Remedies for Ringworm in Dogs

First things first: Ringworm in dogs is caused by a fungus, not a worm, as its name might suggest. Dogs can pick up this fungal infection from contaminated environments, other animals, or even people — meaning, it’s pretty common. The fungus thrives in warm, moist places, which makes your pup especially vulnerable if they love playing in damp or dirty areas. You’ll notice signs like scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes red or irritated skin. 

The good news? With the proper care, most dogs recover quickly. Treatment often includes oral antifungal medications and good hygiene. 

What is ringworm?

Ringworm in dogs (or dermatophytosis) is a fungal infection that can affect your dog’s hair, skin, and even nails. While any dog can catch ringworm, puppies, older dogs, or those with weakened immune systems are more prone to it. The infection spreads through contact with contaminated animals, humans, or objects. Thankfully, with timely treatment, dogs with ringworm can recover and return to their happy, healthy selves.

What does ringworm look like?

Ringworm can be easy to miss at first, but it becomes more evident as an infection progresses. It most commonly appears as circular patches of hair loss that might have a rough, scaly, or crusty texture. “If you see round, crusty hairless regions as small as around one-fourth of an inch — anywhere on the body but commonly found on the face, back, neck, and legs — set up a veterinary appointment ASAP,” says Dr. Gabre Denton, a veterinarian and pet training coach. These spots can vary in size and are often seen on the head, ears, front legs, or paws. But the truth is that ringworms can pop up anywhere on your dog’s body.

What’s tricky is that ringworm can sometimes be confused with other skin issues such as mange or allergies. Along with the hair loss, you might notice the skin underneath looking inflamed or reddish, forming a ringworm rash that can be pretty uncomfortable for your pup.

How do dogs get ringworm?

There are several ways dogs can get ringworm. Since it’s highly contagious, it’s easier for them to pick up than you might think. This fungal infection spreads through contact with infected animals, people, or contaminated objects such as bedding, grooming tools, and furniture. Whether your pup loves exploring the outdoors, visiting the dog park, or meeting new friends at a doggy daycare, they can come into contact with the fungus almost anywhere. 

Ringworm thrives in warm, damp environments, making it common in kennels or areas where many animals gather. It’s essential to be mindful of where your dog spends time and to keep their environment clean. 

Ringworm symptoms

When recognizing ringworm in dogs, there is a range of symptoms to watch for. Since ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair/fur, and nails, the signs can initially be subtle, then become more noticeable over time. 

Understanding the symptoms can help you catch the infection early and get your dog the proper treatment. But it’s important to note that some dogs may carry the ringworm fungus without showing obvious symptoms, making it difficult to detect. Here is what to look out for.

Circular patches of hair loss

One of the most recognizable symptoms of ringworm is circular areas of hair loss, often with scaly, crusty skin underneath. These patches typically appear on the head, ears, paws, and front legs but can occur anywhere on your dog’s body. They often form in ring-like shapes, which is how this condition got its name.

Rough or brittle fur

Ringworm affects the health of your dog’s coat, making it look dry, rough, or patchy. You might notice the fur around infected areas becoming more brittle or breaking off easily when touched or brushed.

Inflamed or red skin

In addition to hair loss, the skin beneath the infected area might look inflamed, irritated, or reddish. These patches can become uncomfortable for your dog, especially if you find them in regions that rub against collars or harnesses.

Excessive scratching or licking 

While some dogs don’t seem bothered by ringworm, others may show itchiness. You might see your dog scratching at, biting, or licking the infected areas more than usual, which can cause the skin to become more irritated and lead to additional infections.

Flaky skin

Another common symptom is dry, flaky skin around the infected areas, which may look like dandruff. This flakiness can spread if not treated, leading to discomfort and additional irritation for your dog.

Abnormal nails

In some cases, ringworm can even affect a dog’s nails, causing them to thicken, become brittle, malformed, or break more quickly than usual. This can be incredibly uncomfortable for your dog when walking or running.

How do vets diagnose ringworm in dogs?

When diagnosing ringworm in dogs, your vet has a few reliable methods that can confirm the infection. This includes using a special UV light called a Wood’s lamp that can illuminate an infection, or a fungal culture test, where they process a hair sample in a culture to see if ringworm will grow there. The fungal culture method is the most accurate means of diagnosing ringworm, but it can take up to three weeks to complete.

Ringworm treatment options

Treating ringworm in dogs is possible. With the right approach, your dog will return to their playful self in no time. Since ringworm is a fungal infection, a multi-step treatment plan is a must to clear it up entirely, says Dr. Denton. Your vet will typically recommend a combination of treatments that target the infection on your dog’s skin and in the surrounding environment, to prevent it from spreading to other pets or people. 

Treating ringworm can take several weeks, even if the symptoms start to improve early on. “Towards the end of the initial treatment phase, lesions are retested to ensure the infection has cleared. Multiple re-tests are standard practice, as ringworm can be very persistent,” says Dr. Denton.

The key is consistency: ensuring your dog continues with the full course of treatment to eliminate the fungus and prevent a recurrence. Below are the most common treatment options.

Oral antifungal medication

Your vet may prescribe oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine or itraconazole to treat the infection from the inside out. These ringworm medications target the fungus directly and help speed up recovery, especially when used in combination with topical treatments. If the infection is localized and your dog’s fur is long, trimming the fur around the affected areas can help topical treatments better penetrate and reduce the chances of spreading the fungus to other body parts.

Topical treatments

Your vet might suggest twice-weekly lime sulfur dips for widespread infections. These medicated dips can have a strong odor, result in skin dryness, and leave a yellow discoloration. Still, due to their residual activity, they’re very effective at killing fungal spores and helping your dog recover. 

Alternatively, some vets may recommend a shampoo or rinse, but either option should contain both miconazole and chlorhexidine medications. “The lesions are shaved down, then medicated shampoo is applied for five to 10 minutes every one to three days for several weeks to months,” says Dr. Denton. In addition to dipping, bathing, or rinsing, topical creams and ointments may also be applied directly to the affected areas — these will help soothe the skin or relieve itching, but are often ineffective in treating the infection itself.

Natural ringworm treatments

If your dog has ringworm, several natural treatments may reduce irritation, but they must be used alongside vet-prescribed medications to eliminate the infection. “At-home remedies are often ineffective as we are dealing with a fungal infection which will need specific antifungals to work,” Dr. Denton explains.

Always speak to your vet to make sure that any at-home remedies you’re using alongside those medications are safe for your dog. Consulting a professional is vital, because common human remedies such as aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and colloidal silver may be toxic to your dog. 

Below are some natural remedies to discuss with your veterinarian. Once you’ve gotten their approval, make sure you wear gloves while administering these natural salves.

• Coconut Oil: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil directly onto the ringworm patches to help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.

• Neem Oil: Diluted neem oil designed for topical application can be applied to your dog’s ringworm lesions. Ayurvedic practitioners often use this oil to help with skin issues.

• Turmeric Paste: Turmeric pastes designed for topical application can be applied to your dog’s ringworm lesion to potentially help with inflammation and healing. Just keep in mind that turmeric can stain your dog’s fur and anything in your home with which your dog’s fur touches.

Ringworm prevention strategies

By now, it should be clear that ringworm is highly contagious. So it’s important to regularly and thoroughly clean your dog’s environment to prevent them from contracting this fungus. However, if your dog already has an outbreak, we also have some tips on how to proactively contain ringworm. 

How to avoid ringworm

From regular grooming to good hygiene practices, these simple steps can go a long way in keeping your dog safe from ringworm.

Maintain a clean environment: Regularly clean and disinfect areas where your dog sleeps, eats, and plays. Ringworm spores can survive in the environment for months. Frequently washing bedding, toys, and grooming tools helps eliminate any fungus.

Practice good grooming: Regular grooming is important for your dog’s health and can help you spot any potential skin issues early on. Brush your dog’s fur often and give them baths when needed to remove dirt and debris that could harbor fungal spores.

Limit contact with infected animals: If you know other animals or people with ringworm, keep your dog away from them until they’ve fully recovered. Ringworm spreads through direct contact, so this simple step can go a long way in preventing infection.

Boost your dog’s immune system: A healthy dog is less likely to catch infections. Ensure your dog eats complete and balanced dog food, gets plenty of exercise, and receives regular vet checkups to keep their immune system strong and ready to fight off potential infections.

Inspect your dog regularly: Frequently checking your dog for any signs of hair loss, scaly patches, or skin irritations can help you catch ringworm infections early. The sooner you notice symptoms, the faster you can act to prevent the infection from spreading.

Disinfect grooming tools: Clean your dog’s grooming tools regularly, especially if they are used on other pets. Doing so prevents fungal spores from sticking around and spreading to your dog.

Quarantine new or infected animals: If you bring a new dog or other pet into your home, especially one from a shelter or rescue, keep it separate from your dog until you’re sure they are healthy and ringworm-free. Quarantining infected animals is also crucial to prevent the spread of ringworm to others.

How to contain ringworm

If your dog contracts ringworm, in addition to getting them medical treatment, it’s imperative that you proactively clear the environment around them. This prevents the ringworm from spreading to people or other animals, and deters reinfections.

“Diligent decontamination of fungal spores in the environment is needed,” says Dr. Denton. “Daily vacuuming is recommended to remove hairs and crusts which may be infected.” Wash bedding, toys, grooming tools, and any surfaces your dog regularly touches to prevent reinfection. Dr. Denton also recommends disinfecting hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution of one part bleach to 20 parts water. 

Commonly asked questions

How long does it take for ringworm to clear up in dogs?

Ringworm should be treated for at least six weeks. How long it will take to clear up in your dog depends on your pup’s immune system, the treatment plan and compliance, and the severity of the infection. This means it could take several months to clear up.

Can ringworm come back?

Yes, dogs can get ringworm again, even after successfully recovering from a previous infection. Unfortunately, immunity to ringworm isn’t guaranteed, so your dog could be reinfected if they come into contact with the fungus again.

Can I contract ringworm from my dog?

You can catch ringworm from your dog, because it’s a highly contagious fungal infection that easily spreads between animals and humans. If your dog has ringworm, it is essential to take precautions to protect yourself and others in your household. Make sure you wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your dog and their belongings. If you notice any red, scaly patches on your skin, you should contact your doctor for advice.

References

Dog Ringworm Treatment Home Remedies

Dog Ringworm: What Does Ringworm Look Like on a Dog?

Gross — My Pet’s Got Ringworm! What Do I Do?

How To Treat Ringworm in Dogs at Home

Ringworm in Dogs

Ringworm in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know, From a Veterinarian

Ringworm in Dogs: How to Treat and Prevention Tips

Ringworm in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment

What to Do if Your Dog Has Ringworm