What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection that manifests as red rashes and circular bald spots that resemble worm-like rings on the skin. It is not related to hookworm, tapeworm, or roundworm.
What does ringworm look like on a dog?
Ringworm often appears as circular or irregularly shaped patches of hair loss with a crusty, scaly surface on a dog's skin. The affected areas may also have broken hairs around the edges.
The patches can be red and inflamed, sometimes with a raised border. Here are some key features to look for:
- Inflamed, red skin rash
- Scales that look like dandruff
- Itchiness
- Dry, brittle hair with hair follicles that break easily
- Circular or patchy areas of hair loss
- Darkened skin
- Reddened skin
- Scabs or raised nodular lesions on the skin
- Inflamed folds of the skin around the claws or bordering the nails
If you notice these symptoms in your pup, contact a vet as soon as possible to book an exam.
How do dogs get ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can spread through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects, such as towels, food and water bowls, couches, or carpets. The fungus spores can survive for months, remain on surfaces, and get trapped in your home's carpets, drapes, and linen fibers if not cleaned.
Sometimes, a dog can be a ringworm carrier without showing any visible symptoms. If your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, having your other pets checked by a veterinarian is a good idea. You should also alert any fellow dog owners and dog-walking buddies that your dog has been infected and is being treated. Those owners should watch for signs of ringworm in their dogs.
How is ringworm diagnosed in dogs?
The most accurate way for a vet to diagnose ringworm is to take a culture of the fungus and test it in a laboratory. To do this, the vet will take samples of scrapings from your dog's skin and hair. Though a positive culture can sometimes be confirmed within a couple of days, the fungal spores may grow slowly, and it can take up to three weeks to receive results from the culture.
Alternatively, the vet may use a special ultraviolet lamp called a Wood's lamp to examine your dog's skin and coat in a dark room. Some cases of canine ringworm will glow with a yellow-green fluorescence under these circumstances. However, not all cases will appear with clear fluorescence and some other species of ringworm do not glow under a Wood's lamp.
There are many potential causes of hair loss in dogs. Before diagnosing ringworm, your veterinarian may recommend additional testing to rule out other potential causes. Depending on the circumstances, you may be referred to a veterinary dermatologist for additional diagnostics and treatment.
How long does a dog with ringworm need to stay in quarantine?
This is a challenging question to answer. Ringworm spores can remain viable for a long time, ranging from 6 weeks to 18 months, which makes treatment very difficult. During treatment, you must confine the dog to a separate room in your house and limit contact with other pets or family members to prevent a ringworm infection from spreading to other members of your household.
While it can be emotionally trying, keep your dog quarantined for about six weeks during treatment and maintain an impeccable cleaning schedule. Waiting until the condition has fully cleared to bring your dog out of quarantine can prevent ongoing recurrences and the need for repeated treatments.
How is ringworm treated?
If your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, your vet will select the best treatment solution based on the severity of the infection.
The treatment process is simple and usually free of complications. Your vet will likely prescribe either a topical medication for the skin or an antifungal medication that can be taken orally.
To ensure a complete recovery, decontaminating your home and removing any contaminated items might be suggested. Additionally, your veterinarian may suggest trimming the fur surrounding your dog's most severely affected areas.
Remember that the absence of symptoms does not signify a complete recovery; continue treatment until your veterinarian confirms that your dog has recovered. How dogs respond to treatment varies on an individual basis. If treatment is stopped to soon, the infection may recur. Treatment typically lasts for a minimum of six weeks. A longer course of treatment is sometimes required for severe ringworm infections.
How to Prevent Ringworm in Dogs
Preventing ringworm in dogs involves several strategies to minimize their exposure to the fungus and maintain good overall health. Here are some key steps:
- Regularly clean and disinfect areas where your dog spends time. This includes washing bedding, toys, grooming tools, and other items your dog frequently uses. Vacuum carpets and furniture to remove fungal spores.
- Keep your dog's coat clean and well-groomed. Regular baths with antifungal shampoos can help prevent fungal infections, especially if your dog is prone to skin issues or has been exposed to potentially contaminated environments.
- Avoid contact with animals known to have ringworm. If your dog has been around an infected animal, monitor them closely for signs of ringworm and seek veterinary care if you notice any symptoms.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals, especially if they show signs of skin infection. This is particularly important if you work in environments with many animals, such as shelters or kennels.
- Regular veterinary exams allow your vet to catch infections early and keep your dog’s overall health in check. Your vet can provide advice on maintaining skin health and preventing diseases.
- A healthy immune system can help prevent infections. Ensure your dog is on a balanced diet and that you walk them regularly. Keeping your pup's vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date will also help in this area.
- If your dog has any skin injuries or abrasions, treat them promptly to prevent fungal infections from taking hold. Keeping wounds clean and dry can help.
- Take extra precautions in areas where ringworm is known to be present, such as dog parks or kennels. Avoid letting your dog play in contaminated regions.
Following this advice can reduce the risk of your dog contracting ringworm and help maintain their overall health and well-being.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.