Skin fungus in dogs
Ringworm is a common problem in dogs. The fungus affects the dog's skin and hair, which can manifest as circular bald spots, flakes, and/or crusts. Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious, including to humans; therefore, it is important to act as quickly as possible when your dog has a fungal infection to prevent further spread.
The causes of a ringworm infection in dogs
There are different types of fungal spores that can cause ringworm in dogs, including Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton gypseum. Fungi spread through spores. Spores are microscopic seeds of the fungus. These seeds can survive very well and for a long time under extreme conditions. Because spores can survive for a long time in the environment, treating ringworm is difficult; even if your dog has been effectively treated for ringworm, if the animal is in an environment where spores are present, the infection can start all over again.
Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious
As mentioned, the fungus spreads through spores. This often happens when dogs have contact with each other, for example during walks or when the dog goes to a dog walking service. The dogs are then relatively close to each other, making ringworm transmission easy.
Another way fungal spores spread is through indirect contact such as brushes, collars, and dog beds. Once the spores have settled, ringworm multiplies rapidly. This produces a large number of new fungal spores. These spread not only over the bodies of the dogs but also in the environment, allowing ringworm to spread to other dogs and other potential hosts. The latter can also be a human.
What is a zoonosis ?
Fungal spores can infect not only other animals but also humans. This is called a zoonosis. A zoonosis can lead to a ringworm disease in humans called ringworm. If you have round, red spots on your skin, contact your doctor.
In short: a zoonosis is a condition that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Symptoms of ringworm in dogs
Not every animal reacts the same way to ringworm. It is even possible that your pet is only a ‘carrier’ and shows no symptoms from the fungus. In most cases, ringworm occurs in dogs with a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is more common in young dogs, older animals, or animals with other illnesses. Animals suffering from fleas are also more susceptible to ringworm. If your dog has any of the symptoms below, visit the vet as soon as possible for further examination.
- Round, scaly bald spots to large bald areas that look irritated and inflamed
- Crusty skin inflammations
- Oily coat
- Loose hairs
The treatment of a ringworm infection in dogs
Treating a fungal infection in dogs is not as simple as you might initially think. Early diagnosis and timely start of treatment are very important for dogs with ringworm. However, in many cases, it can take weeks before the ringworm is actually under control.
To start, the dog needs to be washed with a special antifungal medication. This kills the fungus but not the spores. The spores are under the skin, and it is only a matter of days before they grow into fungus. Therefore, it is important to also give the dog an injection with antimycotics. This eliminates the spores from within. These antimycotics must first reach the coat. When fungi then absorb keratin from the coat, they also take in the antimycotics.
Hygiene to prevent a renewed fungal infection
A dog can also become infected indirectly with a fungal infection. Besides treating the dog itself, it is also important to disinfect the environment. Extensive hygiene measures in the environment of your pets with ringworm are essential; otherwise, it is only a matter of time before the dog becomes infected again. If you have other animals in the house, they must also be treated. Additionally, all items the dog has come into contact with must be cleaned and washed. Think of toys, cushions, the couch, brushes, combs, collars, leashes, blankets, and so on. The spaces where the dog stays must also be thoroughly cleaned. This includes vacuuming and mopping well. In some cases, it is necessary to use an antifungal agent when cleaning the environment.
