Ringworm is a misleading name for a skin disease. It’s not a parasite; it's a fungus. In a dog afflicted with ringworm, bald patches develop within 10 to 12 days. These patches develop in hair follicles and individual hairs from fungi spores that travel through the air and land on dogs. Simple preventions such as cleanliness can be followed, but if your dog still contracts ringworm, there are a number of treatments for this ailment.
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Griseofulvin
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As an oral liquid, tablet or capsule, Griseofulvin is prescribed to treat a plethora of human and canine fungal infections, including ringworm. It is also known by its brand name, Fulvicin. It is a type of penicillin that interrupts reproduction of fungal cells. It should be given at least once a day for 30 days to two months. Be sure to administer this medication with food, as vomiting can occur if taken on an empty stomach. Bone marrow suppression is rare but can also occur. This medication should not be given to pregnant bitches as it can cause birth defects. Additionally, diarrhea is possible.
Itraconazole
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Itraconazole, also known as Sporonox, is an oral medication like Griseofulvin. This medication works by slowing the enzymes that make the cell wall’s protective barrier called ergosterol. A major concern with this medication is liver problems. It is estimated that “5 to 10 percent of dogs receiving standard doses of itraconazole will develop liver disease severe enough to warrant discontinuing the medication,” according to research publication information provided by Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. This medication comes in capsules or in liquid form and has adverse effects when combined with other medications. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
Ketoconazole
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Ketoconazole, or Nizoral, is an oral medication that works as a combination of Fulvicin and Sporonox; it interferes with the cell wall and as a result, interrupts cell multiplication. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver disease and secretion of the male hormone testosterone from the testicles. It's best not to administer this medication to breeding males.
Topical Remedies
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A vet may prescribe a topical antifungal cream or lotion if the infection is not too serious. Apply this cream once a day for 10 days and make sure your dog does not lick it off. An Elizabethan collar is useful in preventing this from happening.
An alternative is an over-the-counter, human grade cream such as Lotrimin. Cream should contain 2% miconazole; lotion—1%.
Another topical alternative is a lime sulfur dip. This should be done for six to eight weeks: twice a week for the first two weeks and once weekly for the remaining four to six weeks.
Herbal Supplements
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For pet owners who would rather take a natural road, herbal remedies are available that cure ringworm. An herbal remedy usually takes one to two weeks to be effective, and sometimes it gets worse before it gets better. There will probably be more hair loss before the treatments begin to take effect.
The extract of the calendula flower can be used as an antifungal and anti-inflammatory by way of a tincture mix. Apply this mixture two to three times per day until the ringworm sores are healed.
The licorice herb can also be used as a topical cure in the form of a tea. Mix 5 to 7 teaspoons of crushed herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow to simmer about 15 minutes, cool and use a cloth or cotton ball to soak the ringworm growths in the tea mixture two to three times a day. This herb acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Pure virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil and neem oil are also very effective anti-inflammatory and antifungal treatments. Apply these to the lesions using a cotton swab or ball two to three times a day.
Continue all treatments until the ringworm is gone.
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