A Home Remedy For Ringworm In Dogs & Humans

Ringworm is an extremely contagious fungus easily spread among animals and humans. If your dog has ringworm and you didn't catch it right away, there is good chance that your family may also be infected. Although ringworm is not pleasant, it doesn't have to be expensive to treat. With a few effective home remedies and proper care, your household will quickly be ringworm-free.

  1. Shaving the Area

    • Ringworm often spreads through contaminated hair, so take steps to prevent further infection. In dogs, this means shaving off their fur from any areas affected by ringworm. This may also be necessary for humans if the ringworm is in an area that has dense hair.

    Anti-Bacterial Soap

    • Since ringworm is a fungus, anti-bacterial soap and topical antibiotics will have little effect on the infestation. However, a ringworm can easily lead to a bacterial infection if you don't keep the affected areas properly clean. To clean ringworm-infested skin, gently scrub it using anti-bacterial soap and warm water at least twice a day. This remedy is safe for humans and dogs.

    Neem Oil and Aloe Vera

    • Neem oil is produced naturally from the fruits and seeds of neem trees in India. It has strong anti-fungal properties. If you can't find neem at your local healthfood store, consider expanding your search to an online retailer. Create a mixture of one and a half teaspoons neem oil and one cup aloe vera. Twice a day, apply the poultice liberally to the infected skin of humans and dogs. Do not get it in your eyes or nose, as it will cause them to burn.

    Grapefruit Seed Oil

    • Grapefruit seed oil is widely available at most healthfood stores and is an excellent treatment for ringworm due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Simply mix the oil with a little warm water and apply it to the ringworm twice a day. If the ringworm on your dog is very widespread, mix the grapefruit seed oil with dog shampoo and use it when you bathe your pet.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    • Apple cider vinegar is a very strong anti-fungal treatment safe for humans and animals. Use a cotton ball to apply a bit of the vinegar to each ringworm lesion twice a day. If it begins to irritate the skin, mix it with a little water before each application.