Despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. In fact, it is a kind of fungus. It causes a contagious fungal skin infection which affects pets as well as humans. The infection is not a fatal one but can be quite uncomfortable. If you are a dog parent and do not know how to deal with ringworms, we are here to help you out. Read this blog to know all about ringworm infection; its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
How do dogs get ringworm?
Dogs majorly get infected with ringworm through direct contact with an affected animal. They also get affected by the environment while digging dirt and rolling around. Your doggo may also catch the infection while coming in contact with contaminated items like couches, rugs, hair brushes, food bowls, and bedding. If not cleaned regularly, ringworm spores can stay on combs or bowls for months.
The infection can be majorly found in puppies as their immune system is not fully developed. Canines that share their homes with other animals in animal shelters or kennels are also prone to the infection.
Common symptoms of ringworm in dogs
Though not a life-threatening disease, ringworm infection can be very contagious. Being aware of the symptoms can help you detect the disease before it spreads to other pets or humans.
Ringworm in dogs generally occurs in the form of circular areas of hair loss throughout the body. The lesions usually start to heal in the center as they start enlarging. This creates a patchy appearance and may also become inflamed or scabbed.
Ringworm generally does not cause itching. However, the affected hair follicles become brittle and fall off easily which leads to the spread of the disease. At times, the fungus infects the claws and makes them rough and brittle.
You can consider consulting your veterinarian if your dog experiences the following symptoms:
- Dry and brittle hair
- Rough and brittle claws
- Hair loss in circular areas
- Scabby and inflamed skin
How to treat ringworm?
Ringworm generally subsides within a few weeks. But we still insist that the disease needs to be addressed and treated because it is contagious and needs to be stopped from spreading.
As a part of the treatment, you will not only have to treat your dog but also the environment where your pet lives. The veterinarian is likely to prescribe a lime sulfur dip or a topical anti-fungal cream which will help you eliminate ringworm spores from your pal’s hair and skin. You can also bathe your dog with Malaseb Medicated Shampoo as it is an excellent treatment for ringworm infections.
How to prevent ringworm in dogs?
As there is no standard prevention for ringworm infections, keeping your pet away from infected animals is one of the best things to do.
Also, when you are getting a young pup home, we advise you to get it physically examined by a veterinarian to ensure that they have no signs of lesions.
Once your dog is free of ringworms, you can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of all the contaminated hair follicles. The hard surfaces can be cleaned with the help of diluted bleach solution and the soft fabrics should be directly sent to the laundry. You should also ensure to wash your doggo’s food and water bowls in order to be on the safer side.
Wrapping Up
Though easily curable, ringworm infection is quite a contagious disease. If your dog is affected by this fungal infection, diligent treatment is required for it to be cured. You will also need to include efficient cleaning of your household to get rid of all the contaminations and protect your family and other pets from the infection.