10 Questions About Ring Worms In Dogs

Ringworm in dogs is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a fungi that thrive on keratin in the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its misleading name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. Rather, it refers to the circular, itchy patches of hair loss and inflammation that appear when the fungus infects a dog’s skin. Ringworm is highly contagious and can spread easily to other animals and humans. As a pet owner, it is important to understand the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies for ringworm in dogs to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

In this article, we will answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about ringworm in dogs to help you better understand the condition and how to manage it effectively.

1) What is ring worms in dogs?

Ring worms in dogs is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that feed on the keratin found in skin, hair, and nails. The most common types of fungi responsible for causing ringworm in dogs are Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can cause circular patches of hair loss, redness, inflammation, and scaly skin on the affected areas.

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. The term “ringworm” refers to the appearance of the infection, which often creates round, ring-like patches of hair loss. While ringworm is more common in cats, it can affect dogs, especially those with weakened immune systems, young puppies, or those in unsanitary conditions.

2) How do dogs get ringworm?

Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. There are several ways dogs can contract ringworm:

• • Direct contact with infected animals: The most common way for dogs to get ringworm is by coming into contact with an infected animal, such as another dog, cat, or livestock. The fungi spread through the infected animal’s skin, hair, and saliva.
  • Environmental contamination: Ringworm spores can survive in the environment for months, especially in damp, warm conditions. Dogs can contract ringworm by coming into contact with contaminated bedding, grooming tools, floors, or other surfaces that have been exposed to the fungus.
  • Weakened immune systems: Dogs with compromised immune systems, such as young puppies, elderly dogs, or those with underlying health conditions, are more susceptible to ringworm. Animals with weakened immune defenses have a reduced ability to fight off fungal infections.
  • Crowded or unsanitary environments: Overcrowded conditions, such as those found in animal shelters, kennels, and puppy mills, can increase the likelihood of ringworm transmission. Fungi thrive in unsanitary and damp conditions, making these environments more prone to fungal outbreaks.

3) What are the symptoms of ringworm in dogs?

Recognizing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs is crucial for early detection and treatment. While symptoms may vary in severity, the most common signs of ringworm in dogs include:

• • Circular hair loss: The initial sign of ringworm is circular patches of hair loss. These patches often appear on the dog’s face, ears, tail, or paws, though the infection can spread to other areas of the body. The affected areas may have a scaly, red ring around them, with healthy skin in the center.
  • Redness and inflammation: The skin around the hairless patches may become red, inflamed, and tender. The edges of the lesions may appear raised or crusted, and the skin may feel warmer than usual.
  • Flaky or scaly skin: Infected areas of the skin may develop dry, flaky patches or scales. The affected skin may look rough or crusty, and some dogs may develop sores or ulcers if the infection progresses.
  • Itching and scratching: Ringworm can cause intense itching, leading to excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the affected areas. Excessive scratching can cause the dog to further irritate the skin, leading to secondary bacterial infections.
  • Nail and paw infections: In some cases, ringworm may affect the dog’s nails and paws, causing them to become brittle, discoloured, or cracked. The dog may exhibit signs of discomfort when walking or licking its paws excessively.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

4) How is ringworm diagnosed in dogs?

If you suspect your dog has ringworm, take them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis. Diagnosing ringworm typically involves several methods:

• • Wood’s lamp examination: A wood’s lamp is an ultraviolet light that causes certain types of dermatophytes to fluoresce under the light. This can help the veterinarian identify potential ringworm infections. However, not all strains of ringworm will fluoresce, so this method may not always be reliable on its own.
  • Skin scraping: A veterinarian may perform a skin scraping by gently scraping the surface of the affected area to collect a sample of skin cells. This sample is then examined under a microscope for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae.
  • Fungal culture: A fungal culture is one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing ringworm. It involves collecting a sample of hair or skin from the affected area and sending it to a laboratory to grow the fungus. This process can take several days, but it helps identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
  • PCR testing: Polymerase chain reaction testing can also be used to detect fungal DNA in a sample, providing a more definitive diagnosis.

Once diagnosed, your veterinarian can recommend the best treatment plan for your dog’s condition.

5) How is ringworm in dogs treated?

Treating ringworm in dogs involves a combination of topical and oral anti fungal medications. The exact treatment plan will depend on the severity of the infection, the dog’s health, and the veterinarian’s recommendations. Common treatments include:

• • Topical anti fungal treatments: For localised infections, your veterinarian may recommend anti fungal creams, ointments, or medicated shampoos. These treatments help kill the fungus on the skin and reduce the fungal load. Common anti fungal agents include miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole.
  • Oral anti fungal medications: For widespread or severe cases of ringworm, oral anti fungal medications may be necessary. The most commonly prescribed oral antifungals for dogs are griseofulvin and itraconazole. These medications work by treating the infection from within the body and are typically administered for several weeks.
  • Anti fungal dips or soaks: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medicated dips or soaks that can be applied to the entire body. These dips are designed to kill the fungal spores and are particularly helpful for widespread infections.
  • Supportive care: In addition to anti fungal treatments, your veterinarian may recommend supportive care, such as soothing baths or antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections that may result from excessive scratching.

Follow the treatment plan as prescribed by your veterinarian to ensure full recovery and prevent the infection from recurring.

6) How long does it take to treat ringworm in dogs?

The length of time required to treat ringworm in dogs depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the dog’s overall health, and how well the treatment plan is followed. Generally, treatment for ringworm in dogs takes 4 to 6 weeks, although some dogs may show improvement within the first 1-2 weeks.

It is essential to continue the full course of treatment, even if symptoms appear to improve, to ensure that the infection is completely cleared. Ringworm can persist in the environment, so it is important to follow all environmental cleaning recommendations provided by your veterinarian to avoid re-infection.

7) Can ringworm in dogs be spread to humans?

Yes, ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Humans can contract ringworm through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated surfaces. People with weakened immune systems, such as children, elderly individuals, or those with chronic health conditions, are particularly at risk of contracting the infection.

To prevent the spread of ringworm to humans, practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly after handling an infected dog or cleaning the pet’s bedding. Additionally, isolating the infected dog from other animals and people in the household can help prevent transmission.

8) How can I prevent ringworm in dogs?

Preventing ringworm in dogs involves a combination of hygiene, early detection, and minimizing exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. Here are some steps to help reduce the risk of ringworm in dogs:

• • Regular grooming: Groom your dog regularly to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and hair that could harbour fungal spores. Regular brushing also helps detect early signs of infection.
  • Limit exposure to infected animals: Avoid contact with animals that show symptoms of ringworm. This is especially important when visiting places like animal shelters, pet stores, or dog parks.
  • Clean living environments: Keep your dog’s living area clean and dry, as fungi thrive in damp, unsanitary conditions. Regularly clean bedding, grooming tools, and other items your dog comes into contact with.
  • Strengthen immunity: Ensure your dog is in good overall health by providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. Dogs with strong immune systems are less likely to develop ringworm infections.

9) Can my other pets catch ringworm from an infected dog?

Yes, other pets in the household can contract ringworm from an infected dog. The fungus can spread to other animals through direct contact or shared spaces. If one of your pets has ringworm, it is important to isolate them from other animals to prevent the spread of the infection. Be sure to clean and disinfect the environment regularly to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

10) When should I contact my veterinarian about ringworm?

If you suspect your dog has ringworm or notice any signs such as hair loss, red patches, itching, or inflamed skin, contact your veterinarian promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the infection from spreading and minimizing discomfort for your dog. If left untreated, ringworm can cause secondary infections, worsen the condition, or spread to other pets and humans.

Parting words

Ringworm in dogs is a common but treatable fungal infection that requires timely care and attention. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ringworm, you can help your dog recover and prevent the infection from spreading. If you suspect your dog has ringworm, consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Taking steps to prevent ringworm through hygiene, immunization, and regular checkups will also ensure that your dog stays healthy and happy for years to come.