ringworm is actually a type of fungus, much like athlete’s foot.
It generates infectious ‘seeds’ known as spores, which are resilient and difficult to eliminate from the environment. These spores can survive for years, and a single spore can lead to an infection. Nevertheless, only damaged skin is susceptible to infection; a dog with intact skin will not contract ringworm.
Ringworm can affect the skin of all animals, including humans and dogs. Even though it’s rare in people, it typically leads to one or two round spots of red, inflamed skin. Children and individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms. If you suspect you have ringworm, consult your doctor. The risk of infection increases if there is skin damage, like a cut or wound.
What does ringworm look like in dogs?
In dogs, ringworm can present itself in various forms. Typically, it manifests as spots of hair loss covered with a crust, though it can sometimes appear without symptoms. The affected areas may resemble grey, scaly patches in some dogs, while in others, they might look like red lesions. You might notice areas of hair loss or patches of broken hair. However, it’s important to note that numerous other (more common) skin conditions can appear very similar to ringworm.
Dogs that are young, old, or have long hair are more frequently affected.
Typically, ringworm lesions show up on a dog’s paws, legs, head, and ears, but they can also appear on any area of the body.
Diagnosing ringworm in dogs
If you suspect your dog has ringworm, it’s important to bring them to the veterinarian for treatment. This will help cure the infection and prevent it from spreading to humans and other pets in your household.
Veterinarians have several techniques to identify ringworm. One method involves using an ultraviolet lamp to examine your dog’s fur and skin, as certain types of ringworm glow under this light.
Your veterinarian will probably examine a sample of your dog’s fur under a microscope to detect any signs of the fungus. They may also collect a skin sample from your dog and place it in a dish to see if it grows in laboratory conditions. This test is the most reliable, but it takes 10 days to produce results.
How is ringworm in dogs treated?
Once it is confirmed that your dog has ringworm, your veterinarian will administer medication to treat the condition.
Depending on the type and severity of your dog’s ringworm, the veterinarian may prescribe tablets to prevent the ringworm from spreading.
Your dog might require a topical treatment, such as lotion or shampoo, which is applied directly to the skin. It is important to follow the given instructions closely and ensure your dog receives the treatment as necessary, as neglecting to do so could lead to the infection returning.
Certain dogs might require a combination of tablets and topical treatments to effectively treat their ringworm infection.
Can you get ringworm from your dog?
Yes, ringworm is transmittable to humans and can be acquired by coming into contact with an infected dog. If your skin is intact, you won’t contract ringworm, but if you have a scratch, graze, wound, or a skin condition like eczema, you may become infected.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as young children, the elderly, and those undergoing chemotherapy or treatments involving transplants or transfusions, are more susceptible to contracting ringworm from dogs. It is advised that you prevent children from coming into contact with your dog if the dog has ringworm.
When treating your dog for ringworm, it’s important to wear gloves and an apron. Additionally, be aware that certain tablets should not be handled if you are pregnant.
If you haven’t contracted ringworm from your dog by the time the vet diagnoses them with it, you likely won’t get it at all.
In humans, ringworm manifests as a red circular mark on the skin, which is how it got its name.
How do you keep ringworm from spreading?
Ringworm spores are resilient and can survive in the environment for an extended period. Therefore, it is crucial to confine your infected dog to a single room during treatment to prevent the spores from spreading throughout the house. If you manage to cure your dog but fail to eliminate the spores from your home, your dog could get infected again.
Soft furnishings and carpets need to be vacuumed well and often, or steam cleaned, to get rid of the spores.
The vacuum bag must be emptied afterward, and the contents should be burned.
Other objects need to be cleaned using a disinfectant.
Talk to your veterinarian about which disinfectants work well.
It’s best to burn bedding and toys that can’t be cleaned.
What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?
Ringworm typically manifests as a circular or ring-shaped mark on the skin, often leading to redness, hair loss, and swelling in the affected area.
Ringworm in your dog might not be very obvious, so it’s important to watch for these symptoms:
An inflamed and red skin rash, often accompanied by scales resembling dandruff, may be associated with itchiness (pruritus). This can result in dry, brittle hair that breaks easily at the follicles. There may be circular or patchy areas of hair loss (alopecia), and the skin may appear darkened (hyperpigmentation) or reddened (erythema). The skin might also develop scabs or raised nodular lesions. Additionally, the folds of skin around the claws or bordering the nails may become inflamed.
If you observe your puppy exhibiting any of these symptoms together, reach out to a veterinarian right away.
How Does a Dog Get Ringworm?
Ringworm can spread through direct contact with an infected animal or through contaminated objects like towels, food and water bowls, couches, or carpets. The fungus spores can last for months, meaning that ringworm can transfer from shed fur. The fungus may also persist on surfaces or become embedded in the fibers of carpets, drapes, and linens in your home if not properly cleaned.
Dogs often contract this fungal infection from outdoor activities, as some types of the fungus can thrive in soil. Depending on several factors, such as your dog’s overall health, the species of fungus, affected body part, and the dog’s age, the immune system may either combat it or it could develop into a localized or widespread skin infection.
Sometimes, a pet may carry ringworm without showing any visible symptoms. If your dog is diagnosed with ringworm, it is wise to have your other pets checked by a veterinarian to ensure they are not infected. Additionally, inform fellow dog owners and walking companions that your dog has ringworm and is undergoing treatment, so they can monitor their pets for any signs of the infection.
How is Ringworm Treated?
If your pet is found to have ringworm, there are several effective treatments to consider. Your veterinarian will assist you in selecting the most appropriate option for your dog based on how severe their ringworm condition is.
The treatment procedure is relatively simple and usually free of complications if the fungus is addressed promptly.
It’s probable that your veterinarian will prescribe a topical medication to apply to your pup’s skin or an oral antifungal medication.
You might also be advised to have your home professionally cleaned to remove any hazardous substances.
Furthermore, your veterinarian might suggest trimming the hair around the areas on your dog that are more severely infected.
Don’t consider your dog to be cured just because they no longer display symptoms. Keep following the treatment plan until your vet confirms that your dog is fully healed.
How does ringworm get diagnosed?
If you think your dog might have ringworm, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately, as they will require treatment to get better. Vets use several approaches to diagnose ringworm. One common method involves examining your dog’s fur and skin with an ultraviolet lamp. Although this is the most accurate test, it typically takes about 10 days to get the results.
What are the treatment options for ringworm?
Ringworm is easily treatable with oral medications and various lotions, sprays, and shampoos. If you notice any symptoms in your dog or other pets, especially if they have a history of skin issues, visit the vet immediately. Depending on how severe the infection is, the veterinarian might recommend treating all of your pets simultaneously.
Ringworm can lead to hair loss, rashes, and other symptoms that can be mistaken for different illnesses by those untrained. If you think your dog has ringworm, many effective treatments are available.
Depending on how severe your dog’s ringworm condition is, your veterinarian will assist you in selecting the most suitable treatment. Here are some of the most common treatments for ringworm:
Topical medication
Anti-fungal oral medication
Environmental decontamination, like thoroughly cleaning a carpet to prevent the spread of infection.
How can I keep ringworm from spreading?
Ringworm spreads through direct contact with an infected animal or by touching a contaminated object. The fungus can persist on surfaces or get embedded in the fibers of carpets, curtains, and linens if those items aren’t properly cleaned.
A pet might carry ringworm even without showing any noticeable symptoms. The spores of ringworm are resilient and can persist in the surroundings for an extended period. Therefore, it’s important to keep your infected dog in one room during treatment. Without thoroughly eliminating the spores from your home, your dog could get reinfected even after treatment.
Upholstered furniture and carpets need to be thoroughly vacuumed and steam cleaned regularly to get rid of spores. For cleaning other items, disinfectants are recommended. Check with your veterinarian to find out which disinfectants are most effective.
How long should I quarantine a dog with ringworm?
Ringworm can persist anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 months, but it is not as severe as many other illnesses or diseases. It won’t be fatal for your dog or result in permanent harm. During treatment, the most effective step you can take is to keep your dog isolated in a separate room within your home, minimizing its interaction with other pets or family members.
Ideally, you should isolate your dog for six weeks while treating ringworm. Although this might seem challenging, it will ultimately be much easier and more cost-effective than repeatedly dealing with ringworm.
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