Despite the unsettling name, ringworm isn’t a worm at all. It’s a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes. Specifically, fungi like Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, or Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
These microscopic invaders target the skin, hair, and sometimes even the nails of your dog. The result? Scaly, crusted, or bald patches, areas of hair loss that often form a circular shape. Hence, the term "ringworm."
This ringworm infection thrives in warm, humid climates, but here in the UAE, even the combination of dry indoor air and grooming salons can create environments where fungal spores linger. That means vigilance is not just wise. It's necessary.
What Causes Ringworm in Dogs?
Ringworm spreads primarily through direct contact. This can occur through contact with an infected animal. And yes, dogs can also contract it from other animals, such as cats. They can also get it from contaminated objects (such as brushes or bedding) or even spores lingering in the environment.
A few notable risk factors include:
Dogs with weakened immune systems
Young puppies and elderly pets
Living in crowded or unclean conditions
Visiting pet boarding facilities, dog parks, or groomers with inadequate hygiene protocols
Fungal spores are remarkably resilient. They can survive for up to 18 months in a home if not thoroughly eradicated.
What are the Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs?
The signs can vary depending on the dog, but symptoms of ringworm in dogs often include:
Circular areas of hair loss with red, inflamed skin
Dry, flaky, or scaly skin cells
Broken hairs around the ringworm lesions
Crusting or thickening of the skin
Occasionally, a ring-shaped rash
Some dogs may exhibit only subtle signs, while others may scratch, lick, or chew the affected area until it worsens. Inflammatory responses differ depending on your pet's age, immune system strength, and coat type.
Symptom | Possible Stage |
Round, hairless patch | Early infection |
Scaly, crusty skin | Moderate to advanced |
Thickened, inflamed lesions | Chronic stage |
Can Puppies Get Ringworm Too and Is It More Dangerous?
Absolutely. Puppies, with their still-developing immune systems, are especially susceptible. If your young dog is showing excessive scratching, fur loss, or odd skin conditions, ringworm should be considered.
Left untreated, it can lead to permanent areas of hair loss, widespread infection, and even secondary bacterial complications. Their thin skin barrier and lack of previous exposure to fungal spores make early diagnosis crucial.
How Is Ringworm Diagnosed in Dogs by a Vet?
Diagnosing ringworm in dogs often requires a combination of clinical observation and lab tests:
Wood’s Lamp Examination: A special ultraviolet light can highlight infected hairs. However, only some strains of Microsporum canis fluoresce, so this test isn’t definitive.
Fungal Culture: This remains the gold standard. A few hair samples are taken and incubated to detect fungal growth.
PCR Testing: Fast and accurate, this molecular test can confirm the presence of dermatophyte DNA.
Microscopic Examination: A sample of hair or skin cells is treated with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and examined under a microscope to spot spores.
At Noble Vet Clinics, we always start with a visual inspection before recommending the most effective diagnostic method based on the clinical signs and your pet's history.
Here’s a diagnostic comparison:
Diagnostic Method | Accuracy | Time to Results | Pros | Cons |
Visual Inspection | Moderate | Immediate | Quick and non-invasive | Can be misleading |
Wood's Lamp | Moderate (for M. canis) | Immediate | Detects fluorescence | Not all fungi fluoresce |
Microscopic Exam | Moderate-High | Same Day | Faster than culture | May miss early infections |
Fungal Culture | High | 1-4 weeks | Gold standard | Time consuming |
PCR Test | High | 1-3 days | Rapid and specific | Limited availability and cost |
What Are the Vet-Approved Treatments for Ringworm in Dogs?
To treat ringworm in dogs, patience and consistency are key:
Topical Antifungals: Medicated shampoos, ointments, and dips are essential. Ingredients like miconazole or chlorhexidine help clear surface infections.
Oral Antifungals: In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe itraconazole, terbinafine, or griseofulvin. These work from the inside out.
Environmental Decontamination: Perhaps the most overlooked step. Without treating your home, reinfection is almost guaranteed.
Complete recovery may take several weeks to months. Even if your infected dog looks better, don’t stop treatment prematurely. That’s a surefire way to trigger relapse.
How Do You Disinfect Your Home After a Dog Has Ringworm?
Because fungal spores can live for over a year, home disinfection is critical:
Wash all dog bedding, toys, towels, and collars with hot water and antifungal laundry detergent.
Vacuum floors, carpets, and upholstery daily, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Disinfect hard surfaces with a solution of 1:10 bleach to water or vet-recommended antifungal cleaners.
Consider replacing air filters in your HVAC system.
Have furniture and rugs steam cleaned where possible.
This process isn't just about your dog. It also protects every family member from exposure.
Can Humans Get Ringworm From Dogs?
Yes. Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can pass from an infected dog to humans. Children, elderly family members, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.
In people, it appears as a red, itchy, ring-shaped rash. If anyone develops skin lesions while your dog is infected, consult both a vet and a physician.
Which Dog Breeds Are More Prone to Ringworm?
While any breed can get it, certain dogs seem more susceptible:
Boston Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers
Afghan Hounds (due to fine hair and sensitive skin conditions)
These breeds are common in UAE homes and frequently visit grooming salons, where contaminated tools may carry fungal spores attached to hair.
How Long Does Ringworm Last in Dogs and When Is It No Longer Contagious?
With appropriate topical treatments and oral medications, most dogs recover within 2 to 6 weeks. However, they may remain contagious early on. A dog is considered safe after two consecutive negative fungal cultures.
During treatment, isolate your pet, wear gloves, and sanitize everything.
Why Does Ringworm Keep Coming Back in My Dog?
Recurring ringworm can be frustrating, but it is often preventable. Causes include:
Incomplete treatment
Fungal spores still lurking at home
Asymptomatic pets spreading infection
Not confirming recovery with follow-up fungal culture tests
It is helpful to repeat fungal cultures even after visible healing to confirm that the infection has been fully cleared.
Can You Prevent Ringworm in Dogs Or Is It Inevitable?
Prevention is very possible:
Groom your dog regularly, and inspect their skin often
Avoid shared grooming equipment unless properly sterilized
Quarantine any new pets for at least 2 weeks
Feed a high-quality diet to support the immune system
Disinfect shared spaces often
At Noble Vet Clinics, we also recommend annual skin checks for preventive care, especially for high-risk breeds or dogs frequently exposed to communal pet environments.
Is It Ringworm or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference
Ringworm can mimic other skin conditions like mange or allergies.
Symptom | Ringworm | Mange | Allergies |
Hair Loss | Circular patches | Generalized or patchy | Around eyes, paws, belly |
Itching | Mild to moderate | Intense | Moderate to intense |
Redness and Inflammation | Often around lesion edges | Widespread | Present |
Crusty or Scaly Skin | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
Fungal Fluorescence (UV) | Often positive with M. canis | Negative | Negative |
When in doubt, always consult a veterinarian. Guesswork often leads to misdiagnosis and prolonged discomfort.
When Should You See a Vet About Ringworm?
If your dog displays any of the following, it’s time to schedule a vet visit:
Skin lesions that spread or worsen quickly
Hair loss without obvious cause
Itching accompanied by changes in behavior
Home remedies or over-the-counter creams may mask the symptoms, but they rarely eliminate the root cause.
At Noble Vet Clinics, we take a complete, science-backed approach, from diagnosing ringworm in dogs to full decontamination.
“When you protect your dog’s skin, you protect their comfort, their happiness, and their smile.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts From Noble Vet
Ringworm isn’t life-threatening, but it can become persistent, contagious, and emotionally exhausting if not managed correctly. At Noble Vet Clinics, we’re committed to helping you catch it early, treat it thoroughly, and protect your home from reinfection.
Let us help your dog regain comfort, and your home regain peace of mind.
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