Contrary to popular belief, a Ringworm is not at all a worm. Instead, it’s a fungal infection that results in scaly bald patches in rings that keep growing. Ringworm gets its name from the raised, irritated tissue surrounding the infection in humans. If it occurs on the feet, it is known as an athlete’s foot; if it occurs in the groin, it is known as a jock itch.
Although Ringworm does not cause death, it is a bothersome condition that can cause your dog to shed its fur and even spread to you. The most affected age groups are puppies and adult dogs. If they don’t get treatment, they might get ringworm infections all over their bodies. This infection affects both your animal’s health and you too.
Ringworm can be caused by various fungi, but they can all be treated via the same approach. Because a fungus causes Ringworm, specific treatments are needed to eliminate the infection. It can return if you don’t watch out, so it is vital to be careful while treating this issue and focusing on your canine subsequently.
Treating Ringworms in Dogs
Ringworm can be treated in two different ways:
- Oral
- Topical
Topical treatments are typically applied first because Ringworm lives on top of the skin and can be easily treated with ointments or creams. Oral medication is sometimes used in more severe cases or for dogs that get Ringworm regularly.
The following are some treatments for Ringworm in dogs:
- Shave The Affected Region
Ringworm spores tend to live on and in broken hairs, so trimming the fur around your dog’s ringworm infection may help prevent its spread.
The likelihood of hair shedding or breaking reduces when cutting the fur close to the skin. As a result, there is less of a chance that infectious materials will spread throughout the house and trigger a subsequent ringworm outbreak. It may or may not be recommended by all dermatologists. However, check with your dog’s veterinarian to see if this is a treatment that would be beneficial.
- Properly Quarantine the Affected Dog
Ringworm spores can be shed by your dog wherever they go. To this effect, ensure you keep any animals with Ringworm in easy to places to improve your chances of controlling the infection. To reduce the likelihood of the fungus spreading, keep other pets as far away as possible from the infected animal to protect your other animal’s health.
You should also be careful because ringworms can spread to humans. If your dog has Ringworm, keep older people, young children, and anyone else with skin conditions or a weakened immune system away. Keeping your pet in quarantine for the six weeks, or the period it takes to cure Ringworm, will be easier than fighting the infection multiple times.
- Use Anti-Fungal Shampoo To Clean Your Dog’s Fur
Ringworm tends to make the fur in the infected area more fragile and prone to breaking. These broken hairs carry ringworm spores, making them highly infectious.
You can use over-the-counter antifungal shampoos or dips to stop the infection if your dog has been exposed to Ringworm. Although each antifungal shampoo has its own set of directions, using it at least twice a week is generally recommended. However, be sure to adhere to any additional instructions your dog’s veterinarian has provided you with.
- Use Antifungal Creams or Ointments
For ringworm infections that are more localized and less severe, antifungal creams and ointments are a good choice. Shampoos are ineffective when applied to a specific area, whereas these topical solutions are. Additionally, they may aid in reducing the ringworm patch’s spread.
You can get prescription ointments or ask your pet’s veterinarian for over-the-counter antifungal creams they recommend. In either case, the topical treatment will likely need to be applied to your dog’s skin for at least six weeks, if not longer.
The use of a high quality topical spray cream such as HealXcel for Companion Animals can help accelerate the healing process. HealXcel’s proprietary formula features a host of essential oils to provide fast, safe and natural healing. It has a 5 in 1 formula that works as an Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antifungal, Antibacterial and an Antiseptic. You can apply to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day as needed. Your animal will find it soothing and you will find it effective.
