Canine Skin Disease With Red Circles

When taking a look at any odd patches of skin on your dog, do not be alarmed if there are red circles. Take your dog to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis, but this type of disease symptom is most likely ringworm or Lyme disease. Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a fungal infection that is easily treatable. Dogs get Lyme disease from a tick bite. Precautions must be made after diagnosis so the disease does not spread to other dogs, cats or humans.

  1. Ringworm

    • Ringworm occurs in the follicles of the dog's hair, causing the hair to fall out. It consists of raised red circles with a pale center. If the fungus is misshapen, it means that more than one fungus has joined together. If your dog has something that looks like this, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Ringworm can spread to other dogs, cats and humans through touch. If you think your dog has ringworm, wash all bedding and towels that you and your dog touch. If your dog sleeps on a bed, be sure to wash it, too. Just wash all garments in a mixture of bleach and water. Bleach will also kill spores on other surfaces your dog may have come into contact with.

    Lyme Disease

    • If your dog is experiencing other symptoms with the skin infection it could be Lyme disease, a bacterial disease carried by ticks. Other symptoms include, lack of appetite, stiffness when walking, sensitivity to touch and difficulty breathing. If your dog has these symptoms take him to the veterinarian immediately. You will need a complete history of your dog to help the vet. If you know your dog was bitten by a tick, it is helpful if you can remember where on your dog the bite occurred. Sometimes part of the tick's body is left on the skin when it is removed; being able to see this will aid in the diagnosis.

    Ringworm Treatment

    • Your veterinarian may prescribe you a topical anti-fungal treatment to be applied to the infected area. Make sure you have taken measures to ensure that your dog cannot lick the medicine because it could make him sick. Tablets are the most popular treatment for canine ringworm. The pills are prescribed by your veterinarian and taken for 30 days. Make sure to give them to your dog with food for proper absorption.

    Lyme Disease Treatment

    • If your dog's veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with having Lyme disease, he will probably prescribe an antibiotic. Keep the dog warm and dry, and be sure to keep the dog as still as possible until the symptoms have improved. Treatment for Lyme disease could take up to four weeks.