What Does a Ringworm Look Like on a Dog? Things Every Pet Owner Should Know!
Dogs often suffer from a wide variety of diseases that can lead them to death bed. Ringworm disease, which is more likely a fungus than a worm, is also one of them! The pain that his furry companion undergoes physically or internally cannot be endured by any pet owner.
Does your dog seem frustrated? Here's the reason!
Like the athlete's foot, ringworm in dogs causes round patches leading to hair loss in the affected area. Infected seeds, which are mostly called spores, are hard to treat and cause immense pain to almost all breeds of dogs.
If you're wondering how ringworm looks on a dog or are confused about handling your dog in such a condition, the below guide is only for you!
The Appearance of Ringworms in Dogs
In almost all breeds of pet dogs, the ringworm takes different appearances, including the circular patches with a crusty covering. However, some dogs often suffer from this disease without any visible symptoms (asymptomatic). Thus, it is pretty challenging to distinguish the appearance of ringworms from fleas in dogs.
Furthermore,
Grey and scaly patches are also some of the commonest appearances of ringworm in dogs. It can also cause prominent red lesions causing severe pain to your dog. Your long-haired dog comes with many possible chances that your dog suffers from this contagious disease.
In addition to this, vet specialists also explain that hair loss or broken hair at the affected area is the outcome of ringworms in worms.
Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs
It's pretty easy to diagnose ringworm disease in some dogs in which symptoms are visible. However, you'll have to take your dog to the vet if you're unable to diagnose the ringworms in your furry partner.
Some common symptoms of ringworm disease in dogs are listed as under:
- Scaling in the affected area of the dog's skin
- Dandruff on the skin
- Presence of irritating red lesions on the head or chest
- Crusting and thickening of the skin on the dog
- Formation of circular patches on the dog's boy
- Hair loss which is also called alopecia
- Darkening of the affected skin
- Some dogs also suffer from itchiness
How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs At Home?
If you don't want to bother your dog by taking it to the vet to treat ringworm disease, you can treat this disease at home. Many home remedies are known to work best for treating ringworm disease at home.
You can save a treatment fee by implementing some of the helpful home remedies for dog ringworm disease. Some common medications that work at home are given as under:
- Apply Apple Cider Vinegar
One of the best things to treat the irritating ringworm disease in dogs is to use pure apple cider vinegar. It comes with the most active antifungal properties. Make sure to apply apple cider vinegar directly to the affected area of your dog's skin.
You should use a hair removal brush for applying apple cider vinegar to the affected skin.
- Use Pure Turmeric
If you're a pet owner, you must be aware of the benefits of turmeric for your pet's health. It has many antibacterial and antifungal properties to treat many diseases in dogs. Use a small amount of water with pure turmeric and apply it to the reddish skin of your dog.
Leave the turmeric paste on the dog's skin for some time and let it dry. It will benefit your dog by treating the disease internally.
- Use Lemongrass Oil or Tea
The best way to treat ringworm diseases at home is to use ingredients containing antifungal properties. Lemongrass oil or tea is also one of them since it dramatically helps to cure skin infections in pets of all breeds.
For applying the lemongrass oil or tea, you can use a high-quality carrier oil. Make sure to directly apply this mixture to your dog's skin two times a day. It will hopefully help you to treat the ringworms in dogs.
How to Prevent Ringworms in Dogs?
There is no big science in preventing ringworm disease in dogs. You can prevent such conditions by taking a few precautions. Some of the preventions you should implement are listed as under:
Make sure to cleanse the environment around your dog
- Comb the hair of your dog with the help of a dog grooming vacuum brush
- Clean all the toys or tools of your dog
- Use systemic therapy to remove the worms from your dog's body
- Wash all the sheets, blankets, or beddings of your dog
- Try to use soft furnishings for making your dog sit painlessly
- Don't allow your dog to come in contact with affected animals
- Don't forget to wash your hands properly after handling your dog
Can Dogs Get Ringworms From Outside?
Yes, the majority of the dogs get ringworms from outdoor sittings. Ringworm is a zoonotic disease. It means the affected animal can easily transmit the infection to your pet in no time. That's why ringworm diseases are more common in dogs who roam outside than those confined to their houses.
It also spreads due to the direct contact with the fungus, which is often present in the sand. Contaminated objects or tools like a couch, a comb, or infected bedding can make your dog suffer from ringworm diseases.
How Often To Bathe a Dog with Ringworm?
TWICE A WEEK! If your dog is infected with ringworms in one or two areas of the body, make sure to bathe your dog at least two times a week. However, you can also make a recommendation from the veterinarian about the number of baths for an infected dog.
Moreover, make sure to use a medicated shampoo while bathing your dog. The use of medicated shampoo will help you to get rid of the ringworms.
Make Your Dog Free of Worms Now!
Enabling your dog to get rid of the ringworms is the best way to make your furry friend the happiest among all pets. Make sure to implement all methods to prevent the exposure of ringworms in your pup!
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