Although ringworm isn't itchy or painful, it is highly contagious and can create other problems if left untreated. Our Ankeny vets discuss what ringworm is, its symptoms, and what to do if your dog contracts it.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is an infection of the skin, claws, or hair caused by a type of fungus. It typically presents as circular, hairless patches on a dog's skin. These patches may be red, scaly, and inflamed. Sometimes, the edges of these patches are more pronounced and may have a ring-like appearance, hence the name "ringworm." The affected areas might also be itchy, causing your dog to scratch or lick them excessively.
How does a dog get ringworm?
Dogs can contract ringworm through direct contact with an infected animal or person. They can also get it from contaminated items in their environment, such as bedding, grooming tools, or surfaces. Ringworm spores are quite resilient and can survive for a long time in the environment, making it easy for dogs to pick up the infection.
Symptoms of Ringworm
It is a good idea to visit with your vet to have your dog assessed if you happen to notice any possible signs of ringworm with or without the rash, such as these other symptoms,
- Dry, brittle hair with hair follicles that break easily
- Inflamed, red skin rash
- Circular or patchy areas of hair loss (alopecia)
- Scales that look like dandruff
- Scabs or raised nodular lesions on the skin
- Darkened skin (hyperpigmentation)
- Reddened skin (erythema)
- Inflamed folds of the skin around the claws or bordering the nails
- Itchiness (pruritus)
How Ringworm Spreads
Ringworm is highly contagious and can survive for many months on household surfaces if not cleaned properly. It can be found on items such as combs, food and water dishes, furniture, and fabrics like carpets, curtains, and towels.
Dogs are most likely to contract ringworm at the park, as the fungus commonly resides in the soil. Once the dog picks up the ringworm spores, they can live on the skin until an opening is found to cause infection.
The dog's immune system will work to fight the infection as the fungus spreads. The rate of ringworm spread depends on the dog's health and age and the type of fungus involved.
Dogs can also be carriers of the fungus without showing symptoms, potentially spreading the infection unknowingly.
If a dog is diagnosed with ringworm, it's advisable to schedule an exam for any other pets in the household and to inform the owners of any other dogs the affected pet may have been in contact with before diagnosis.
Ringworm can quickly spread in environments where dogs are nearby for extended periods, such as dog kennels and parks.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Ringworm is not the only skin condition in which a dog might lose fur or develop a rash. Therefore, having your pet looked at by your veterinarian is always ideal. Your vet will perform a physical examination and diagnostic testing to diagnose ringworm in your dog.
The treatments for ringworm will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of fungus that caused the ringworm infection.
Some common treatment methods for ringworm are,
- Topical medication
- Anti-fungal oral medication
- Environmental decontamination
- Trimming your pet's fur in the affected area
Treating your pet until your veterinarian hears that the infection has cleared is important. Ringworm is uncommon among dogs, but knowing what to do if you suspect your dog is infected is important.
How long does ringworm last?
The duration of a ringworm infection can vary. With proper treatment, most dogs show improvement within two to four weeks. However, it's crucial to continue the treatment for the entire duration prescribed by your vet to ensure the infection is entirely cleared and to prevent recurrence.
Early detection and consistent treatment are key to managing ringworm in dogs. Following the recommended steps can help your dog recover quickly and prevent the spread of this contagious infection.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.