Nov 19, 2024
Ringworm in dogs is a fungal infection affecting skin, hair, and nails. The fungi responsible for ringworm are called dermatophytes, and they thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection gets its name because it often causes circular, ring-like patches on the skin, but don’t worry, there are no actual worms involved.
What are the Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs?
Identifying ringworm early can help you start treatment sooner and keep the infection from spreading. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
Circular Hairless Patches
Look for round, bald patches on your dog’s skin. These spots may be red and inflamed or simply have hair missing.
Itching and Scratching
Your dog might scratch, bite, or lick the affected areas more frequently. This itching is caused by the irritation from the fungus.
Scaly or Crusty Skin
The skin in the affected areas might become flaky, scaly, or crusty. It may also look dry and irritated.
Dull and Brittle Coat
The fur around the ringworm patches can become dull or brittle, making the coat look uneven.
Inflammation
In some cases, the skin around the lesions might become swollen or appear more red and irritated.
What Causes Ringworm in Dogs?
Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in specific environments. Understanding the various sources of these fungi can help manage and prevent the spread of ringworms. Here’s an in-depth look at where ringworm fungi can come from:
Contaminated Soil
Dermatophytes are commonly found in soil, particularly in areas where organic material, such as decomposing leaves or animal waste, is present. The fungi produce spores that can stay in the environment for an extended period of time.
Once your dog has ringworm spores, the spores can germinate and cause an infection, especially if your dog’s skin is already suffering open wounds or other diseases.
Other Infected Animals
Ringworm is highly contagious among animals. Dogs can contract ringworms through direct contact with other animals that are infected. This includes playing with, sniffing, or grooming an infected animal.
Cats are known carriers of ringworm fungi and can transmit the infection to dogs and other animals. Sometimes, cats might not show visible signs of ringworms, but they can still harbor the fungi and spread it to other pets through grooming or close contact.
Human Contact
Although less common, ringworm can be transmitted from humans to dogs. If someone in your household has ringworm, they can transfer fungal spores to their clothing, bedding, or other items. Dogs that come into contact with these contaminated objects or with the infected person can pick up the spores.
Contaminated Objects
Objects can also get contaminated with the fungal spores that cause ringworm in dogs. Bedding that has been in contact with an infected animal can carry fungal spores. Brushes, combs, and other grooming tools that have been used on an infected animal can harbor fungal spores.
Other objects include furniture, carpets, rugs, and other household items present in your dog’s home. Regular cleaning is essential to keeping these items safe for your dogs and reduce their risk of ringworm.
How to Diagnose Ringworm in Dogs?
To make sure we get the right treatment option, our vets must make an accurate diagnosis of ringworm in dogs. Here’s a detailed look at the diagnostic methods we might use:
Visual Inspection
Our vets will begin by performing a careful visual inspection of your dog’s skin and fur. We’ll look for characteristic signs of ringworm in your dogs, such as round, hairless patches with red, scaly, or crusty areas.
The appearance of the skin lesions is important. Ringworm in dogs typically has circular, well-defined patches that might be inflamed or dry. Our vets will also assess the distribution of lesions and check for any other symptoms like itching or inflammation.
Wood’s Lamp Examination
Wood’s lamp is a diagnostic tool that emits UV light. Some types of fungi responsible for ringworm in dogs fluoresce or “glow” under this light, making them easier to identify. During the examination, our vets will use the Wood’s lamp to inspect your dog’s skin and fur in a darkened room. The UV light helps reveal areas where fungal spores may be present.
While Wood’s lamp examination can be helpful, not all fungal species will fluoresce under the light. Therefore, while it can provide initial clues, it is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.
Fungal Culture
To confirm the presence of ringworm fungi, our vets may take a sample of your dog’s hair or skin. This sample is usually collected from the edges of the lesions, where fungal growth is most active. The sample will be cultured and checked to see if any fungal spores have grown.
Fungal cultures are one of the most reliable ways to diagnose ringworm in dogs, but they can take several weeks to produce results. This time allows the lab to grow and identify the fungi accurately.
Microscopic Examination
In addition to fungal culture, our vets may prepare a sample of hair or skin for microscopic examination. We use this sample as a basis by examining it under a microscope. By looking closely, we can detect the presence of any fungal elements that could be the cause of ringworm in your dogs.
Microscopic examination can provide faster results compared to a fungal culture. It helps in identifying fungal structures quickly, although it may not always be as definitive as a fungal culture test.
How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs?
Treating ringworm in dogs involves lots of steps to ensure that the infection is effectively cleared and doesn’t spread. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the treatment steps available for your dog:
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are medications you can directly apply to your dog’s skin and fur to target the ringworm infection at its source.
Antifungal Shampoos
These shampoos are specially formulated to kill the fungi present on your dog’s skin and fur. They help to clean and disinfect the affected areas. Once we finish assessing your dog, we can instruct you on how to use these shampoos properly.
When using these shampoos, be gentle while bathing your dog, especially if the skin is sensitive or inflamed. Avoid getting the shampoo in their eyes or mouth.
Topical Antifungal Creams
Topical antifungal creams are ointments and creams that are used directly on the areas where your dog’s ringworms are visible. Just like any medication, we’ll instruct you on how to use these creams based on your dog’s condition.
It’s essential to apply the cream only to the affected areas and to cover the lesions completely. Also, use collars and cones to prevent your dog from licking the applied areas, as these are not meant to be ingested.
Systemic Treatments
Systemic treatments involve oral medications that work from within to eliminate the infection. These are typically used for more severe cases or when topical treatments are insufficient.
Oral Antifungal Medications
These medications are prescribed to combat ringworm internally. They help to clear the infection from the inside out and are particularly useful for extensive or persistent cases. This usually comes in the form of a liquid or pill. We’ll guide you on how to give this treatment properly once we have assessed your dog.
When taking oral medications, it’s important to complete the medication schedule we recommend. Missing doses or stopping early can potentially allow the infection to come back.
Home Care
Managing your home is important in preventing re-infection and minimizing the spread of ringworm in your dogs.
Cleaning and Disinfecting:
Regular cleaning helps remove fungal spores from your dog’s surroundings. This includes items they frequently use and areas they spend time in. Wash your dog’s bedding, toys, and any other items they come into contact with in hot water.
Make sure to thoroughly dry washed items, as moisture can encourage fungal growth. Keep personal items, such as clothing and shoes, away from the infected areas to prevent accidental transfer of spores.
How to Prevent Ringworm in Dogs?
Prevention is key to avoiding ringworm in your dogs. Here’s what you can do:
Maintain Good Hygiene
Regular grooming and bathing with antifungal products can help keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduce the risk of fungal infections. Your dog loves to play outside, so keeping it clean is a good way to prevent ringworm.
Routine Vet Check-ups
Regular veterinary visits can help us catch any skin issues, such as ringworm, in your dogs. Be sure to be present for your dog’s checkups.
Disinfect Your Home
Keep your home clean and disinfected, especially if ringworm has been a problem in the past. Regularly clean surfaces and vacuum any areas to help reduce the risk of ringworm in your dogs.
Conclusion
Ringworm in dogs is a concerning condition that can be treated easily with the right guidance. By recognizing the signs early on, we can help you get your dog back to its happy and healthy condition. Don’t hesitate to stop by the clinic so we can help you get rid of ringworm in your dog.