Ringworm in dogs is quite common. Many other animals, including the human animal are also susceptible to ringworm. It is extremely contagious and easily passes from pet to human or human to pet. Being aware of its symptoms and signs is very important when sharing your home with animals.
Bald spots on your dogs skin is usually an hint of a ringworm infection. Ringworm causes the hair follicles in the infected area to harden and break off at the base. Scratching the rash will likely cause the rash to spread to other areas of the dog's body. If the dog comes into contact with furniture the rash can easily spread to humans from this indirect contact.
If you suspect your dog has ringworm take it to a vet. Your veterinarian can diagnose the fungus’ existence by looking at the skin under a special ultraviolet light or by taking a scraping of the skin and testing it. The test generally takes between one and two weeks to come back with a diagnosis. Your vet will then propose a medication. There are a number of unique treatments available to purge your dog of ringworm. All are easy to do and just take persistence. The incubation period for ringworm is 10 days, which makes it very difficult to fully get rid of the fungus. You need to work hard to disinfect on a unfailing basis so the fungus is completely eliminated. Generally the medication prescribed for your dog should be given on a every day basis. Creams as medication, while recommended for humans, usually do not work on dogs as they tend to lick or rub them off. Anti-fungal shampoos are typically more effective in treating dogs and other animals. Anti-fungal shampoo is the most effective treatment for dogs due to its ability to cover the entire body with the anti-fungal medication. This helps eradicate any existing ringworm fungus spores that may have not yet developed into a observable rash.
As previously mentioned it is essential to treat your house along with your pet dog for ringworm. Wash dog bedding every day with hot water and bleach. Also wash down any areas where your dog may have made contact with object, furniture, fixtures etc. Using the ringworm shampoo on them even if they do not have ringworm will not harm them. The worst thing you can do with ringworm is to not treat it totally. So, when your dog is diagnosed with it, make sure to do everything you need to do everyday and when symptoms subside in your dog, take it back to the vet and have them retest your dog’s hair to ensure that the fungus is in fact gone.
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