Ringworm is a highly contagious condition that affects dogs. It often manifests itself as a circular hair loss on dogs and can be difficult to treat. It appears in warm and moist climates more often than cold and dry climates and often appears in fall and winter. It is contagious to other dogs, humans, cats, horses, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle.
-
What is Ringworm?
-
Ringworm is actually not a worm, but a family of fungi that infect dogs. Most dogs are infected with one of three dermatophytes or fungi that cause ringworm. Ringworm spores infect the dog's skin and hair, causing hair loss as the fungus grows. It grows in a circular pattern, hence the name.
Method of Infection
-
Ringworm typically infects a dog through the environment or occasionally through contact with other animals. The spores can live up to 18 months without a host. Dogs that have ringworm can shed the spores on grooming instruments such as brushes and combs. If not properly sanitized, those grooming instruments will carry the spores to the next dog and infect him. Grooming parlors with poor sanitation can quickly spread ringworm.
Ringworm can reside in the soil and dog bedding, so dogs that have had ringworm in the past can become reinfected.
Ringworm Diagnosis
-
Your veterinarian can diagnose ringworm in your dog. Ringworm is diagnosed in several ways. The first way is through what is call a wood's lamp, which is a type of black light. When shone on the ringworm, 80 percent of ringworm infections will glow yellow-green. Another way is through a microscopic examination of the skin and hair. The third way, and the most accurate, is a fungal culture.
Ringworm Treatments
-
Most ringworm treatments involve antifungal shampoo followed up with an antifungal ointment such as Miconazole cream, Lotrimin cream, or 1 percent Chlorhexidine ointment. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral medications such as Griseofulvin or Ketoconazole.
Ringworm Spray
-
For minor outbreaks of ringworm, you can actually concoct your own spray to clear up the ringworm. Mix 10 percent betadine solution (available from a veterinarian or veterinary supply house) and 90 percent water. Wash the affected areas with soap and water or an antifungal shampoo (be sure to use rubber or latex gloves to avoid contracting ringworm) and spray the area with the betadine and water solution three times daily.
Do not get into the dog's eyes and do not use on puppies or cats without consulting a veterinarian first.
-