How to Treat a Puppy With Ring Worm

Ringworm is a fungus that grows under the skin in a ring-like pattern. According to the ASPCA, puppies that are less than a year old are most prone to ringworm infection. Some of the outward signs of ringworm are itching, loss of fur in patches and even sores or lesions if left untreated. Because of the highly infectious nature of this fungus, diagnosis by your veterinarian and the start of a course of treatment is necessary to prevent its spread to yourself, your children or anyone who handles your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Medicated shampoo, if prescribed
  • Topical anti-fungal treatment or ointment, if prescribed
  • Oral medication, if prescribed
  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Vacuum
  • Resealable bag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your puppy to the veterinarian as soon as you are suspicious that there is a problem. Your veterinarian may conduct several tests to make an accurate diagnosis, such as taking a skin culture, viewing suspect hairs with a microscope or looking at the skin with an ultraviolet light called a Wood's lamp.

    • 2

      Leave the infected area alone. If it is a mild infection or if it has nearly run its course, you may be advised to leave it alone. Do not allow children to come into contact with the area until you have confirmation from your veterinarian that it safely resolved. If left alone, it may take several months to resolve.

    • 3

      Bathe your puppy using a medicated shampoo as prescribed by the veterinarian. This is usually recommended two to three times weekly. Alternately, the veterinarian may prescribe a dip in lime sulfur to kill the fungus. Regardless of the method, follow the instructions as given by the veterinarian for maximum effect and to prevent harming the puppy. Make certain to use gloves when bathing your pet.

    • 4

      Apply topical anti-fungal treatment. You may also be advised to treat your puppy by clipping the hair and applying an anti-fungal ointment on the infected area. Put on gloves and follow the veterinarian's instructions on how often to apply the treatment. Keep an eye on your pet to ensure that it does not lick off the treatment.

    • 5

      Treat your puppy using an oral medication if it is prescribed. You may be required to use the oral medication alone or in conjunction with the topical. Unless otherwise instructed, give the tablet along with food as it is often necessary for there to be a certain amount of fat in the puppy's stomach for the pill to dissolve properly. Follow the instruction for the exact length of time prescribed, regardless of the method, even if the infection appears to have cleared.

    • 6

      Clean or discard all bedding and toys. The ASPCA recommends using a disinfectant solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water to clean washable items. Vacuum the floors regularly to remove any infected hair that your family or your pet may come into contact with. Discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister and discard it in a sealed bag.