How to Treat Canine Ringworm

The fungi Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes cause ringworm in both dogs and humans. The illness usually appears as superficial, round, hairless spots on the dog. As the fungus spreads and grows, the spots become irregularly shaped. The lesions are not itchy for the dogs but become inflamed and scabbed over time. Sometimes, the fungus can even infect the dog's nails. Treating this disease will help your dog live a safe and healthy life and will prevent the ringworm from spreading to family members.

Things You'll Need

  • Anti-fungal topical cream
  • Anti-fungal oral treatment
  • Vacuum
  • Bleach
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Diagnose your dog by looking on its ears, legs and face for hairless spots. If you suspect ringworm, have a vet confirm your diagnosis. You do not want to treat your animal for a disease it does not have.

    • 2

      Apply an anti-fungal topical cream to the spots on your dog's body. This will treat the skin problems. Some creams that may work include miconazole, Lotrimin or 1% chlorhexidine ointment. These are all over-the-counter drugs.

    • 3

      Administer an oral anti-fungal drug to your dog in extreme cases. The combination of oral and topical treatments provide the best chance for your dog to kick the disease. The medicines available for dogs include griseofulvin, ketoconazole and itraconazole. You need a prescription from a veterinarian to obtain these drugs.

    • 4

      Vacuum all areas of your home where you dog went while infected. Ringworm spores can reside on hairs shed during the illness. Use bleach diluted by half for surfaces that can withstand this treatment.

    • 5

      Monitor your dog, making sure the spots disappear (which is the indicator that the infection subsided). You must administer the oral medications for ringworm for several months. These pills can be toxic so a veterinarian should also monitor your pet carefully while taking them.