Featured image for post: Ringworm in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

Ringworm in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

If you have a dog, ringworm might be a condition you’re concerned about – and it is far more common than you might expect. This highly contagious skin condition can be uncomfortable for your furry friend, but the good news is that there are effective treatment options to help your pet feel better as soon as possible.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about ringworm in puppies and dogs, including its causes, symptoms, treatment, and more.

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is misleadingly named, as it’s not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. Medically termed dermatophytosis, this condition primarily affects the skin, hair, and nails. It’s characterized by distinctive red, itchy patches accompanied by hair loss, usually forming signature ring-shaped lesions that give the condition its name. The fungus responsible for ringworm thrives on keratin, a protein found abundantly in skin, hair, and nails. This allows it to spread effectively, causing the visible skin irritation observed in affected dogs.

How is Ringworm in Dogs Spread?

Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious and spreads in various ways. It can be transmitted directly through contact with an infected animal or indirectly via objects like bedding, grooming tools, and furniture that are contaminated with fungal spores. Also, warm and damp environments, like kennels and animal shelters, provide ideal conditions for the fungus to thrive and multiply, increasing the risk of infection.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs

It is important to be familiar with the signs of ringworm in dogs, especially because rapid treatment can majorly minimize your pet’s discomfort and stop the spread of infection.

The most common ringworm symptoms include:

  • Circular Hair Loss: Often the first noticeable sign, this appears as bald, ring-shaped patches where fur has fallen out.
  • Red, Swollen Skin: Areas affected by ringworm may become visibly red and inflamed, indicating irritation.
  • Scaly or Itchy Patches: You might notice the skin becoming flaky, crusty, or unusually oily. Dogs may scratch or lick these patches frequently due to discomfort.
  • Brittle, Distorted Nails: Ringworm can also impact a dog’s nails, causing them to appear brittle or misshapen.

Stages of Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm typically progresses in several different stages, each one with key symptoms:

  1. Exposure and Incubation: First, the dog is exposed to the fungal spores. During this stage, there are no visible symptoms as the fungus begins to incubate. This period can last for about 1-3 weeks, depending on the dog’s immune system and the strain of the fungus.
  2. Initial Lesion Appearance: The first visible sign of ringworm often manifests as small, usually circular areas of hair loss. These lesions may appear slightly raised or have a distinct red border.
  3. Lesion Expansion: As the infection progresses, the lesions expand outward in a ring-like pattern. The center of the ring may start to heal and regrow hair, while the edges continue to spread and may appear scaly and more inflamed.
  4. Widespread Infection: Without treatment, ringworm can spread over larger areas of the dog’s body. During this stage, you might notice multiple ring-like lesions, increased itchiness, and possibly secondary bacterial infections due to the dog scratching the irritated skin.

How is a Ringworm Infection Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a ringworm infection in dogs involves a detailed approach combining clinical examination and specific diagnostic tests. Initially, veterinarians start with a thorough physical examination, looking for typical ringworm symptoms such as circular patches of hair loss and reddened skin. The dog’s medical history also provides useful clues, particularly information regarding recent exposure to other animals or environments where ringworm is common.

Key diagnostic tests include:

  • Wood’s Lamp Examination: This UV light test can sometimes cause certain types of ringworm fungi to fluoresce.
  • Fungal Culture: The most definitive test involves the cultivation of skin and hair samples to identify the presence and type of fungal spores. This test can take several weeks to yield results. However, there are new tests that can yield results in a shorter period of time.
  • Microscopic Examination of Hair and Skin Cells: This can reveal fungal spores attached to hair or embedded in skin cells.

Accurate diagnosis is essential to confirm the presence of ringworm and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as allergies or other skin infections. These steps ensure that the treatment plan is appropriately targeted to resolve the infection effectively.

Can Other Animals Get Ringworm?

Yes, ringworm can affect a variety of animals, including cats, which are often more susceptible. Pets can transmit the fungus to each other, making multi-pet households particularly vigilant about infection control.

Can Humans Get Ringworm?

Ringworms can be contracted by humans from dogs. This fungal infection can pass from dogs to humans through direct skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects such as bedding, grooming tools, or furniture. In humans, ringworms present round, red, scaly patches on the skin, often accompanied by itching. These patches may also develop a raised, more clearly defined border.

To prevent transmission, pet owners must maintain excellent hygiene practices, including regular hand washing after handling pets or their items and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting any areas where infected pets have been. Prompt treatment of infected pets also reduces the risk of human infection.

Treatment of Ringworm in Dogs

Determining how to treat ringworm in dogs largely depends on the location and severity of the infection and the pet’s specific needs. Milder cases may respond well to localized treatments, while more widespread or persistent infections often require a combination of approaches for effective management.

Your vet will decide the ideal treatment course, which may include:

Topical Therapy for Ringworm

Topical ringworm treatments for dogs include medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments that are applied directly to the lesions. These products contain antifungal agents that help reduce the fungus on the skin’s surface. For effective results, topical therapy is frequently used alongside systemic treatments, especially in cases where lesions are localized or the dog has sensitive areas that need gentle treatment.

Oral Medications for Ringworm

Oral antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or fluconazole, are essential for treating more severe or widespread ringworm infections. These medications target the fungus from within, reaching areas that topical treatments cannot, ensuring a comprehensive approach to eradication. Oral medications are especially useful in cases where the infection has penetrated deeper skin layers or when there is a significant risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

Environmental Decontamination

Environmental decontamination is necessary to prevent reinfection and the spread of ringworm to other pets and humans. This involves rigorous cleaning of all surfaces and objects the infected dog has contacted. Use bleach or antifungal cleaning agents on floors, furniture, and pet bedding, and consider steam cleaning carpets and upholstery. Regular laundering of the dog’s bedding and any removable fabric covers in hot water, followed by thorough drying, can also help eliminate fungal spores.

How Long Will My Dog Be Contagious?

Dogs can be contagious for several weeks after the initial appearance of symptoms. Effective treatment typically reduces the risk of transmission, but it’s important to maintain proper hygiene practices and thorough cleaning throughout the treatment period. It’s recommended that you keep infected dogs isolated from other pets until they stop shedding fungal spores, which usually ceases a few weeks after starting treatment.

The best way to prevent the infection from spreading is to continuously monitor and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding the specific contagious period based on the treatment response.

Preventing Ringworm in Dogs

There are proactive, preventative steps you can take to reduce the risk of ringworm in dogs, including:

  • Regular Grooming: Frequent brushing and bathing can help identify and address skin issues before they escalate into more severe infections.
  • Clean Environment: Regularly clean and disinfect bedding, toys, and other items your dog frequently contacts. Use antifungal cleaners in areas where your dog spends a lot of time.
  • Veterinary Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet for comprehensive health screenings can catch ringworm and other conditions early.
  • Isolation of Infected Pets: Keep pets diagnosed with ringworm away from other animals to prevent the spread.
  • Educate Yourself on Symptoms: Knowing the early signs of ringworm can help you seek timely treatment and prevent widespread infection.
  • Nutritious Diet: A well-balanced diet supports a strong immune system, which is crucial in fighting off infections like ringworm.

Contact an UrgentVet Near You!

If your dog shows signs of ringworm, don’t wait – visit your nearest UrgentVet for expert diagnosis and ringworm treatment options. We’re open 365 days a year, offering both online visits and the option to schedule online. Our experienced team is here to provide effective treatment to stop the spread of infection and help your pet feel more comfortable, minimizing hassle and delivering affordable care.

Early treatment is key to a quick recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help your furry friend feel better as soon as possible.

Locate your nearest UrgentVet for urgent care veterinary services when you need them most!

Image Credit: Nathalie Marran / Shutterstock