Ringworm in Dogs - Cats - Humans

Ringworm is caused by fungus and is a skin disease. Because the lesions are often circular and look like a worm curling up it was named “Ringworm”. The rather confusing name of this disease has nothing to do with a worm though.

Ringworm disease can be caused by different fungi that can affect dogs, but may also infect humans. The fungi live in the hair follicles and cause the hair to break off. Normally it shows as round, hairless patches. If the fungus spreads, the patches might become less worm- shaped and spread all over the animal’s body.

Infection occurs through contact with an infected animal. It can be passed from cats to dogs and vice versa, or from cats to humans to dogs, etc. The fungi can live in bedding or carpets for several months. A thorough cleaning with 1 pint of chlorine bleach in one gallon of water is highly recommended. Children are normally little resistant to this fungus infection, adults are less prone to infection unless they have an open wound, a scratch or a general break in the skin. If you see any suspicious skin lesions on any of your family members, please consult a physician.

Treatments are either done with tablets, anti-fungal ointments and shampoos.

Sometimes an animal’s hair needs to be shaved off. Your vet will determine what treatment, depending on the severity of the infection, is appropriate. For humans, follow your physician’s recommendation.

After starting a treatment the areas of hair loss will get larger before reducing in size, Within 2 weeks at the most the hair loss should stop and no new areas should appear. If you don’t see any improvement in 2 weeks, have your animal checked again by your vet.

Incubation time is about 2 weeks; your animal will be contagious up to 3 weeks AFTER treatment has started. Do not stop treatment earlier than recommended by your vet, the disease might flare up again!

Even uninfected pets in your household should get at least one anti-fungus bath to remove probable fungi spores from their coat that could trigger a new infection or worsen the infection of an already infected animal. You need to get rid of the fungi and the spores to prevent re-occurrences. We highly recommend cleaning your carpets, bedding, etc. (see above).