Last Updated on August 4, 2024 by Ali Hamza
Unlike the name advises, ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin rather than a worm or parasitic infestation. Ringworm is a general and highly contagious skin situation in dogs and other animals that can spread to their owners, so successful treatment is required to stop its spread.
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Sings of ringworm in dogs
Ringworm in dogs can be asymptomatic or look like other skin problems. Clinical signs of ringworm contain:
- Patches of hair loss
- Inflamed, red skin
- Dry, flaky skin
- Scaly or scabbed patches of skin
- Brittle or broken hair
- Rash
- Abnormal hair or nail growth
- Itchy skin
Skin lesions from ringworm generally begin little, and happen in any shape. They do not have to be ring-shaped or circular. A dog can still have ringworm without having hair loss or skin lesions.
How is ringworm caught and spread?
Ringworm is caused by different fungal species that spread via fungal spores in the atmosphere and are carried by infected animals and people. Infective fungal spores are shed along with skin cells and pet hair, and other pets can be exposed when they share grooming tools, bedding, or towels. Ringworm spores thrive in hot, damp atmosphere such as showers and soil. While any dog can catch ringworm, puppies under a year old, adult dogs, some breeds such as Yorkshire Terries, are some susceptible to ringworm than other dog breeds.
How to detect ringworm with the help of UV light
The Arkfeld UV flashlight is a device that uses UV light to detect ringworm and other substances. It is designed to be a versatile tool for different applications, including:
Ringworm detection
The UV light in the Arkfeld UV torch helps detect ringworm by illuminating the fungus, which fluorescence under UV light. This technique is helpful for identifying infected areas on humans and pets.
Other applications
The UV light can be used for different other jobs such as:
Fluorescent agent detection: Detecting fluorescent substances like fluorescent minerals, counterfeit money, or insects.
Other applications
The UV light can also be used for various other tasks such as:
Florescent agent detection: Detecting fluorescent substances like fluorescent minerals, counterfeit money, or insects.
Stain detection: identifying that are invisible under general light.
Hotel cleanliness checking: Make sure hotel rooms are clean by detecting hidden substances or stains
Daily lighting: Providing a best source of light for daily use
What to do if your dog has ringworm infection?
Discuss to a vet any time you notice an abnormality in your dog’s fur or skin. This permits for a right diagnosis of the situation, which helps direct successful treatment. Many other skin conditions and infections have similar signs as ringworm and each has its own treatment. Your veterinarian is the top expert to help clear your dog’s infection safely and fully. If a ringworm infection is verified, consider getting yourself and other parts and people in the family tested as well.
How to protect your dog
Ringworms feed on a protein called as keratin, found in hair and upper layers of the skin. This fungal issue thrives in areas with lots of heat and moisture. This is why more dogs tend to get ringworms during the hottest seasons or in homes where the heater is forever running.
Ringworms are very contagious. They can move from dogs to humans and back quite easily. As stated earlier, the most general technique of transmission is through direct contact with an infected person or animal or a contaminated surface.
The top way to stop from your dog from getting ringworms, so, is to keep them out of such conditions. If you have to keep your canine friend for some time in a kennel, make sure the facility is regularly spotlessly and disinfected clean.
Also, remember the ringworm spores can remain latent but alive for many months on the skin and other objects and surfaces. You should wash all of your dog’s beddings, toys, and other accessories such as collars, harness, and leashes. Vacuum your carpets frequently and avoid contact with infected people and animal.
You should also ask your veterinarian to advise the most successful medicating shampoo for your pet. This will reduce the danger of the ringworm spores remaining alive and re-infecting your animal companion. You should also bear in mind that your pet can get ringworms many times.
FAQs
Successful, complete treatment of ringworm takes a long time, and varies depending on the individual dog and how extreme the infection is at the time of diagnosis. It generally takes a minimum of 6 weeks and generally needs many months for dogs to completely clear a ringworm infection. For successful treatment, work with a vet and follow their advice. Forever give all drugs as directed and complete the full course as prescribed. Do not share doses between animals and do not prevent the drug just because symptoms appear to be resolved.
Ringworm is very contagious and generally spread through direct contact with an infected animal. If you have touched a dog with ringworm, the CDC advises fully washing your hands with hot water and soap. Change and wash your clothes to stop spreading spores to other animals or people. If symptoms appear, talk to your doctor.
Ringworm infections can go away own their own in fit dogs, but this is uncommon. Due to the contagious nature of ringworm, it is top to get your dog treated, disinfect your home, and isolate the affected pet to stop the spread of ringworm to other people and pets in the household.
Ringworm is extremely contagious and easily spreads between animals and from pets to people. Young kids, the elderly, and those are weak have an increased risk of contracting ringworm, though any person can become infected.
