Can Cats And Dogs Get Ringworm?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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YES! People may think because dogs and cats differ vastly biologically, that your dog could not catch ringworm from your cat, but it absolutely can! Due to the highly contagious nature of the fungal infection,

it is certainly possible for your dog to catch ringworm from your cat

.

How do you know if your pet has ringworm?

Ringworm Symptoms To Look For

In some pets, there will be no physical signs of ringworm present. In most cases, you should be looking for

dandruff, red or flaky skin that is raised, itchiness, hot spots, or hair loss

. You may also notice redness or sores around the paws or nails.

How do you treat ringworm on cats and dogs?

For mild cases,

antifungal creams and ointments can be applied directly to the affected areas of your pet’s skin

. If the infection is widespread, your vet may prescribe an antifungal shampoo to treat your pet’s entire body.

What does ringworm look like on a dog?

In dogs, ringworm has a number of different appearances, most often areas of hair loss with a crusty covering, or (rarely) may be asymptomatic.

Patches of ringworm may look like a grey, scaly patch in some dogs, but more like a red lesion in others

. You may see some hair loss or patches of broken hair.

Can cats get ringworm from litter box?

Fungal Infections:

A cat that spends too much time in a dirty litter box can contract fungal infections such as ringworm

. This can quickly spread to other pets and family members.

Will cat ringworm go away by itself?


Ringworm can go away on its own, but it may take months

. During that time, your cat could spread the infection to humans and other pets in your home. Not to mention, ringworm can be very uncomfortable for your cat. Medication will more quickly treat the infection and help relieve your cat’s symptoms.

Where did my dog get ringworm?

Ringworm in dogs spreads

through direct contact with the fungus

. This can happen when a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal or person or touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet.

Do I need to take my dog to the vet for ringworm?

When to See a Veterinarian

Your vet will help identify the cause of the problem and give you advice for treating your pet effectively. If you decide to treat your dog’s ringworm on your own,

reach out to a vet if the infection seems to be spreading or getting worse so they can prescribe oral antifungal medication

.

What if my cat has ringworm?

If ringworm is diagnosed, treatment will typically involve the

application of topical antifungal medications to all infected areas and, in most cases, a systemic medication as well

. If the lesions are present in many areas of a cat’s skin, a full-body rinse or dip may be used.

How do I clean my house after ringworm?

To kill ringworm spores, clean and disinfect solid surfaces. Launder bedding and other fabric, small area rugs and soft articles. Vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes, and discard the vacuum cleaner bag. Press duct tape to furniture to remove any hair the vacuum missed.

What cures ringworm fast?


Over-the-counter antifungals

can kill the fungus and promote healing. Effective medications include miconazole (Cruex), clotrimazole (Desenex) and terbinafine (Lamisil). After cleaning the rash, apply a thin layer of antifungal medication to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by the package.

What kills ringworm in cats?

The most effective treatment for ringworm in cats is

lime dipping in combination with oral anti-fungal medication

. Other treatments include the application of topical anti-fungal cream and bathing with anti-fungal shampoo.

Can I touch my dog if he has ringworm?

If your dog has been diagnosed, or if you suspect they may have ringworm,

do not handle them and then directly touch your skin

. Wash your hands after every touch, and if you notice any red, circular itchy spots on your own skin, call your doctor.

Can you get ringworm from a dog licking you?

This nasty disease is one of the easest to be transferred to you from your dog’s saliva. Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Dogs can also carry MRSA. They may not be affected by it themselves but

it can be transferred by a lick

.

What happens if ringworm is left untreated in dogs?

What happens if ringworm goes untreated in dogs? Ringworm can go away on its own, but it will take longer than treating the infection. Your dog will also be uncomfortable and contagious for a longer period of time without treatment. Untreated ringworm in dogs

could potentially spread to all of their skin

.

What looks like ringworm in cats but isn t?


Psoriasis

could be mistaken for ringworm because of the itchy red patches and scales that are symptoms of the condition. Unlike ringworm, psoriasis is not a fungal infection, it’s a skin condition that accelerates the skin cell life cycle. Psoriasis symptoms may include: red patches with silvery scales.

Can you buy ringworm medicine over the counter for cats?

Topical Ointments

The most common topical antifungal is miconazole (yes, that’s the active ingredient in Monistat!) which

can be easily purchased over the counter

and is very effective at treating ringworm.

Can humans give cats ringworm?

Can my son give ringworm to our cat? A:

Yes

. Ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails, is zoonotic, which means it’s a disease shared by humans, cats, dogs and other animals.

Do I have to quarantine my cat with ringworm?

Oral Medication should be given as directed, for 14-28 days. Young animals should be weighed every two weeks and their dosage re-calculated.

All ringworm animals should be kept strictly quarantined in a room that is easily cleaned, preferably without carpeting or upholstery

.

How long is cat contagious with ringworm?

Infected pets remain contagious for

about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used

. The ringworm will last longer and remain contagious for an extended period of time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not faithful with the prescribed approach.

How can I treat my cats ringworm without going to the vet?


Using both an oral treatment and a topical shampoo or ointment

kills the spores on the cat’s skin or coat and treats any infection in your cat’s system. More often than not, your vet will prescribe an anti-fungal medicine, such as Itraconazole, to treat the condition, as well as an anti-fungal shampoo.

Does apple cider vinegar cure ringworm in dogs?


Three of the most popular and effective natural remedies for treating ringworm are anti-fungal pet shampoo, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil

. No preparatory steps are required, except an initial visit to the vet to have the ringworm diagnosed. An anti-fungal pet shampoo will help fight and eliminate the infection.

What looks like ringworm in dogs but isn t?


Bacterial skin infection (pyoderma), skin yeast infections, and allergies

are some other more common problems that affect dogs and may look similar to ringworm to the untrained eye. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, there are a variety of good treatments available.

What over the counter medicine can I use for ringworm on my dog?

Clotrimazole Directions:


Clotrimazole Cream

is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat fungal infections such as ringworm. Do not use Clotrimazole Cream in your pet’s eyes, ears, or nose.

Can I put antifungal cream on my dog?


Antifungal creams are used topically on your dog’s skin where fungal infections are present

. Gloves should be worn to prevent spread, if contagious fungal infections are suspected. Antifungal creams soothe irritation and kill fungal infection.

How long does ringworm last in a dog?

Treatment usually lasts for

at least six weeks

.

Ringworm cultures should be taken from time to time after the treatment has started in order to determine if your dog is still infected.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.