While the word ringworm may bring visions of worms or parasites to mind, ringworm is actually a term to describe a circular rash that is caused by a fungal infection. It’s a common infection and occurs all over the world. Here’s what to know about ringworm in dogs:

What is Ringworm in Dogs?

Ringworm is a common skin problem in dogs that presents in a circular pattern on the skin. It’s a raised, round, red rash caused by fungal organisms; the most common one being Microsporum Canis. These organisms feed on dead skin and hair cells.

The fungus lives on the outer layer of skin, hair follicles, and occasionally nails. This infection tends to be superficial and typically only affects a few areas of a dog’s body. However, puppies, older dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems may suffer from more widespread infections.

Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm is very contagious and it’s one of the diseases you can spread to your dog. However, it is not a life-threatening disease. Some symptoms will show up. These symptoms include the following:

• Itchy or inflamed patches of skin
• Circular rashes with hair loss in the affected area
• Patches of darkened skin
• Brittle and dry nails, as well as inflamed nail beds
• Excessive dandruff and flaking or scaly skin

Your dog may also begin to excessively groom themselves. Ringworm may also be why your dog is so itchy and licking so much. When their skin itches or hurts, they lick the area to soothe or moisturize it. This can be a sign of ringworm.

How is Ringworm Diagnosed?

There are a few different ways your vet will diagnose ringworm.

1. Wood’s Lamp

This type of black light lamp puts off a long-wave ultraviolet light that shows bacteria on the skin. The most common fungus Microsporum Canis causes a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with hair follicles. When this happens, the fungus glows when the light shines on it. If the dog is an asymptomatic carrier, no fluorescence will show up.

2. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Testing

A PCR test is a new test that veterinarians are using to diagnose ringworm. The test takes a sample of hair and analyzes fungal DNA. These test results can come back in about 3-5 days. While it’s a good test to diagnose ringworm initially, it cannot detect if the DNA is from living or dead ringworm fungus. It will not be helpful in assessing if the ringworm has cleared up.

3. Fungal Culture

A fungal culture, also known as a DTM (dermatophyte test medium), may be performed to diagnose ringworm. Some hairs, scales, or scabs are collected and then placed on a culture and the fungus is allowed to grow.

Your vet will look at the growth under a microscope to determine if it is a ringworm fungus or not. Signs of the ringworm fungus can show within 3-5 days but final results may not come until 10-21 days.

How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs

If your dog is diagnosed with ringworm, there is good news because ringworm is curable. As long as you follow quarantine, treatment, and proper cleaning, you should be in the clear. Here’s how to treat ringworm in dogs:

1. Quarantine

Unfortunately, it is necessary to quarantine your dog until their ringworm is cleared up. It’s a highly contagious infection. You need to keep your dog away from any other pets in your home, as well as any other dogs you may have contact with. It’s necessary to limit your dog’s with humans as much as possible, as well.

If possible, quarantine your dog in an area that is easily cleaned. Rooms without carpet or hardwood flooring are ideal. Carpets are hard to deep clean and the fungus can hang around, infecting others. A large bathroom or room with vinyl, ceramic, or porcelain flooring is much easier to clean.

2. Topical Treatment

Your vet will probably recommend a topical treatment in the form of bathing. This is the easiest way to cover your dog’s entire body with the treatment. This will help kill the fungus and prevent cross-contamination.

There are two popular types of treatment options: Lime Sulfur dips and antifungal shampoos. Lime Sulfur dips are the most effective at killing the fungus. However, these are quite messy and smelly so most dog owners have these dips done at a vet’s office.

Antifungal shampoos are paired with a disinfectant like chlorhexidine to get rid of ringworm. These need to be used twice a week to be effective until the fungus is gone.

Other ointments and creams are not effective in getting rid of ringworm. Some people have suggested shaving a dog can help in the process of getting rid of ringworm. This isn’t recommended, however, as shaving may cause microabrasions. These abrasions can make it harder to clear up ringworm and increase the risk of infection.

3. Oral Treatments

Oral treatments may also be used. These can prevent ringworm from reproducing and spreading. Most vets recommend both oral and topical treatments used in tandem for the best results. If you’re struggling to administer oral medication, a great tip for giving your dog medication is to hide it in their food or a treat.

There are many different oral treatment options available. They may cause various side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common.

4. Decontamination

It’s very important to deeply clean your home after a bout of ringworm. Ringworm spreads incredibly easily and infected dogs shed the fungus constantly. Your dog will become reinfected if you do not clean every relax your dog has been in.

You’ll need to use an effective disinfectant when cleaning. A diluted bleach solution or accelerated hydrogen peroxide will help kill the fungus. Be sure to clean every surface with dish soap and water solution first, then follow up with the disinfectant.

Steaming and vacuuming your floors are also highly recommended and be sure to disinfect your steamer and vacuum afterwards. Wash any dog beds, sofa cushions, or rugs that your dog may have come into contact with. Wash and dry in a high heat, if possible. These are also great home cleaning tips for dog owners who aren’t experiencing ringworm

When cleaning or coming into contact with your dog, be sure to wear disposable gloves. This will prevent the spread of ringworm to you or anyone else.

How is Ringworm Transmitted?

Transmission of ringworm is caused by direct contact with the fungus. This may occur between dogs, humans, or even infected surfaces.

Ringworm fungal spores can lie dormant for as long as 18 months. They can remain on combs, brushes, food bowls, water bowls, furniture, carpet, and bedding. However, contact with the fungus does not always guarantee an infection.

Is Ringworm in Dogs Contagious?

Unfortunately, ringworm is contagious. Any species of domesticated animals can catch ringworm. Other dogs, cats, and livestock are all at risk if your dog becomes infected. Humans can also become infected.

How Long Will My Dog Be Contagious?

If your dog becomes infected with ringworm, they will remain contagious for about three weeks as long as you pursue aggressive treatment. If you only perform minimal treatment and do not comply with prescription treatment, the infection will remain a lot longer.

It’s very important during this time to minimize exposure to other household pets and humans during this contagious period. After your dog has two negative fungal cultures, they will be considered no longer contagious.

What Happens With Untreated Ringworm in Dogs?

Ringworm may go away if left untreated. However, it is imperative that you get treatment for your dog’s ringworm as soon as you notice the symptoms.

If you leave ringworm untreated, it can spread to the rest of your dog’s skin and cause a host of other skin problems. Since ringworm can be why your dog is so itchy, your dog may scratch too much, which can lead to broken skin that is also vulnerable to infections.

Infections may exacerbate other conditions or other medical issues your dog may be experiencing. It is very important to get a diagnosis from your veterinarian and pursue treatment for ringworm.

Treating ringworm is also necessary in mitigating the spread to other pets or humans. This is why it’s important to quarantine your dog as much as possible until negative cultures come back and they’re in the clear. Do not stop treatment until you have heard from your veterinarian that it is okay to do so.

How to Prevent Ringworm

Thankfully, many owners don’t have to worry about ringworm unless their dog has been in contact with an infected animal. It’s important to recognize the symptoms so you can limit exposure to your dog.

It’s also important to deep clean your home after a ringworm infection. You need to sanitize any surfaces they may come in contact with while infected. This can help prevent reinfection in the future and hopefully will prevent any other humans or animals in the home from being infected as well.

This is just an overview of what to know about ringworm in dogs. Knowing the signs and causes of ringworm can help you identify it and prevent spreading it to other dogs, pets, or humans. Starting treatment as soon as possible will help your dog recover quickly!