Ringworms can be itchy and painful, and it is highly contagious and can cause other problems if left untreated. Today, our Kennesaw vets will discuss what ringworm is, its symptoms, and what to do if your dog contracts it.
What is Ringworm in Dogs?
The scientific name for ringworm is "dermatophytosis," and it is a fungus, not a type of worm. This fungus affects your dog's skin, causing circular bald patches and rashes. It got its name because of its ring-like shape and its worm-like appearance under the skin.
Ringworms can infect not only dogs, but also cats and humans. In humans, this fungus causes a red circular or patchy rash to develop on the skin. It's important to be cautious when interacting with your dog until the fungus has been fully treated, as it can easily be passed to you.
Symptoms of Ringworm
It is a good idea to visit with your vet to have your dog assessed if you happen to notice any possible signs of ringworm with or without the rash, such as these other symptoms:- Dry, brittle hair with hair follicles that break easily
- Inflamed, red skin rash
- Circular or patchy areas of hair loss
- Scales that look like dandruff
- Scabs or raised nodular lesions on the skin
- Darkened skin
- Reddened skin
- Inflamed folds of the skin around the claws or bordering the nails
- Itchiness
How Ringworm Spreads
Ringworm is highly contagious and survives for many months on household surfaces if not cleaned properly. It can stay trapped on surfaces such as combs, food, and water dishes, or your couch and in fibers such as carpets, curtains, and towels.
The park is the most common place for a dog to contract ringworm, since the fungus commonly lives in the soil. Once your dog picks up the ringworm spores, they will live on the skin until there is an opening, at which time it will infect your pup. The rate at which ringworm spreads depends on your dog's health and age and what fungus it was infected with.
It is also possible for dogs to be asymptomatic carriers of the fungus and could spread the infection unknowingly. If your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, you should book an exam with your vet for any other pets you have. It is also a good idea to inform the owners of any other dogs your pup might have been in contact with before diagnosis.
Ringworm can easily spread in settings where many dogs are together for an extended period, such as dog kennels and parks.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Ringworm is not the only skin condition in which a dog might lose fur or develop a rash, so it is always ideal to have your pet looked at by a veterinarian. Your vet will perform a physical examination and diagnostic testing to diagnose ringworm in your dog and determine the type of fungus it has.
The treatments for ringworm will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus that caused the ringworm infection.
Some standard treatment methods for ringworm are:
- Topical medication
- Anti-fungal oral medication
- Environmental decontamination
- Trimming your pet's fur in the affected area
Treating your pet until your veterinarian says that the infection has cleared is important. If you stop treatment early, ringworm can easily flare up again and spread.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.