How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs

Phoebe, a toy australian shepherd x beagle mix puppy

Ringworm is a fungus, not a worm at all. Though it will run it's course if left alone, it can make your dog miserable in the meantime and can spread to your cats and YOU. Yes, ringworm can transmit from dogs to humans (and vice versa). Thankfully, the majority of healthy dogs have an immunity to the ringworm spores.

Things You'll Need

• Veterinarian
• Anti-fungal Cream
• Medicated Dog Shampoo
• Bleach
• Colloidal Silver
• Blue Coat Spray

Instructions

1. Take your dog to your veterinarian. Don't assume the infection you are seeing is ringworm without a proper diagnosis. While it does have a signature ring on a hairless patch of skin, it can be confused with other infections that look similar. Aside from that, given that most healthy dogs do not get ringworm, a dog infected with ringworm needs a thorough exam to discover any other problems that may be causing them to be immunodeficient.

2. Apply the anti fungal cream your vet will undoubtedly prescribe for your dog. Your vet will likely also prescribe a medicated shampoo. If your vet tries to sell you a very expensive shampoo ask him/her if there is an over the counter medicated shampoo that would work just as well so you can save some money while not sacrificing care.

3. Purchase colloidal silver and apply it topically to the ringworm areas twice a day. Colloidal silver is basically pure silver micro particles in purified water. You can find it online or at your local health food store.

4. Apply a generous spray of Blue Coat spray to the ringworm area. Blue Coat kills germs and fungi and protects the area from flies and such as well. Blue Coat can be purchased online or at your local livestock supply store such as Tractor Supply. This is the common treatment of choice for farm animals with ringworm. Use caution, it stains clothing. It will also temporarily stain skin.

5. Bleach as many surfaces as possible that your dog has come into contact with. A bleach ratio of 10:1 will kill ringworm. For fabrics that can not be bleached, you can wash them and dry in a very hot dryer. Heat also kills ringworm. If you have your dog outdoors, you may wish to consider treating the area with lime, which will also kill the ringworm fungi.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves when treating ringworm to prevent catching it.

• Sunshine is important to an animal healing from ringworm. Offer them plenty of sun but also provide them with necessary shade and water to prevent heatstroke or dehydration.

• Do not pick at the ringworm, you will only aggravate the fungus.

Resources

• Author's Dogs - Ironwood Coonhounds