Ringworm in dogs, despite its name, isn’t caused by a worm but a fungus. It’s a highly contagious skin disease that can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ringworm is crucial for maintaining your dog’s health and preventing its spread. The fungi responsible for ringworm are called dermatophytes. The most common species affecting dogs are *Microsporum canis*, *Trichophyton mentagrophytes*, and *Microsporum gypseum*. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can survive for extended periods on surfaces like bedding, grooming tools, and furniture. Dogs can contract ringworm through direct contact with an infected animal, contaminated objects, or even from the soil. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. The symptoms of ringworm can vary. The most common presentation is circular patches of hair loss, often accompanied by redness, scaling, and crusting. These lesions are typically found on the face, ears, paws, and tail, but can appear anywhere on the body. The affected areas may be itchy, causing the dog to scratch and further spread the infection. In some cases, the lesions may be subtle or even absent, making diagnosis more challenging. Some dogs may develop more severe symptoms such as kerion, a raised, nodular lesion that can be painful. Claws can also be affected, becoming brittle and deformed. Diagnosing ringworm requires veterinary examination. The most common diagnostic methods include: * **Visual Examination:** A veterinarian can often suspect ringworm based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. * **Wood’s Lamp Examination:** A Wood’s lamp emits ultraviolet light. While not all ringworm fungi fluoresce, *Microsporum canis* (the most common cause in dogs) will often glow a bright apple-green color under the lamp. However, a negative result doesn’t rule out ringworm. * **Microscopic Examination:** A veterinarian can collect hair and skin scales from the affected area and examine them under a microscope for the presence of fungal spores. * **Fungal Culture:** This is the most accurate method of diagnosing ringworm. A sample of hair and skin is collected and placed on a special culture medium. If ringworm fungi are present, they will grow and can be identified. This method takes several days to weeks to yield results. Treatment for ringworm usually involves a combination of topical and oral antifungal medications. Topical treatments such as antifungal shampoos, creams, and ointments are applied directly to the affected areas. Shaving the hair around the lesions can help the medication penetrate the skin more effectively. Oral antifungal medications are often prescribed for more severe or widespread infections. These medications work from the inside out to kill the fungus. Decontamination of the environment is crucial to prevent reinfection and spread to other animals and humans. This includes thorough cleaning and disinfection of bedding, grooming tools, furniture, and other surfaces that the infected dog has come into contact with. Washing all bedding in hot water with bleach, vacuuming frequently, and disinfecting hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution can help eliminate fungal spores. Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. People can contract ringworm through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects. Symptoms in humans typically include itchy, red, circular patches on the skin. If you suspect you have ringworm, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Regular hand washing after handling your dog and disinfecting surfaces can help prevent transmission. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for effectively managing ringworm in dogs and preventing its spread. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has ringworm.
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