Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that affects dogs, cats and other animals, including humans. Appearing as scaly, red, circular lesions, ringworm is contracted through either direct contact with an infected animal or contact with an item that has been contaminated with ringworm fungus spores. Treating ringworm on your dog's muzzle is usually simple and highly effective.
Things You'll Need
- Hair clippers
- Lotrimin cream
- One-percent chlorhexidene ointment
- Miconozole
- Griseofulvin
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconozole
Instructions
Leave the lesion alone. Almost all cases of ringworm will resolve themselves in about four months if left alone, states the veterinary website PetEducation.com. However, some ringworm is persistent and may ultimately require treatment.
Shave the area around the lesion. Be particularly careful not to further irritate the lesion when clipping and take care when clipping near sensitive areas on the muzzle, such as the nose and lips, as they can become cut or torn very easily. Sterilize the clippers and blades with heat or chemically before using them again, for they can spread the infection.
Apply a topical treatment to the ringworm. Creams and ointments that typically resolve ringworm infections include Lotrimin cream, one-percent chlorhexidene ointment and miconozole. However, topical treatments may be difficult for use on the muzzle, as your dog may try to lick them off. If your dog does so, try to distract it for a few minutes after application by playing with it, taking it on walks or giving it treats. The medication shouldn't hurt if it is ingested; however, it will not be effective in treating the infection.
If your dog wants to lick the topical treatment, consider using a pill or tablet. Griseofulvin, ketoconazole and itraconozole are typically effective in resolving ringworm infections. Obtain these medications, along with dosage instructions, from your veterinarian.