How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs

How do you treat ringworm in dogs? Ringworm treatment usually requires veterinary guidance, a combination of topical and oral antifungal medications, strict quarantine, and thorough home cleaning to prevent spread to people and other pets. Ringworm is a zoonotic fungal infection, meaning it can infect your dog, other animals, and your family.

At Main Street Veterinary Center in Bartow, FL, our team can help confirm the diagnosis and guide you through treatment. If you suspect ringworm, contact us at (863) 534-9584 for an appointment.

What Is Ringworm in Dogs?

What is ringworm in dogs? Ringworm is not a worm—it is a fungal infection called dermatophytosis. It causes circular skin lesions that are often raised, inflamed, and associated with hair loss. These lesions may be itchy, but itchiness can vary from dog to dog.

Ringworm is highly contagious and persistent. While it is more common in cats, dogs can also become infected.

Common ringworm species in dogs include:

• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

• Microsporum gypseum

• Microsporum canis

What Causes Ringworm in Dogs?

How do dogs get ringworm? Ringworm spreads through direct contact with the fungus or contact with contaminated objects. Not every dog exposed to ringworm becomes infected—certain conditions must align for infection to occur.

Common causes of ringworm in dogs include:

• Weaker immune systems, including dogs that act as “asymptomatic carriers,” which can spread infection to pets or people

• Spores in the environment, such as soil where a dog digs or plays

• Contact with contaminated grooming tools, food or water bowls, furniture, dog beds, or shared toys

• Skin wounds or irritation such as open scratches, flea-related skin issues, or chronic skin conditions

• Direct contact with an infected animal or person

Ringworm spores can survive in the environment for at least eighteen months. Skin lesions usually appear about one to three weeks after exposure. Dogs may be exposed in places like shelters or kennels, especially during long-term stays.

What Are the Signs of Ringworm in Dogs?

What does ringworm look like on a dog? Ringworm can cause a wide range of skin and coat changes. While it is not typically life-threatening, it requires veterinary care to treat the infection and prevent spread.

Common signs of ringworm in dogs include:

• Patchy or circular hair loss (alopecia)

• Darkened or red skin

• Dandruff or flaky skin

• Broken hairs

• Inflammation around the circular lesion

• Hair regrowth inside a crusty circular patch

• Raised circular regions

• Rough or brittle nails

Ringworm may or may not be itchy. Ringworm can also infect the nail beds and claw folds, which may cause nail deformities.

How Is Ringworm Treated in Dogs?

How is ringworm treated in dogs? Ringworm is treatable, but it needs aggressive management. Treatment usually focuses on clearing the infection in the dog and preventing environmental spread to other pets and people.

Ringworm treatment may include:

• Quarantine

• Topical antifungal treatments

• Oral antifungal medications

• Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the home

Quarantine

Because ringworm is zoonotic, your dog should be confined to a separate area of your home. This helps protect other pets and family members from exposure.

A large bathroom or another easy-to-clean area is usually best. Rooms with rugs or wood floors should be avoided because they are difficult to disinfect thoroughly. Spores can survive in the environment for six to eighteen months, and with aggressive treatment, infected pets are typically contagious for about three weeks.

Topical Treatments

Topical creams and ointments may be prescribed to treat affected areas. Your veterinarian will give instructions on how often to apply them and for how long.

Your vet may recommend trimming hair around the lesion to make medication application easier. However, shaving long-haired dogs is not recommended because it can cause tiny skin injuries, allowing the fungus to spread further.

Bathing is also an important part of ringworm treatment. Medicated antifungal shampoo helps reduce contamination and prevents infected hairs from spreading the fungus as they shed. Shampoo should typically stay on the coat for about five minutes before rinsing.

Oral Treatments

Oral antifungal medications are often used alongside topical treatments. These medications help stop the fungus from reproducing and spreading.

Veterinarians may recommend oral medication for at least six weeks. Several antifungal drugs may be used depending on your dog’s needs and response to treatment.

Cleaning the Environment

Ringworm spores can remain in the environment for a long time, making home decontamination essential. Your dog sheds hair daily, and infected hairs can spread spores throughout your home.

To reduce contamination, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Thoroughly vacuuming your home and disinfecting the vacuum afterward

• Washing bedding in hot water and drying thoroughly

• Cleaning any areas your dog contacted using a dilute bleach solution

• Cleaning surfaces first with soap (such as liquid dish soap), then disinfecting afterward

The quarantine area should be cleaned carefully and thoroughly. The entire home should also be cleaned and disinfected to reduce spread.

When handling an infected dog, wear disposable gloves and wash hands and clothing after treatment. Gloves should also be used when applying topical medications.

When Should I Call a Veterinarian About Ringworm?

If you suspect ringworm, veterinary guidance is important. Because ringworm is contagious and can spread throughout a home, getting an accurate diagnosis and starting treatment early can help reduce how long your dog stays contagious and limit spread to others.

At Main Street Veterinary Center in Bartow, FL, we can help you diagnose and treat ringworm and provide guidance on keeping your home safe during the treatment process. Call us at (863) 534-9584 or schedule an appointment online.

Conclusion

Ringworm in dogs is most often spread through direct contact with fungal spores or contaminated objects. Dogs with ringworm may develop circular hair loss, inflamed skin, coat changes, and nail issues. While ringworm is treatable, it often requires aggressive veterinary care, quarantine, and thorough cleaning of the home.

If you have questions about ringworm treatment for your dog, Main Street Veterinary Center in Bartow, FL is here to help. Contact us at (863) 534-9584 or make an appointment online today.