While
ringworm is not fatal
, it is an uncomfortable condition that can cause your dog to lose its fur and may infect you as well. Puppies and senior dogs are the most seriously affected age groups. They can develop body-wide ringworm infections if they don't receive treatment.
How long does ringworm last in a dog?
The response of individual dogs to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. Usually treatment lasts for
a minimum of six weeks
, and in some cases much longer therapy is required.
Can ringworm make a dog sick?
Ringworm is not a life-threatening disease
, but it is very contagious and does require the intervention of a veterinarian. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets.
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.
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 can be mistaken for ringworm in dogs?
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.
How do I tell if my dog has ringworm?
- Circular areas of hair loss, often with a red and crusty edge.
- Broken hair and a poor hair coat.
- Dry, scaly skin or areas of excessive dandruff.
- Inflamed areas of skin.
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 does ringworm look like in 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.
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
.
Is ringworm a big deal?
Despite its name, ringworm doesn't have anything to do with worms. Other similar fungal infections can affect the scalp, feet, groin and nails. These fungal infections, medically known as “tinea”, are
not serious and are usually easily treated
. However, they are contagious and easily spread.
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.
How do I clean my house after ringworm on my dog?
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 do you get rid of ringworm on a dog fast?
Does ringworm in 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.
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.
