Natural Ringworm Treatment for Dogs

Ringworm in your dog is caused by fungus

Ringworm is the result of a fungal infection. Ringworm is easily transmitted from between dogs, or when your dog touches a contaminated object. Spores from the ringworm fungus can be contained on brushes, in a kennel cage or in environments that have held infected dogs. While some dogs can develop a resistance to developing ringworm, others will develop an infection. If you don't want to treat your dog with harsh chemicals, natural treatments may help your pet.

Tea Tree Oil

You can apply tea tree oil to ringworm lesions

Lesions and itching will be symptoms experienced by your dog. Using tea tree oil can help alleviate the itching. It's necessary to dilute the tea tree oil with another oil (such as olive oil). This will prevent irritation in the lesion. According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, you can combine a 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil with an oz. of olive oil. A vitamin E capsule (pop the capsule first) can be added to this mix and applied to your dog's lesions up to three times a day.

Vinegar

Wash your dog before a vinegar rinse

Use apple cider vinegar to rinse your dog's coat. Bathe your dog prior to using a vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar can help rinse away dead skin cells (food for the fungus), as well as help kill the fungus due to the acidity of the vinegar. Use two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix with one quart of water. This rinse can be used once a week until the ringworm clears. However, according to Vet Info, vinegar rinses should not be used on dogs with open wounds.

Grape Seed Extract

Apply the grape seed oil to your dog

Grape seed extract is another natural remedy you can use as a ringworm treatment. Grape seed extract is beneficial in treating infections. Dilute the grape seed extract by combining four drops of the grape seed extract with three tbsp. of water. This mixture can be applied to your dog's ringworm a few times a day.

Tumeric and Honey

Combining tumeric and honey can create a paste for your dog. The paste can be applied to your dog's lesions. Tumeric and honey used in conjunction can help kill the fungus. The paste can also help lesions heal quicker. Combine one tsp. of tumeric juice (from a juiced tumeric root) with one tsp. of honey.

Prevention/Solution

Practice prevention

To prevent the development of ringworm, don't let your dog board with other dogs. If you're having your dog groomed, ensure that the facility is sanitary. Ask if the instruments are cleaned and disinfected at your grooming facility. If your dog has ringworm, wash its bedding regularly. Keep your dog's food and water dish clean. If you have more than one dog in your home, keep the dogs separated until the ringworm infection clears. Clean dog toys and dog brushes with diluted household bleach.

References

• Natural Dog Health Remedies: Natural Dog Ringworm Remedies
• Vet info: Natural Treatments for Ringworm in Dogs

Resources

• Ringworm in Dogs: Prevention of Ringworm in Dogs
• Ringworm in Dogs: Home Remedies for Ringworm in Dogs