Have a fabulous Christmas (and please do spare a thought for all of our hard-working drivers at this hectic time… they’re doing their best!).

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Why is it so good? Well, here’s a few of our lovely customers’ opinions:

“Speedy delivery and it really works on my giddy, anxious boy. Much calmer.” Pam from Notts.

“Absolutely amazing..” Paul from Northumberland.

“Arrived quickly. Only just started using this on my dog at night, seems to calm her already which she needed.” Kerry from Suffolk.

“The Hemp Oil is certainly helping and perhaps soothing Polly’s joints. Its calming properties must be helping with her sleep.” Sandra from Glasgow.

The science: Hemp seed oil has an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids at 3:1. These are essential fatty acids that your dog can’t produce on their own, and needs to get through their diet, so hemp seed oil is an excellent source. Plus, omega 3 can help with anxiety by reducing inflammation, regulating brain neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and lowering stress hormones.

But then… we guess you already knew that!

We wish you all the best with the upcoming festivities for you and your furry friends, and as always, do get in touch with any advice, feedback and general thoughts. We love to hear from you!

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1. What Is Ringworm and Why the Misleading Name?

Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a skin infection caused by fungi known as dermatophytes and is commonly referred to as dermatophytosis.

These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments—and they’re found not just on animals, but in soil, on surfaces, and on everyday items like bedding and grooming tools.

2. Who’s at Risk?

While any dog can contract ringworm, certain factors increase the risk:

• Puppies, senior dogs, or those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.

• Broken or inflamed skin, such as from grooming injuries, allergies, or other skin issues, offers an entry point for infection.

• Warm, humid environments, overcrowding, or poor hygiene can help spores survive longer and spread more easily.

3. Recognising the Signs of Ringworm

Dogs with ringworm may display one or more of these signs:

• Hair loss: Often in circular or irregular patches.

• Red, crusty, flaky, or scaly skin: These patches may be slightly raised or inflamed.

• Fragile or broken hair: Hair may snap off easily or shed as if clipped.

• Itchiness or secondary infections: Dogs may scratch, lick, or develop bacterial skin issues.

• Changes in claws: Nails may become brittle, deformed, or discoloured.

Common locations for ringworm patches include the paws, legs, head, ears, tail, and occasionally claws.

4. Why Prompt Diagnosis Is Key

Ringworm is highly contagious—it spreads from animal to animal, and yes, to humans too. It can be passed on via direct contact or through contaminated items like bedding, brushes, toys, and carpets that can harbour spores for up to two years.

If you suspect ringworm, contact your vet promptly.

5. How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?

Vets typically use the following diagnostic methods:

• Wood’s lamp (UV light): Some ringworm species fluoresce under UV light—commonly Microsporum canis—but the test only works in about half of cases.

• Microscopic examination: Hairs and skin scrapings are analysed for fungal elements.

• Fungal culture: Considered the most reliable, cultures take days to weeks to show results but can confirm infection and often identify the species involved.

6. Treatment Options: What to Expect

A combination of topical and systemic treatments is often the most effective approach:

Topical Therapies

• Medicated shampoos, dips, creams, or ointments containing antifungal agents such as miconazole, clotrimazole, or lime-sulphur help clear surface-level infection.

• Frequent bathing—often 1–2 times per week—is usually required for several weeks.

Oral (Systemic) Medications

• Vets may prescribe antifungal tablets such as terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole for moderate to severe cases.

• Treatment typically extends for several weeks, as prescribed by your vet. Stopping early may result in recurrence.

Hair Clipping

• Removing fur from affected patches boosts efficacy of topical treatments and reduces environmental contamination.

7. Environmental Decontamination: Don’t Skip This Step

Even if your dog recovers, spores can linger in the environment. Proper disinfection is essential:

• Restrict your dog to one room during treatment.

• Vacuum thoroughly, including carpets and sofas—dispose of vacuum contents carefully or clean the dust collector thoroughly.

• Steam-clean or bleach-wash soft furnishings, bedding, toys, and tools. Non-washable items may need to be discarded.

• Use approved disinfectants, and follow your vet’s recommendation. Consider using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) solutions for hard surfaces.

• Continue home cleaning throughout the treatment period to prevent reinfection.

8. Can Humans Get It From the Dog?

Absolutely. Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can easily infect people—especially those with broken skin, weakened immunity, or conditions like eczema.

Precautions to reduce risk:

• Wear gloves and an apron when handling your dog.

• Wash hands thoroughly, especially after contact or treating the dog.

• Keep children and immunocompromised individuals away from infected pets.

• If someone develops suspicious skin patches, they should see their GP promptly.

9. Recovery and Outlook

With appropriate veterinary treatment and thorough cleaning:

• Most cases resolve within a few weeks to several months.

• Some dogs may develop natural immunity after recovery, though re-infection is possible, especially in contaminated environments.

• Persistent or recurring infections may indicate underlying health issues requiring further investigation.

10. Prevention Tips: Stay Vigilant

While it’s impossible to eliminate exposure entirely, you can reduce risk with the following:

• Maintain a healthy skin barrier—address allergies, wounds, or skin irritations promptly.

• Groom regularly and clean grooming tools between sessions.

• Keep your home clean, especially if you live with other pets.

• Use reputable breeders or kennels that prioritise hygiene and health checks.

• Vet check-ups: Early vet visits often catch skin issues before they worsen.

Summary Table: Quick Reference

Ringworm in dogs may be persistent and challenging, but with informed, prompt action—by combining veterinary care and diligent environmental hygiene—you can guide your dog back to healthy skin and keep everyone in the household protected.

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We’re incredibly proud to support Dogs for Autism, a remarkable charity changing lives through assistance dogs. But our partnership goes beyond just organisational support – we’re also helping a very special dog behind the scenes: Dhoon, the trusted companion of the charity’s CEO.

Dhoon is an eight-year-old chocolate Labrador who’s not only served as a working assistance dog, but also as a beloved ambassador for Dogs for Autism. A few years ago, Dhoon experienced an unfortunate accident when a radiator fell and injured his leg. Since then, signs of stiffness began to emerge, particularly when rising from rest or during long walks. He would shift his weight uncomfortably from one front paw to the other – subtle, but telling.

That’s where our Senior Joint Supplement came in.

Thanks to our partnership with Dogs for Autism, Dhoon was able to try our joint support formula – and the results have been transformational. According to the CEO, Dhoon now moves with ease, no longer shifting his weight or showing signs of discomfort. While his vet ruled out arthritis, it was clear he wasn’t fully comfortable – until now.

She shared that whenever they briefly run out of supplements, the difference is immediate. “Without the support of the supplements, he starts to struggle again on his front legs,” she said. “It’s been an amazing transformation for him.”

We’re honored that our product is not only helping the wider Dogs for Autism community but also making a difference in the life of the charity’s most loyal team member. Here’s to keeping Dhoon happy, healthy, and moving with ease – because every dog deserves to live their best life.

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