Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm may sound like a creepy-crawly parasite, but believe it or not, it’s not a worm at all—it’s a fungal infection. In veterinary terms, it’s known as dermatophytosis, an infection that can affect your dog’s skin, hair, claws—and sadly, it can also be passed on to humans. Let’s take a deep dive into what causes it, how to spot it, the diagnosis and treatment process, and how to keep your home safe and clean.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Summary Table: Quick Reference

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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.