How to Treat a Puppy With Ringworm
According to Earth Clinic, "Ringworm is a fungal infection that occurs in the hair fibers and epidermis of the animal's skin." On a puppy, the ringworm looks like missing hair in small, round areas of the puppy's coat. Actual fungus can be visible around affected areas, showing up as white, patchy skin. Ringworm can be contracted from one pet to anther rather easily if not effectively treated. Ringworm is also considered a zoonotic infection, meaning that people are also at risk for contracting ringworm from dogs. Get prescribed medication from your puppy's vet, and use medicated creams or iodine to bring puppy back to health.
Things You'll Need
- Oral medication
- Pet wash
- Towel
- Cotton swabs or cottonballs
- Medicated anti-fungal cream
Instructions
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Administer oral medication. Take your puppy to a veterinarian so that he or she may prescribe a medication that can kill the fungus. Mix the medication into dog food or treats to mask the taste if your puppy is hesitant to consume the medication. Ask the vet about treatment options for any possible side effects that may result from oral medication.
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Apply povone iodine to ringworm. According to, 'Ringworm In Your Dog Cat Or Other Pet,' "Povone iodine scrub kills fungus and also removes much of the infected skin flakes that spread the disease." First wash the puppy in pet soap (or a wash recommended specifically for fungal treatment), making sure to clean the lesions from dirt and oil. Dry the puppy thoroughly with towel. Swab a moderate amount of iodine onto the ringworm site to kill the infection. Discard cotton ball and towel as ring worm is highly contagious.
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Apply an anti-fungal cream to the ringworm lesions. Apply ketaconazole cream (or similar cream) with a cotton swab as prescribed by a veterinarian. Whether your puppy is just using the cream or any additional treatment, expect for his health to return within three weeks.
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References
- Photo Credit puppy image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
