Ringworm is an extremely contagious fungus that can easily spread from dog to dog and to humans too.
Symptoms of ringworm in dogs
A dog infected with ringworms will exhibit the following symptoms: lesions around the head, ears, paws and forelimbs. The lesions will appear as round bald spots with a reddish center in most cases. In severe cases the infection will spread throughout the dog’s body. In mild cases, there will be an evidence of broken hairs.
Do certain breeds of dogs get ringworm?
Ringworm in dogs is not breed specific. However, puppies less than a year old are easily vulnerable to an infection. In addition, dogs who have a compromised immune system, are malnourished, or experience high levels of stress can become infected with ringworms.
How does a dog contract ringworm?
The ringworm fungus is highly contagious. Frequent contact with infected dogs, or infected items such as bedding, food and water bowls, furniture, carpeting, rugs, or any place where dog hairs can accumulate are prime areas where a dog can contract ringworm.
How is ringworm in dogs diagnosed?
If you suspect your dog is suffering from ringworm, take it to a veterinarian for a proper diagnose. Your veterinarian will use an ultraviolet light to get a proper diagnoses. In addition, the veterinarian will look at hairs surrounding the lesions under a microscope or take a culture sample for further evaluation.
What are the best ways to treat ringworm in dogs?
When treating ringworm, the main objective should be to kill the fungus. If the infection is not too severe, the use of a medicated shampoo with miconazole should be suffice. Also a lime sulfur dip can help to kill the fungus. Some veterinarians might recommend an oral medication. In extreme cases, the use of medicated shampoo, an oral medication and clipping away the infected fur will be prescribed. If properly treated, the lesions should heal within one to three weeks.
Recommended treatments for ringworm in dogs
Miconazole Spray 1% (Miconazole Nitrate) lotion is a synthetic antifungal agent for use in dogs and cats. It contains: 1.15% miconazole nitrate (equivalent to 1% miconazole base by weight), polyethylene glycol 400, and ethyl alcohol 55%.
Gris-Peg tablet – Griseofulvin Ultramicrosize is an anti-fungal antibiotic tablet for dogs (and cats) that treats ringworm infections in the hair, skin, and nails.
Fluconazole Tablet – Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine in tablet form that is used to treat a variety fungal infections, including ringworms and yeast infections. It is typically used to treat skin infections, and more intense fungal infections of the lungs and other internal organs. Fluconazole is often used in dogs or cats who have been unable to tolerate other types of antifungal medication.
Foot Rot and Ringworm Spray is a multi-species antifungal spray effective against ringworm, summer itch, girth itch, and foot rot.
Health Guard Medicated Spray controls skin problems in dogs and cats. Designed in a unique, broad-spectrum antibacterial formulation, Health Guard Medicated Spray controls skin problems in dogs and cats.
In summary, ringworm is a highly contagious fungus that affects dogs usually when they are puppies. The fungus can spread from dog to dog, or dog to cat, or even dog to human. Ringworm appears as lesions around the head, ears, paws and forelimbs. The lesions appear as round bald spots with a reddish center in most cases. The use of an ultraviolet light, along with a culture sample will be able to provide a proper diagnoses. Treatment for ringworm in dogs includes the use of medicated shampoos, oral medications, or clipping away of the infected fur.
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