A stubborn infection that nobody wants, Ringworm is unfortunately something that anyone can catch. Cats, dogs, and people alike are all susceptible to it, and regardless of what the name implies, the infection isn’t actually a worm at all. What is Ringworm? And more importantly, how can it be treated and prevented?
Understanding Ringworm
The technical term for Ringworm is dermatophytosis. This is a fungal infection that affects the nails, skin and/or hair. The infection is more common in young mammals and is more likely to be diagnosed in long-haired breeds.
What are the symptoms of Ringworm?
The infection is associated with an array of symptoms but carriers if the fungal infection can also be asymptomatic sometimes. This means that your dog, for instance, can carry the infection without being affected by it and still be contagious. Here are some of the most common symptoms observed in dogs and cats:
- Itchiness
- Darkened skin
- Hair loss
- Breakdown of the fur’s quality
- Red skin
- Scaly or crusty skin
- Lesions
- Brittle nails
It’s super important to get in touch with your vet ASAP if you notice any of these Ringworm symptoms in your pet.
How do pets get Ringworm?
In dogs and cats, the condition is most frequently caught through direct physical contact with other animals or people that have the infection. It also spreads through contact with contaminated objects, like crates, bedding, brushes and toys.
In order to determine if your pet has Ringworm, your vet might take a fungal culture test on fur or skin scales. They might also do a skin biopsy or examine your pet’s hair under a microscope.
How is the condition treated?
Your pet might not need to be admitted to the overnight clinic facilities, but your vet will prescribe medication to treat the Ringworm. Your pet will also need to be quarantined since the infection can spread quickly among cats and dog. If the condition is severe, your vet might recommend shaving your pet.
Can Ringworm be prevented?
Preventing Ringworm is basically all about putting a few more hygiene practices into place. Here are some tips:
- Wash your laundry (and your pet’s bedding) with sanitizer additive
- Spray all the surfaces in your home with bleach or animal disinfectant
- Vacuum your upholstery
- Keep infected animals quarantined until they are no longer contagious
- Wear disposable gloves when handling infected pets
- Wash your skin and clothes after encountering infected pets
