Ringworm, also known as “dermatophytosis,” is a condition caused by a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails of both humans and animals. While ringworm is not a worm, it gets its name from its distinctive round or ring-like appearance on the skin, which resembles the rings of a worm. In dogs, ringworm is most common on the head, face, front legs, and tail, and it can appear as circular patches of lost hair with a crusty or scaly topping.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs
In dogs, ringworm manifests as patches of hair loss with a crusty or scaly coat, or less commonly, as asymptomatic carriers. Affected areas may resemble grey, scaly patches, red lesions, or bald spots, depending on the severity of the infection. The crusty cover can create a powdery texture similar to dandruff, and the affected skin may appear inflamed and swollen. In some cases, the ringworm infection can spread to the nails, resulting in them becoming rough, brittle, and broken.
The signs of ringworm in dogs can range from subtle to noticeable. Affected dogs may show no signs of discomfort, while others may exhibit signs of itching, excessive scratching, hair loss, and redness or scaling on the paws and around the legs and tail. In more severe cases, affected dogs may become sores or open wounds, particularly around the edges of the crusty coat.
Diagnosing Ringworm in Dogs
Diagnosing ringworm in dogs involves a physical examination and diagnostic tests. Your vet may start by examining the affected areas for characteristic signs, such as circular patches of hair loss and scaling. To confirm the diagnosis, they may use a Wood's lamp to examine the skin under ultraviolet light since some strains of ringworm fluoresce in the dark. Cultural tests using hair and skin samples to grow and identify the-specific fungus responsible for your dog's skin infection may also be used.
Treating Ringworm in Dogs
The treatment for ringworm in dogs usually consists of a combination of three steps: topical therapy, oral medications, and environmental decontamination. Topical agents, such as anti-fungal creams, ointments, or shampoos, are applied directly to affected areas of the skin. Orally administered anti-fungal drugs are used for severe cases or widespread skin involvement. Regular bathing with medicated shampoos can help remove yeast spores from your dog's coat.
Environmental decontamination is also an important aspect of treatment. This includes eliminating contamination from surfaces that your dog contacts regularly, such as couches, grooming tools, food and water bowls, and furniture. The spores may survive in the environment for months and can recontaminate other pets if not properly cleaned.
Preventing Re-infection after Treatment
After your dog has been successfully treated for ringworm, it is crucial to prevent new infections by thoroughly cleansing the environment and maintaining cleanliness. You may need to confine your dog to a specific room or area of your home while treated, and to avoid contact with other animals to prevent the spread of spores. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning can also help eliminate residual spores.
If your dog showed signs of ringworm, contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Preventative measures can help reduce the spread ofRingworm from dog to dog or to humans. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice and maintain cleanliness in your home and belongings.
