Ringworms and Your Pets

While ringworm is not dangerous, it is highly contagious and often passed from dogs and cats to people by skin to skin contact or contact with a contaminated item. So what is ringworm? Ringworm is not a worm but actually a fungus that lives on dead skin. It often takes the shape of a ring because it spreads outward. Common types of ringworm include Tinea Pedis- ringworm of the feet known as Athletes Feet; Tinea Corporis- ringworm that affects the arms, legs or torso; and Tinea Cruris- ringworm of the groin area known as jock itch.

Ringworm will appear as a red, raised patch that is often itchy. It may have defined edges and lighter in the center of the patch. In pets it will case a scaly hairless patch in the affected area. Ringworm can be diagnosed by a doctor examining the skin or they may take a skin scraping that will be placed on a Alger plate to grow and later examine under a microscope. In some cases the ringworm will actually glow under a black light.

It is important to take you pet to the vet to have any questionable areas of the skin checked especially if you have children because they are highly susceptible. If the vet find that you pet does indeed have ringworm they may prescribe an antibiotic and a topical cream. The ringworm with take awhile to clear up. You will be able to tell that it is getting better if the animal does not develop more patches and if the current patches start to regrow the hair back. It is important to was anything that the animal has come in contact with frequently.

If you you do get ringworm from your pet you can use and anti-fungal cream to clear it up. These creams are sold over the counter of you can see your doctor. There are also a few home remedies but these do not guarantee that they will cure ringworm. However, if you would like you can try applying a 1:1 solution of cider vinegar and water or tea tree oil and water.

Preventing ringworm in you pets can be hit or miss. A pet can be a carrier but show no symptoms and puppies, like children will easily contract ringworm but will eventually grow out of it. It is best to keep and eye out for anything unusual on the skin and then contact your veterinarian for further advice.