Ringworm Symptoms in Dogs

Ringworms in dogs is a skin disease and is a common dog health problem. It is a type of dog worm that is a result of fungal infection caused by the fungus known as Dermatophyte. This skin disease is characterized by small hairless lesions that can grow and enlarge over a period of time. The fungi usually live on the skin and hair, and causes the hair shaft to break off, which is the reason behind the hairless patches or lesions.

Causes of Dog Ringworm
Canine ringworm is mainly caused by three types of fungus, known as Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Being a highly contagious disease, dog ringworm is caused by direct contact with an infected animal or human. This disease can also spread from an infected dog or other pets to humans. In rare cases, the fungi can spread from soil and cause infection in dogs.

Ringworm Symptoms in Dogs
Appearance of round, oblong or spotted hairless lesions or patches is regarded as the classic symptom of ringworm in dogs. They usually appear on a small area of the skin, mostly on the head, and then gradually enlarge and expand. However, exposure to the fungus may not immediately produce symptoms. It has been found that it may take 10 to 12 days for the ringworm symptoms to appear in dogs.

Sometimes, the skin lesions are also characterized by crusty and scaly skin in the center. Both of these dog ringworm symptoms are however not definitive, as they can be produced by some other conditions as well. Development of small pustules have also been observed on and around the skin lesions. Some other symptoms include itching, redness and inflammation of the affected area. These symptoms are also similar with another condition known as demodectic mange.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Usually, an examination of the lesions, followed by the examination of the infected hair under ultraviolet radiation is carried out to diagnose dog ringworm. The infected hair usually appears fluorescent under this light due to the presence of the fungus. However, this method is not considered as a precise method for accurate diagnosis, as only two fungi species become fluorescent under ultraviolet rays. Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, infected hair is cultured, and this is the most accurate diagnostic test for canine ringworm.

In the initial stage, and in case of small isolated lesions on the skin, anti-fungal creams or ointments can be used for dog ringworm treatment. The commonly used topical ointments include miconazole cream and lotrimin cream. To make these topical ointments more effective, the hair around the lesions should be cut or trimmed closer to the skin. However, make sure that you do not irritate the lesions while doing this.

The topical ointments however, may not be able to provide quick relief. In such situations, oral anti-fungal medications will also be required to be administered. Veterinarians usually prescribe griseofulvin, which can have some side effects. Nowadays, apart from griseofulvin, ketoconazole and itraconazole are used for the treatment of dog ringworms. Along with anti-fungal oral and topical medications, shampoos and dips can prove beneficial in containing the disease. It is better to cut or shorten your dog's hair to enhance the efficacy of shampoos and dips. The most commonly used products for this purpose are chlorhexidine shampoo, miconazole shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo, lime sulfur dips, and chlorhexidine solution. For best results, shampoos and dips need to be applied twice a week. So, sufficient care of the dog needs to be taken to help it recover completely from this disease, and ensure your dog's health.

To ensure prompt treatment of the disease, the ringworm symptoms in dogs should be properly attended to by consulting a veterinarian. It is also important to take sufficient precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease to your family members. So, along with treating your dog, disinfect your house, especially the places which are most favorable to fungal growth.