Dog Ringworm: What You Need to Know352

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect both dogs and humans. It is caused by a type of dermatophyte fungus that lives on the skin and feeds on keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Ringworm can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including:
Circular, red, itchy lesions on the skin
Hair loss
Crusting or scaling of the skin
Intense itching
Secondary bacterial infections

Ringworm can be spread through direct contact with an infected animal or person, or through contact with contaminated objects, such as bedding, grooming tools, or clothing. Puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop ringworm infections.

Diagnosing Ringworm

Your veterinarian will diagnose ringworm based on your dog's symptoms and a physical examination. They may also perform a skin scraping to collect a sample of the fungus for laboratory testing. A Wood's lamp examination, which uses ultraviolet light to detect the fungus, may also be used to confirm a diagnosis of ringworm.

Treating Ringworm

Ringworm can be treated with a variety of topical and oral medications. Topical treatments, such as antifungal creams or shampoos, are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. Oral medications, such as griseofulvin or itraconazole, are given by mouth to treat the infection from the inside out. Treatment typically lasts for several weeks, and your veterinarian will need to monitor your dog's progress to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.

Preventing Ringworm

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting ringworm, including:
Keep your dog away from infected animals and people.
Wash your dog's bedding and grooming tools regularly in hot water.
Clean and disinfect any surfaces that may have come into contact with an infected animal or person.
Boost your dog's immune system by feeding them a healthy diet and providing them with plenty of exercise.

Ringworm in Humans

Ringworm can also be spread to humans from infected dogs. In humans, ringworm typically appears as a red, itchy rash on the skin. Treatment for ringworm in humans typically involves topical antifungal creams or oral medications.

Conclusion

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect both dogs and humans. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of ringworm and to take steps to prevent your dog from getting infected. If your dog does develop ringworm, it is important to seek veterinary treatment promptly to ensure that the infection is properly treated and does not spread to other animals or people.

2025-01-25

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