Ringworm is a common but bothersome skin condition caused by a fungus and it can affect both humans and animals, including dogs. Although it is not life-threatening and it is usually easy to treat, the condition can be disruptive and uncomfortable for your pet. Therefore, it is important to understand how long the condition typically lasts in dogs and how you can help your pet recover quickly and effectively. This blog post aims to provide comprehensive information on the duration of ringworm in dogs and the most efficient treatments for resolving the condition. It will also discuss what you can do to help prevent the condition from recurring. With this information, you can provide your pet with the best possible care and ensure their comfort and wellbeing.
How is ringworm in dogs treated?
Combining topical therapy (the application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic therapy (the ingestion of anti-fungal medications) is the most typical method of treating ringworm in dogs. Elimination of all environmental contamination is necessary for treatment to be effective. After the start of treatment, ringworm cultures will be repeated to check on your pet’s infection status.
Unless your veterinarian has advised you to stop the treatment, DO NOT stop it. If you stop your treatment too soon, the fungus may come back.
Try to keep sick and healthy pets apart if there are multiple pets in the home, and only treat the sick ones. It might be preferable to treat all the animals in some circumstances. Your veterinarian will give you advice on the best course of action based on your unique situation.
Topical Therapy Although topical therapy is occasionally used alone to treat ringworm, it is more frequently combined with oral medications. There are numerous creams and ointments with miconazole (Micaved®), terbinafine (Lamisil®), or clotrimazole (Otomax® or Otibiotic®) that can be used to treat localized ringworm outbreaks on the skin. These are frequently helped by using a shampoo with a chlorhexidine + miconazole base or a lime-sulfur dip that can be applied twice weekly.
Your dog’s veterinarian may advise shaving all of your dog’s hair, just small patches of hair (if only one or two areas are affected), or both. It is crucial to only apply topical treatments for dogs that have been specifically provided or advised by your veterinarian. Typically, several weeks to several months of topical treatment will be required.
Oral Treatment In the majority of ringworm cases, an oral antifungal medication is necessary for effective treatment. Although more recent medications like itraconazole (Itrafungol®, Sporanox®, Onmel®), or terbinafine are being used more frequently and are frequently preferred because they have fewer side effects, griseofulvin (Fulvicin®, Gris-Peg®, Grisovin®) is the most widely used drug for this purpose. Each dog responds differently to treatment, and if it is stopped too soon, the illness may return. Treatment typically lasts at least six weeks, and in some cases, much longer therapy is necessary.
Environmental Cleaning Infected hairs can release a large number of microscopic fungal spores into the environment. Direct contact with an infected dog or exposure to fungus spores in a contaminated environment are the two main ways that other animals and humans can become infected. Keeping the environment free of spores is crucial, in addition to avoiding direct contact with infected dogs. Cutting the hair short (and properly discarding it) and treating affected skin areas with topical antifungal medications may help to lessen environmental contamination. Pet hair should never be left on furniture or floors because it might contain fungus spores. Restricting the dog to the house’s easy-to-clean rooms is worthwhile.
Cleaning every room or area your dog can access thoroughly with damp rags or a vacuum cleaner on a daily basis will help reduce environmental contamination. Where it is feasible to use it, a solution of one pint of chlorine bleach (500 ml) and one gallon of water (4 liters) can be used to kill fungus spores.
What are the treatment options for ringworm?
Oral medications as well as a variety of lotions, sprays, and shampoos can easily treat ringworm. As soon as you notice any symptoms in your dog or other pets, visit the vet if they have a history of skin conditions. Your veterinarian might suggest treating all of your dogs simultaneously, depending on the severity of the infection. Hair loss, rashes, and other symptoms brought on by ringworm can make the condition appear to be another illness to the untrained eye. There are several efficient treatments available if you think your dog may have ringworm.
Your dog’s ringworm condition will vary in severity, so your veterinarian will help you choose the best treatment. The following are the most common treatments for ringworm:
Direct contact with an infected animal or a contaminated object are the two main ways that ringworm is spread. Ringworm can remain on surfaces or get caught in the fibers of carpets, curtains, and linens if they are not cleaned.
Even if there are no overt symptoms, a pet may be a ringworm carrier. Because ringworm spores are hardy and may persist in the environment for a long time, confine your dog with the condition to one room while you administer treatment. If you treat your dog but don’t get rid of the virus in your house, your dog might get sick once more. Soft furnishings and carpets should be steam cleaned or thoroughly vacuumed on a regular basis to get rid of the spores. Disinfectants should be used to clean any other things. Consult your veterinarian about which disinfectants are effective.
What are the symptoms of ringworm in dogs?
Although ringworm is not life-threatening, it is extremely contagious and must be treated by a veterinarian to stop it from spreading. Symptoms of ringworm often include the following:
In rare cases, dogs develop nodular dermatophytosis (kerion). Additionally, an infection of the claw folds and nails may result in brittle or malformed nails.
Inflamed skin, hair loss, and changes in coat appearance can be a sign of another condition such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or a nutrient imbalance. These symptoms can also signal skin conditions like allergies, a different infection, or a parasite.
If you observe any of these ringworm clinical signs, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian as soon as you can.
FAQ
How long does it take to get rid of ringworms on a dog?
Treatment typically lasts at least six weeks, and in some cases, much longer therapy is necessary. Numerous microscopic fungal spores are present in infected hairs, and these spores can be shed into the environment.
How do I know if my dogs ringworm is healing?
Recovery of Ringworm in Dogs Don’t be alarmed if you notice that areas of hair loss persist or worsen after treatment. This is normal. After two weeks, the patches should start to diminish in size and the hair should begin to grow back. If you are not seeing improvement, let the veterinarian know.
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.
What is the fastest way to treat ringworm on a dog?
You can use over-the-counter antifungal shampoos or dips if your dog has been exposed to ringworm to possibly stop the infection in its tracks. There are specific instructions for each antifungal shampoo, but generally speaking, it functions best when used at least twice a week.