Ringworm in Dogs

Symptoms :

Ringworm plaques look like gray scaly plaques in some dogs and more like red lesions in other dogs. You may see some hair loss or broken hair. But many other (more common) skin conditions look very similar. There are many different types of dermatophytes that can spread between animals of different species or spread from animals to humans.

Ringworm symptoms in dogs usually include the following combinations:

• Hair loss (hair loss), maybe patchy or round

• Hair breaks and poor hair

• Skin redness or ulcers

• Dandruff (weight scale)

• Darkened skin

• Skin crusting

• Itching (itching) may or may not be present

Causes :

Ringworm in dogs is caused by contact with fungi, but dogs may have many methods of contact.

The close proximity of several animals, such as kennels or shelters, makes it easier to spread ringworm. Ticks or other animals can also carry fungi.

Contact with infected animals' bedding, tableware or any material can also spread the infection. Carpets, rugs, furniture, or any place where dog hair can be collected can carry ringworm.

Treatment :

Most dogs can treat ringworm in the clinic, but because many types of ringworm are infectious and zoonotic (transmissible to humans), isolation procedures should be considered. Your veterinarian will help develop a plan to treat the disease. Topical creams are usually prescribed to clear the infection.  Your dog may have to wear a collar to prevent them from licking the affected area and absorbing the ointment. Some antifungal drugs can also be taken orally. Follow your veterinarian's instructions strictly, and even if your infection seems to have cleared up, wait until your veterinarian agrees before stopping the medication.

Prevention :

Trichophyton spores are hard and can survive in the environment for a long time, so it is important to limit infected dogs to one room when treating them so that the spores do not spread throughout the room. If you cure ringworm in your dog but don't eliminate it at home, your dog may become infected again.

• Soft furniture and carpets should often be thoroughly vacuumed or cleaned with steam to remove spores.

• The vacuum bag should then be emptied and its contents burned.

• Other items should be cleaned with disinfectant.

• Discuss with your veterinarian which disinfectant is effective.

• Bedclothes and toys that cannot be cleaned are best burned.