There are other more common conditions besides ringworm that can cause hair loss and rashes, so if you do notice symptoms of ringworm in your dog, take them to your family veterinarian. Various creams and ointments containing miconazole (Micaved), terbinafine (Lamisil), or clotrimazole (Otomax or Otibiotic) are available to apply to localized areas of skin affected by ringworm. The fungi responsible for ringworm infections belong to a specialized group known as dermatophytes, so the medical name for this disease is dermatophytosis. Your veterinarian can provide you with information about any treatment that may be appropriate for your pet and advise you regarding precautions you should take to avoid ringworm infection in yourself and members of your family. Topical treatment will usually be necessary for a period of several weeks to several months. However, during this time the dog is infecting the environment, and potentially all the humans and other pets in the household could become infected. Symptoms may recur if the treatment is discontinued too early or is not aggressive enough (i.e., only topical treatment was used), or if the pet has an underlying disease compromising the immune system. Medicated shampoos and dips are usually used to treat the entire coat. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: Although it does not commonly affect dogs, ringworm is a troublesome problem that is best dealt with soon after you notice its symptoms. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, there are a variety of good treatments available. Your vet will most likely ask you if you have any other pets in the household and might advise that you test and treat them for ringworm, as well, even if they are not currently showing signs of a ringworm infection. Direct microscopic examination of hairs or skin scrapings may allow early diagnosis. Shaving the hair in small areas (if only one or two areas are affected) or all of your dog's hair may be recommended by your veterinarian. August is Dental Month - Save 10% for a Limited Time! Did you know that it is contagious to both dogs and cats? The fungus spores can survive for many months, which means ringworm can be spread via hair that has been shed. When administering oral medication, remember the following: As ringworm lives on both skin and hair, it can be easily transmitted by loose hair on carpet or furniture. To do this, samples of hair and skin scrapings are taken from the dog. On humans, it causes a red circular or patchy rash to develop, and when it gets on the feet it is known as athletes foot.. Ringworm is treatable and curableif all treatment, quarantine, and cleaning procedures are followed. In addition to minimizing direct contact with an infected dog, it is important to keep the environment as free of spores as possible. Ringworm can also be passed on through contaminated objects such as brushes, dog beds, and toys, as well as surfaces that are difficult to clean, like rugs, wool, and wood. The fungal spores may remain dormant on combs, brushes, food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpet, or other environmental surfaces for up to 18 months. This fungus, which affects the skin and leaves circular or semi-circular bald spots and rashes, is a fungal infection that gets its name from the ring-like, worm-like shape visible on raised and red skin rashes. However, not all cases show clear fluorescence and some other species of dermatophytes do not fluoresce under a Woods lamp. As the fungi can live on stray hair follicles and skin cells, it is quite easily transmitted. They then attach to hair and skin cells shed by humans and animals. How contagious is ringworm from a dog to a human? Ideally, to monitor the progression of the treatment, a fungal culture should be done every 2-3 weeks after starting treatment. There are numerous causes of hair loss in dogs. Treating ringworm in dogs usually consists of three steps: Your veterinarian will probably recommend a topical therapy, like a cream, ointment, and/or medicated shampoo to help treat and control the infection. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Shaving dogs with very long coats is not recommended, because shaving can cause microtrauma (small injuries) to the skin, which can make the dog more susceptible to the infection. Fungal spores may be killed with a solution of chlorine bleach and water using the dilution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) in a gallon of water (4 liters) where it is practical to use it. Ringworm is a name that has long been used because of the circular itchy rash that typically appears on the skin of an infected animal. If you suspect you have a ringworm lesion, please contact your healthcare professional for advice on treatment. Some species of dermatophytes are species-specific with infection, meaning that they will only infect one species, whereas others can be spread between different species of animals or from animals to humans. Most of your dogs hair would fall out, since ringworm feeds on the hairs and dead skin, leaving your dog's skin more susceptible to wounds and potential secondary infections. We thank you for your continued patience and support. Fungal culture testing is usually the recommended follow-up test to make sure the infection is completely gone. The fungus Microsporum canis (the most common cause of ringworm infections in pets) causes a chemical reaction when it attaches to hair follicles, causing them to glow when a Woods lamp shines. If left untreated, it can spread over large parts of the body and cause other skin, hair, and nail problems. The types of dogs that become infected with ringworm tend to be those with weaker immune systems, such as very young or old dogs, as well as dogs with diseases that weaken their immune systems, or dogs that have recently come from long term stays at kennels or shelters. Infection with ringworm occurs when spores attach to damaged skin. Ringworm is more likely to be transmitted to and cause clinical signs in humans who have a depressed immune system. Additional, oral medications are needed in longterm or severe cases and are often necessary for Yorkshire Terriers. In the dog, ringworm lesions usually appear as areas of hair loss (alopecia) that are roughly circular. As such, if you suspect you or your pet has ringworm its important to seek medical or veterinary treatment immediately. Treatment usually needs to be continued for at least six weeks and sometimes longer. Whether infection is established depends on the fungal species and on host factors, including age, health, condition of exposed skin surfaces, grooming behavior, and nutrition. Ringworm, scientifically known as dermatophytes, is a collection of pathogenic fungi. It is extremely important to only use preparations that have been specifically provided or recommended by your veterinarian for topical treatment of dogs. Also see professional content regarding ringworm in dogs Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats Dermatophytosis (ringworm) is typically a superficial skin infection. This is especially true in warm and humid environments. Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Hastings Veterinary Hospitaland a clickable link back to this page. Minimizing exposure to other dogs or cats and to your family members is recommended during this period. It is extremely important to isolate your dog and to disinfect all other areas of the house until a culture test is negative or your vet recommends stopping treatment. The infection is superficial, and in most cases only affects a few areas of the dogs body. Even if you dont see the characteristic circular rash, which may not be noticeable, these are reasons for a visit to your family vet: Ringworm is spread either through direct contact with an infected animal or from an object that has been contaminated such as towels, bedding, a comb or brush, food or water bowls, a couch, or carpets. The fungus feeds on dead hair or skin cells. It is possible for dogs to have the ringworm fungus on their body but show no external signs of the disease; however, they can still pass the disease on to humans or other animals. Ringworm can also be pretty unsightly on your dog! Infection of other animals and humans can occur either by direct contact with an infected dog or through contact with fungal spores in a contaminated environment. What Is Your State's Flea-and-Tick Season? Oral Treatment In most cases of ringworm, effective treatment will require the administration of an oral anti-fungal drug. We discuss below what ringworm really is, how to identify its symptoms, and what to do about it. 72% of M. canis cases with active skin lesions, Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs (Dog Nose Skin Issues). Chat live with a licensed veterinarian, or schedule a video call to get expert advice for your pets health. These lesions are not usually itchy, but sometimes they become inflamed and develop a scabby covering. Learn more about the causes of dry skin on dogs, Related article: How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog, iy_2022; im_08; id_02; ih_17; imh_38; i_epoch:1659487105163, py_2022; pm_07; pd_13; ph_01; pmh_01; p_epoch:1657699319043, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Jul 13 01:01:59 PST 2022; pn_epoch:1657699319043. people undergoing chemotherapy). Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm (or even caused by a worm), but a fungal infection of the top layers of the skin and hair. This is helpful in preventing further environmental contamination and cross-contamination with other animals in the home since hairs that have been treated will not be infectious when shed. Ringworm infections in healthy adults may clear up without treatment, but treatment might speed recovery and decrease the spread of the fungus in the environment. The response of individual dogs to treatment varies and if therapy is stopped too soon, the disease may recur. This bedside examination is effective in about 72% of M. canis cases with active skin lesions. Will ringworm in a dog go away on its own? The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Dermatitis and Dermatologic Problems in Dogs, Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders in Dogs, Abscesses Between the Toes (Interdigital Furunculosis) in Dogs, Hyperpigmentation (Acanthosis Nigricans) in Dogs, Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs, Whole-body Disorders that Affect the Skin in Dogs, Last full review/revision Jun 2018 | Content last modified Sep 2020. They obtain their nourishment by absorbing food from the hosts on which they grow. Anti-fungal oral medications help fight the infection and, like topical therapy, need to be administered for a minimum of six weeks, but in some cases could take months to take full effect. Bathing is a critical part of treatment as it will remove and kill the fungal spores that are on your dogs fur. Regularly clean pet blankets and other bedding from your cat or dogs quarters, Regularly dispose of any hairs from your pets grooming brush, Remove skin cells and hair from your home by regularly vacuuming the house, Disinfect other common areas of the house where your pets tend to live. The most common fungal organisms that can cause ringworm are Microsporum and Trichophyton. PCR is a great test for an initial diagnosis of ringworm; however, it is not suitable for follow-up testing to ensure that the ringworm has been fully cleared. DO NOT stop treatment unless your veterinarian has made this recommendation. For mild cases, antifungal creams and ointments can be applied directly to the affected areas of your pets skin. In otherwise healthy read more . Your vet might also suggest clipping long-haired dogs to speed up treatment and shaving the hair from affected areas. This makes it easier to eliminate stray hairs and to mop with a disinfectant recommended by your veterinarian. Infection leads to short-lived resistance to reinfection. Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment. Dandruff-like scaling in the depths of the coat, Red lesions on the head, chest, forelegs and the ridge of the back, Scaling, crusting, thickening and reddening of the skin, Circular patches of hair loss (alopecia) on the head, tail or the ridge of the dog or cats back, Do not abruptly stop treatment, or stop it sooner than recommended, as the infection may recur, If you have other pets in the house, keep the infected animal separated. There are a few procedures that your vet may use when diagnosing ringworm, the most common of which are a Woods lamp examination, a fungal culture, and a PCR test. A room with rugs or wood floors should not be used, as these are very difficult to clean. Infected pets remain contagious for about three weeks if aggressive treatment is used. Items like dog beds that can be laundered should be run through a washing machine, twice, in hot water, preferably with bleach. It can also remain on surfaces or trapped in the fibres of carpets, drapes, and linens in your home if theyre not cleaned. It affects a wide range of animals, and several of the causative fungi also cause zoonotic infections. Contact with infected household items, such as a brush, pet clothing, towels and furniture. While there is not much you can do to prevent these conditions, there are a number of other actions that you can take to prevent you and your family from catching the infection: While our annual healthcare plan may not be able to prevent ringworm you can get unlimited consultations* for greater convenience and peace of mind - this is perfect for situations such as suspecting that yourfurry companion may have ringworm. Humans can get Microsporum canis, too, which is another reason why it is important to take this condition seriously. With so many parasites out there, it is tempting to lump ringworm in the same category as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. The area of your home in which your pet is confined should be cleaned twice weekly during treatment. This can happen when a dog comes in direct contact with an infected animal or person or touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet. The fungal spores responsible for the spread can remain viable for up to 18 months and typically spread through shedding or breaking of infected hairs. The ringworm infection will last longer and remain contagious for an extended time if only minimal measures are taken or if you are not compliant with the prescribed approach. If you cant contain your dog to hard floors, daily vacuuming with a pet hair vacuum and removal of hair from furniture and surfaces can help prevent ringworm from spreading. Ringworm in dogs spreads through direct contact with the fungus. Learn more about our COVID-19 response and guidelines. Contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences any or all of these symptoms: Hair loss, changes in coat appearance, or inflamed skin could be a sign of another condition. While generally harmless, ringworm is highly contagious to humans, especially to children, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system (eg. A carrier is a pet that is infected but not showing any signs. These are the usual methods to treat ringworm: Your vet may also suggest that your dogs hair be trimmed off in the more infected areas. It is highly contagious and zoonotic, meaning it can spread from pets to people and vice versa. Some cases of canine ringworm will glow with a yellow-green fluorescence when the skin and coat are examined in a dark room under a special ultraviolet lamp called a Wood's lamp. Taking your dog to the vet for twice yearly exams is also helpful. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Ringworm in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. Ringworm is diagnosed by fungal culture, examination with an ultraviolet lamp, and direct microscopic examination of hair or skin scale. This test is also done on hairs and is specifically looking for fungal DNA (material with the funguss genetic information). Usually, treatment lasts for a minimum of six weeks, and in some cases much longer therapy is required. Topical Treatment Occasionally, topical therapy is used alone for the treatment of ringworm, but more commonly it is used in combination with oral medications. In fact, it is not a worm at all. A fungal culture (sometimes called a DTMdermatophyte test medium) is where a few hairs, scales, or scabs are collected and placed on a culture medium (a substance for growing microorganisms) and the contaminant is allowed to grow. Keep up to date - how to care for your pet, pet newsletter, competitions and more, Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal, Sharing of towels, clothing or sports gear.
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