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Contrary to what its name suggests, ringworm is not a worm at all—which is a little less alarming for most of us—but rather a fungal infection caused by a species of fungi known as dermatophytes. It produces a ring-like pattern of red marks on the skin, hence its misleading name. Ringworm can affect humans, dogs, cats, and other animals, but can they spread it to one another?
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It seems that getting a parasite would be much worse than getting a virus or bacteria. There is good news if worms terrify you—ringworm is a fungus, not a worm. The bad news is that ringworm can spread from dogs to people and is highly contagious.
In dogs, ringworm typically appears as a circular patch of hair loss that is either bare, dry-looking skin, or it may be inflamed or scabbed. While ringworm lesions typically do not itch on dogs, this is not the case for humans, as evidenced by the brittle, easily broken hair around the lesions.
Human ringworm typically appears as a red, circular rash on the skin. Even if you’ve never heard of ringworm before, you’ve probably heard of it by its other names, such as athlete’s foot or jock itch. It can be quite itchy. In other words, one of the main causes of shower shoes being worn in public restrooms is ringworm.
Since ringworm is a fungus, spores are how it spreads. Direct contact with an infected animal or person, as well as indirect contact with a spore left in the environment, are the two main ways that people and dogs acquire these spores.
For instance, if a dog with ringworm sleeps on the couch, she will leave behind spores that are clinging to her fragile hair. You unknowingly expose yourself to the infection the next time you sit on the couch. In a home where there is ringworm, bedding, carpets, grooming supplies, food bowls, and clothing can all spread the disease. Even worse, the spores can remain contagious for up to 18 months.
Ringworms feed on keratin, a protein that is present in hair and the top layers of skin. There is plenty of moisture and heat where this fungus grows. Because of this, dogs are more likely to develop ringworms in the summer or in homes with constantly on heaters.
The affected dog’s skin’s outer layer and hair follicles are home to the fungus, which also thrives there. Sometimes it lives and grows in the nails. The infection will typically only affect a few spots on your dog’s body and is typically superficial. However, some puppies, older dogs, and canines with weakened immune systems may experience a more pervasive ringworm infection.
You can visit Madison Animal Care Hospital at our office in Huntsville or Madison, Alabama, in case of an emergency. You can also call (256) 461-7575 or (256) 715-8389.
Additionally, you ought to ask your vet for advice on the best dog medicating shampoo. By doing this, the possibility of the ringworm spores living on and reinfecting your animal companion is reduced. Additionally, keep in mind that your dog may experience multiple cases of ringworm.
Therefore, keeping your dog out of these circumstances is the best way to prevent them from developing ringworms. If you must keep your dog in a kennel for a while, make sure the place is always sanitized and immaculate.
Can Dogs Get Ringworm From Humans?
Yes, both you and your dog can contract ringworm from each other. But giving it to other humans and dogs is much more typical among humans. Direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, locker room surfaces, or bedding, can result in infection. The good news is that ringworm is easily treatable and rarely causes complications, and you can take precautions to prevent spreading it to your dog or other pet.
Unfortunately, you and your dog can both contract the contagious fungal infection known as ringworm. However, it is not a serious condition, and you can both receive treatment for it as soon as symptoms appear. Symptoms of ringworm include:
Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through contact with infected dogs’ paws or objects. It can linger for several months on bedding, furniture, food bowls, carpets, surfaces, chew toys, and personal items. Ringworm fungus especially likes warm, moist places where it thrives. It is frequently picked up in kennels with lots of dogs, usually including carriers who don’t show any symptoms. Adult dogs and humans may be immune to the infection, but a significant exposure, a skin break, or a compromised immune system may cause an infection to spread. Puppies and children are more likely to develop the condition.
Between a few days and a few weeks pass during the incubation period following infection exposure.
Your dog’s ringworm infection may be identified by your veterinarian based on symptoms, particularly if the distinctive ring pattern is present. With ultraviolet light, which causes the infected skin to glow yellow-green under the light, ringworm infections can be identified. Taking a sample of skin and culturing it to see if the ringworm fungus grows is the best method for diagnosis. Additional blood and urine tests, as well as ruling out other possible causes of the rash, may be necessary.
Learn more about this condition and consult our on-staff veterinarians at
FAQ
Is ringworm contagious from dog to dog?
How is Dog Ringworm Spread? Dog ringworm is spread by coming into contact with the fungus. When a dog comes into contact with an infected person or animal, or touches a contaminated object like a couch, comb, food bowls, bedding, or carpet, this may occur.
Can I touch my dog if he has ringworm?
Dogs with ringworm are contagious to humans. Do not handle your dog and then touch your skin if your dog has ringworm or if you have reason to believe they do. Wash your hands after each contact, and contact your doctor if you notice any red, spherical, itchy spots on your own skin.
Can ringworm be passed to other dogs?
Infected dogs shed the microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. By sniffing or licking infected feces, other dogs may catch the infection. Other animals like rodents, earthworms, cockroaches, and birds can also spread roundworm eggs.
How fast does ringworm spread on a dog?
Lesions on the dog’s body may spread and take on an irregular shape as the fungus grows. The incubation period is 10 to 12 days. This indicates that infection and fungus exposure take place 10–12 days before lesions appear.