Can My Dog Catch Ringworm From My Cat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 prevent ringworm from spreading in dogs?


Vacuum your carpets frequently and avoid contact with infected animals and people

. You should also ask your veterinarian to recommend the most effective medicating shampoo for your dog. This will minimize the risk of the ringworm spores remaining alive and re-infecting your animal companion.

How do I tell if my dog has ringworm?

  1. Circular areas of hair loss, often with a red and crusty edge.
  2. Broken hair and a poor hair coat.
  3. Dry, scaly skin or areas of excessive dandruff.
  4. Inflamed areas of skin.

Can I pet my cat if it has ringworm?

We recommend that you

don’t let children touch your cat if he or she has ringworm

. When treating your cat for ringworm, wear gloves and an apron.

How long is a dog contagious with ringworm?

Infected pets remain contagious for

about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used

. The ringworm infection 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 likely is it to get ringworm from a cat?

Other studies have shown that in

30%-70%

of households in which a cat develops ringworm, at least one person will develop the condition. Young children, the elderly, and people whose immune function is compromised for any reason are most susceptible to the infection.

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.

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

.

Does ringworm on dogs ooze?

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Other indications of ringworm in dogs that are readily apparent on the skin are raised, rounded, knotty (nodular) lesions known as granulomatous lesions, or boils, and raised nodular lesions that

frequently ooze (kerions)

, the result of ringworm infection.

How do you clean your house from 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.

How long do you quarantine a dog with ringworm?

Keep older people, young children, and anyone with skin problems or a weakened immune system away from your dog as long as it has ringworm. While it may be difficult to keep your pet quarantined for the

six weeks or longer

it takes to cure ringworm, it will be simpler than fighting ringworm repeatedly.

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.

How long are cats 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.

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 did my indoor cat get ringworm?

Cats get ringworm

when they come into contact with the fungus that causes the infection

. That fungus can live on many surfaces, including blankets, grooming tools, and towels. It also lives on an infected human or animal’s skin and hair.

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.

Can ringworm go away on its own?

There’s no set time limit for a ringworm infection.

Without treatment, it may go away on its own in a matter of months in a healthy person

. Or it may not. Ringworm on the body is usually treated with a topical ointment such as terbinafine.

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.

How do you know when ringworm is no longer contagious?

Contagious period: A child with ringworm of the skin is infectious as long as the fungus remains present in the skin lesion. The fungus is no longer present

when the lesion starts to shrink

.

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.

How do dogs pass ringworm to humans?

How is Ringworm Spread? Ringworm is a fungus, which means it is spread through spores. People and dogs pick up these spores

through direct contact with an infected animal or person, or by indirect contact with a spore left in the environment

.

How often should you bathe a dog with ringworm?

For dogs with bacterial, fungal or yeast infections, ringworm or mange, frequent bathing helps kill the infectious organisms and parasites. And for dogs with skin diseases, it’s recommended that they be bathed

every one to two days to get the problem under control, and several times per week until the skin has healed

.

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.

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.

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.