Understanding Ringworm in Dogs
Even though it’s called “ringworm,” this infection isn’t caused by a worm at all. It’s actually a skin problem caused by tiny fungi (that’s the plural of fungus). These fungi are called dermatophytes, and they can infect a dog’s skin, hair, and nails. If a dog has ringworm, it might feel itchy and uncomfortable, and the infection can even spread to other pets or people. That’s why it’s super important to spot ringworm early and treat it the right way.
How Dogs Get Ringworm
There are three main kinds of fungi that cause ringworm: Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Dogs can catch ringworm by touching another animal that already has it. They can also get it from objects like their bedding, grooming tools, or anything else the fungus has landed on. These fungi leave behind tiny spores (like invisible dust) that can live for a long time on surfaces, making it easy to catch the infection if things aren’t cleaned properly.
What Ringworm Looks Like
If your dog has ringworm, you might notice round patches where their hair has fallen out. These spots often look red and scaly around the edges. Your dog may also be really itchy in those areas and might scratch or lick them a lot. In some cases, their claws might look brittle or break easily. But here’s something tricky—some dogs can have ringworm and not show any signs at all. Even though they look fine, they can still pass it to other pets or people.
How Vets Find Out It’s Ringworm
To be sure your dog has ringworm, a vet might do a few tests. One test uses a special light called a Wood’s lamp. Some kinds of ringworm glow under this light. The vet might also take a sample of hair or skin and grow it in a lab to see if the fungus grows. Or they might look at the sample under a microscope to spot the fungus directly.
How to Treat It
Ringworm can be treated, but it usually takes some time and effort. For mild cases, the vet might give you special creams, ointments, or shampoos to put on your dog’s skin. These help kill the fungus. If the infection is worse or spreading, your dog may need medicine to take by mouth, like itraconazole or terbinafine. These medicines go into the bloodstream and help clear the infection from the inside out. Treatment often lasts six weeks or more.
Because ringworm spores can stay on things like furniture and floors, you also have to clean your house really well. Vacuum carpets and couches, wash your dog’s bedding and anything they sleep on, and wipe hard surfaces with a mix of bleach and water to kill the spores. This helps stop the infection from coming back or spreading to others.
How to Stop It from Spreading
To keep ringworm from spreading, you should keep your infected dog away from other animals until the vet says it’s okay. Always wash your hands after touching your dog, especially if they have scabby or itchy spots. Keep your home clean, especially places where your dog likes to rest or play.
With early treatment and good hygiene, you can help your dog feel better quickly and stop ringworm from spreading to other pets or family members. If you think your dog might have ringworm, reaching out to a Vet is really important. You can reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital or Click here.