Ringworm Treatment in Dogs

Dogs may suffer from ringworm for long periods before diagnosis.

Ringworm is not a worm as the name implies. Instead, it's a common fungus that can infect cats, dogs, humans and other animals. Treatment for ringworm is relatively simple. Canine infections may go unnoticed for a long period of time though. It can be hard to realize a dog is suffering from ringworm until severe scratching or broken skin appear. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, you can catch this disease early and treat it effectively.

Types

Ringworm is not just one fungus -- it can actually caused by several different ones. The most common varieties of ringworm in dogs are caused by Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis or Trichophyton megntagropytes species. All types are spread by spores from infected animals or people, and are more likely to appear in hot, humid climates. Different types of ringworm are found in different geographical locations, though most dog ringworm comes from Microsporum canis, according to Long Beach Animal Hospital.

Identification

Ringworm is easy to identify on bare skin due to its characteristic ring-shaped pattern. It can be harder to identify on furred skin, and may be mistaken for other skin problems. Symptoms of ringworm include hair loss, often in small patches, scratching and small pustules. Positive identification requires viewing the lesion under a special light or taking a culture of the fungus. You cannot be sure your dog has ringworm without talking to your veterinarian.

Solution

Canine ringworm can be treated in several different ways, depending on the severity of the infection and how many pets are involved. Dogs may receive a tablet based medication called griseofulvin, which must be taken with fat. You can also apply a topical anti-fungal medicine to the affected area, bathe your dog with an anti-fungal shampoo or use a lime-sulfur dip. In extreme cases, your vet may recommend shaving the dog's fur.

Time Frame

None of the above treatments works right away. Ringworm treatment takes effect gradually. You should may see areas of hair loss growing before they begin to get smaller, but hair loss should stop within one to two weeks, according to Pawprints and Purrs, a non-profit animal organization based in Louisiana. If the treatment is working correctly, there will be no new areas of hair loss, and damaged skin will begin to heal. If you see no improvement after two weeks, have your veterinarian re-examine your dog. The problem may not be ringworm.

Warning

Ringworm is a highly contagious condition, and your pet will remain contagious for around three weeks after aggressive treatment. If you use only minimal treatment, the contagious period will be even longer. Avoid letting your pet near other animals or family members as much as possible, and do not kennel your dog unless it is absolutely necessary. Many cases of ringworm are spread through infected grooming equipment or at a boarding facility, according to Drs. Foster and Smith.

References

• Long Beach Animal Hospital: Ringworm
• Pawprints and Purrs: Ringworm in Dogs
• Pet Education: Ringworm in Dogs

Resources

• Vet Info: 6 Signs of Ringworm in Dogs