Signs and Symptoms of Ringworm in a Puppy
Ringworm is common in puppies because they lack the immunity to the fungus that causes the condition. Ringworm starts off small, but then becomes worse over time. Ringworm is contagious to other dogs and other mammals, including people, so use gloves to handle any puppy that is infected with ringworm, and wash all of that puppy's bedding to prevent reinfection.
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Face and Muzzle
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According to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, small, round, hairless patches usually first appear on the face, muzzle and ears of a puppy. These bald patches are usually not itchy, and often have an edge that is red or pink.
Paws and Claws
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The next place the small, round hairless patches appear is on the paws. The fungus can get into the nail beds of the claws, making them dry and brittle and causing them to grow back abnormally.
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Tail
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The hairless patches then appear around and under the tail, as spores are transferred from the face and muzzle to that area when the puppy cleans itself.
Warning
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According to the Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, the bald patches will become itchy and infected as the normally grooms itself. Without the hair for protection, the skin opens more easily.
Kerions
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Kerions happen at a later stage of untreated ringworm, and are caused by secondary infections. They look like raised red lumps that often have thick crusting and feel firm. According to The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms, kerions can be a sign of a staph infection, so any puppy with these needs to go to a vet immediately.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Image of a dog with ringworm from Cats of Australia.
