What Is Dog Ringworm?

1 What Is Dog Ringworm?

Dog ringworm is a fungal skin disease in which pathogenic fungi – mainly Microsporum canis – invade the dog’s outer structures: skin, hair, and claws.

Sometimes Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton verrucosum can also be isolated from skin scrapings, but Microsporum is still the majority. The fungi that cause dog ringworm are very hardy in the environment; under sunlight or below freezing they can survive for months or even years in skin flakes shed onto food bowls, bedding, and the like. Young Microsporum gypseum also lives in grass and soil, and digging dogs can pick it up.

Ringworm spreads mainly through close contact between animals or via items contaminated by an infected animal. When enough dogs share a space, it can even spread through skin flakes floating in the air; external parasites such as lice, fleas, and mites also help carry it.

2 Symptoms of Dog Ringworm

General signs are local scaling and coarse fur, with many gray scales and flaking. It commonly appears on the head, ears, limbs, and tail. Itching is usually mild, but the following may also occur:

1. Round or oval ringworm patches,

2. Papules, pustules, and skin pigmentation,

3. Thickened skin with a strange odor.

3 How to Treat Dog Ringworm

1. Isolate promptly. If a puppy has dandruff or scabs, it may have ringworm. Isolate the infected puppy at once to stop it spreading to other pets or people. Ringworm passes to other dogs and to humans, so move the puppy to a separate room immediately. After isolating, clean and disinfect every corner of the home, especially where the dog spends time, since lots of flakes and fungus collect there.

2. Spray treatment. Use an antibacterial skin spray to ease ringworm symptoms. The spray disinfects and works well against fungal skin disease; used consistently for several days it improves skin function. Clip the affected fur to monitor the skin and prevent spread, wash the area with warm water, then spray the puppy – apply to the spots, or use a wet compress for severe cases. After spraying, fit an Elizabethan collar so the puppy cannot lick it.

3. Add nutrition. Ringworm lowers skin immunity, and without extra nutrition recovery is slow. Give the puppy more nutrition, especially vitamin B, to strengthen skin resistance.

The above covers what dog ringworm is and its symptoms and treatment. We hope it helps pet owners. For other dog skin questions, consult a licensed veterinarian.