7 Symptoms Of Ringworm In Dogs

Ringworm in dogs, despite its name, is not caused by a worm but rather by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi can infect the skin, hair, and nails of dogs, causing circular patches of hair loss, redness, and scaling. Ringworm is a common condition among canines, particularly in younger, immunocompromised dogs, and it can spread easily to other animals and humans, making it a concern for pet owners. If left untreated, ringworm can lead to further skin infections and discomfort for the dog, along with potential environmental contamination.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about ringworm in dogs, including its symptoms, causes, effective treatment options, and prevention strategies. Understanding this infection and how to manage it is essential to ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.

Ringworm in dogs

Ringworm in dogs is a fungal infection caused primarily by dermatophytes such as Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum. These fungi thrive on keratin, a protein found in the outer layers of the skin, hair, and nails. Although the name ringworm suggests the presence of worms, the infection is purely fungal, and it typically manifests as circular, itchy patches of hair loss on the skin.

Ringworm is highly contagious, not only among animals but also between animals and humans, making it a concern for pet owners. While it is more common in cats and livestock, dogs can also develop ringworm, especially when they have weakened immune systems, live in unsanitary conditions, or come into contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.

Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of ringworm early can help in seeking treatment and preventing the spread of the infection to other pets or humans. The most common symptoms of ringworm in dogs include:

1) Circular hair loss: The most recognisable symptom of ringworm in dogs is circular patches of hair loss. These patches often have a red, scaly ring around them with normal skin in the center. As the infection progresses, the hair may break off at the surface, leading to bald spots.

2) Redness and inflammation: Infected areas of the skin may appear red and inflamed, particularly around the edges of the bald patches. The skin may feel warmer than usual and may also be itchy or tender to the touch.

3) Flaky or scaly skin: The skin within the affected patches may become dry, flaky, or scaly. In some cases, the skin can develop crusts or sores that are painful or uncomfortable.

4) Itching and scratching: Dogs with ringworm may scratch or bite at the infected areas due to the itching caused by the fungus. Excessive scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections or further irritation.

5) Lesions on the nails or paws: In rare cases, ringworm can affect a dog’s nails or paws, leading to cracked, brittle, or discolored nails. The nails may break easily, and the paw pads may become inflamed or sore.

6) Hair loss around the eyes, ears, and tail: The most common sites for ringworm infection in dogs are the face, ears, tail, and paws. However, it can affect any part of the body. Lesions around the eyes or ears may also lead to secondary infections, making it crucial to treat the condition promptly.

7) Generalised symptoms in severe cases: In more severe cases, dogs may experience systemic symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, although these are less common.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to seek veterinary care promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and risk factors for ringworm in dogs

Ringworm in dogs is caused by dermatophyte fungi, which can be transmitted in several ways. Understanding the causes and risk factors can help pet owners prevent the spread of the infection and keep their dogs safe.

1) Direct contact with infected animals: The most common mode of transmission for ringworm in dogs is direct contact with an infected animal. This could be another dog, cat, or livestock that carries the fungi on their skin or hair. Dogs are more likely to contract ringworm if they are in contact with other animals at animal shelters, boarding facilities, or dog parks.

2) Environmental contamination: Ringworm spores can survive for months in the environment, especially in warm, humid conditions. Dogs can contract ringworm by coming into contact with contaminated bedding, furniture, grooming tools, or other items that have been in contact with infected animals. The fungi can also live in soil, particularly when it’s contaminated by infected animals.

3) Weakened immune system: Dogs with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing ringworm. Young puppies, older dogs, and dogs with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to fungal infections. Dogs undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy, may also be more prone to contracting ringworm.

4) Poor hygiene and living conditions: Dogs that live in unsanitary or crowded conditions, such as puppy mills, animal shelters, or homes with poor hygiene, are at a higher risk of developing ringworm. Fungi thrive in environments where moisture and dirt accumulate, so it’s important to maintain cleanliness in the dog’s living area.

5) Breed-specific susceptibility: While ringworm can affect any breed, some breeds may be more susceptible to developing the infection due to factors like coat type or skin characteristics. For example, long-haired breeds or dogs with thick coats may be more prone to ringworm because the fungus can more easily lodge itself in the hair follicles.

Diagnosis of ringworm in dogs

If you suspect that your dog may have ringworm, seek veterinary care for an accurate diagnosis. Your veterinarian may use several methods to confirm the presence of a fungal infection:

1) Wood’s lamp examination: This is a special ultraviolet light that can make certain types of dermatophytes fluoresce, helping the vet identify potential ringworm infections. However, not all cases of ringworm will fluoresce under the Wood’s lamp.

2) Skin scraping: Your veterinarian may take a sample of the affected skin by scraping it with a sterile blade. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for fungal spores or hyphae.

3) Fungal culture: In some cases, the veterinarian may collect a hair sample from the infected area and send it to a lab for fungal culture. This method can take several days but is considered the most accurate for identifying ringworm.

4) PCR testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can also be used to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.

Once ringworm is diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the infection.

Treatment of ringworm in dogs

Ringworm in dogs can be treated effectively with antifungal medications, both topical and oral. Treatment may vary based on the severity of the infection, the dog’s health, and the specific strain of fungus involved.

1) Topical treatments

For mild cases of ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend topical anti fungal treatments such as:

• • • • Anti fungal creams or ointments: These are applied directly to the infected patches of skin and are effective in treating localised infections. Medications like miconazole or clotrimazole are commonly used.
      • Anti fungal shampoos: These shampoos help wash away fungal spores and can be used regularly to treat mild ringworm infections. Medicated shampoos containing chlorhexidine or ketoconazole can help reduce fungal growth on the skin.
      • Soaks or dips: In more severe or widespread cases, your vet may recommend medicated dips, which can be more effective at killing fungi on the skin.

2) Oral anti fungal medications

For more severe or widespread cases of ringworm, or if topical treatments fail, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. These medications work by treating the infection from the inside out. Common oral anti fungals include:

• • • • Griseofulvin: This is the most commonly prescribed oral anti fungal for treating ringworm in dogs. It is usually administered for 4 to 6 weeks, and the dosage will depend on the dog’s size and weight.
      • Itraconazole or Fluconazole: These newer anti fungal drugs are sometimes used for more resistant infections or when griseofulvin is not effective.
      • Terbinafine: This medication may be used for dogs with a systemic infection or those that are not responding to other treatments.

3) Environmental treatment

In addition to treating the dog, it is essential to treat the environment to prevent re-infection. Ringworm spores can persist in the environment for months, so thorough cleaning and disinfection are necessary:

• • • • Disinfecting the home: Use a disinfectant that is effective against fungi to clean floors, bedding, grooming tools, and any areas where your dog spends time.
      • Washing bedding and toys: Wash all of your dog’s bedding, toys, and any fabrics they frequently come into contact with in hot water to kill any fungal spores.
      • Quarantine the infected dog: To prevent the spread of the infection to other pets or family members, it’s recommended to isolate the infected dog until the treatment is complete.

Prevention of ringworm in dogs

Preventing ringworm in dogs involves a combination of good hygiene, regular grooming, and proactive care:

• • • • Maintain good hygiene: Regularly bathe and groom your dog, especially if they are prone to fungal infections. Keeping your dog clean can reduce the chances of ringworm infection.
      • Avoid contact with infected animals: Keep your dog away from other animals that show symptoms of ringworm. If you have multiple pets, ensure they are all treated if one of them is diagnosed with ringworm.
      • Disinfect shared spaces: Clean areas where multiple animals may congregate, such as kennels, dog parks, or grooming areas, to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
      • Strengthen immunity: Provide your dog with a balanced diet, exercise, and regular veterinary checkups to ensure their immune system is functioning properly, which can help prevent fungal infections.

Wrapping up

Ringworm in dogs is a common but treatable fungal infection. With the right care and attention, most cases of ringworm can be effectively managed, and your dog can make a full recovery. If you suspect your dog has ringworm, it’s important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. By following a comprehensive treatment plan and taking steps to prevent environmental contamination, you can protect both your dog and your family from this contagious infection.