Ringworm is a skin condition caused by a fungus that can affect dogs and humans. It’s characterized by a circular, red, itchy rash that can be accompanied by hair loss. While ringworm is not a serious condition, it’s highly contagious and can be difficult to get rid of. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and treatment of ringworm on dogs.

What is ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a fungus and can be spread through contact with an infected animal or person, sharing items that have been in contact with the fungus, or from the environment. It’s caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes and can be spread from animal to animal and from animal to human. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors or live in humid climates are more likely to develop ringworm. Dogs who are immunocompromised are also at greater risk for developing the infection. Symptoms of ringworm in dogs include hair loss, scaling skin, and red lesions on the skin.

There are several risks associated with ringworm infections in dogs. First, ringworm is highly contagious and can easily spread to other animals or people. Pets with ringworm should be kept away from other animals until they have been treated and cured. The infection can spread to other body parts, such as the eyes, skin, or nails. If left untreated, it can also lead to more serious health problems. Additionally, ringworm can be difficult to treat and may require multiple courses of antibiotics and antifungal medications. If left untreated, ringworm can lead to more serious health problems for your dog.

Most cases of ringworm can be treated successfully with antifungal medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Treatment typically lasts for two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. Recovery time varies depending on how badly your dog was affected by the fungus, but most dogs will start regrowing their hair within a few weeks of starting treatment.

What are the symptoms of ringworm on dogs?

Ringworm on dogs usually appears as a round, red, itchy patch on the skin. The infection may also cause hair loss and nail abnormalities. As these skin lesions expand, the central area may heal, allowing hair to regrow in the lesion’s center and causing patches to look rough and uneven. The hair shafts sprout from the lesions and break easily, which helps the fungus spread.

While itchiness isn’t usually a symptom in dogs, the affected areas can become inflamed and scabby. The fungus can also spread to your dog’s nails, making them brittle, dry, and rough. Other signs of ringworm include dry, scaly skin, spots of excessive dandruff, changes to your dog’s coat, darkened patches of skin, and inflamed nail beds.

You can also help prevent ringworm by keeping your dog’s environment clean and free of fungus. Be sure to disinfect any areas they frequent and regularly bathe them with an antifungal shampoo. Dogs can have ringworm infections and show few symptoms or none at all.

How does a veterinarian diagnose ringworm?

Ringworm is most commonly diagnosed in dogs, cats, and horses but can also occur in other animals, including humans. While ringworm can be a severe infection, it’s also often easily treated with antifungal medications. If you suspect your pet has ringworm, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and may take a skin scraping or hair sample to examine under a microscope for the presence of fungal spores.

The physical examination is the most basic and common method to diagnose ringworm. It involves visually inspecting the animal’s skin for any signs of fungus. This includes looking for patches of hair loss, scaly skin, or raised bumps. If the physical examination reveals any symptoms of ringworm, the vet will take a sample of the skin and send it to a lab to be cultured. This is the most accurate way to diagnose ringworm, as it can identify the type of fungus causing the infection. The vet may perform a Wood’s lamp examination if the physical examination and fungal culture are inconclusive. This uses ultraviolet light to identify the presence of the fungus on the animal’s skin.

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