How Do Dogs Get Ringworm? The Specific Causes

1 How Do Dogs Get Ringworm?

Many dogs are reinfected repeatedly. Infected dogs show red, scaly, itchy skin and round patchy hair loss.

Ringworm is a fungal skin disease that multiplies fast on the dog’s skin; unlike worms, it is a zoonotic fungus with some risk of spreading to people — especially children and the elderly with low immunity — so infected pets are isolated for treatment.

The fungus usually comes from two sources:

1. Soil — dogs that like to dig may unearth soil fungi.

2. Other infected objects — Microsporum is very resistant and survives long on surfaces; an owner’s shoes coming home may carry it to the dog.

2 How to Avoid Infection

1. Because the fungus spreads in the home, disinfect thoroughly: dilute disinfectant to clean floors, soak the dog’s bed, toys, and bowls, and wash and sun-dry sofa covers, bedding, and carpets to kill the fungus and stop spread; keep the environment ventilated and dry, since dampness aids fungal growth.

2. Supplement nutrition to boost immunity and lower skin-disease risk; easy skin infection often means vitamin B deficiency — oral B-complex helps coat health and prevents ringworm.

3. Let the dog sunbathe; ultraviolet light kills some fungus, but prefer your own balcony since outside has more fungus and soil; walk in gentle morning or afternoon sun to avoid heatstroke.

4. Dry the coat thoroughly after baths; damp fur grows bacteria and fungus and can cause colds. If the dog fears the dryer, use a quieter one or a drying box.