Dealing With Canine Ringworm

Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is curable. The problem with this disorder is that there are 35 different species of ringworm that can affect cats, dogs and be transmitted to humans as well. The most common form is Mircosporum Canis which accounts for the majority of ringworm cases.

What Causes Ringworm in Canines?

Ringworm is caused from exposure to the dermatophytes from spores present in the environment, mainly from other animals that are infected with it. Your dog could pick it up from anywhere...boarding kennels, breeding kennels, someone else's home. The spores can live in the environment for up to 13 months and are very hard to get rid of, so reinfection of animals is also a common problem. As well, children are highly susceptible to these infections, so it is very important to rid the household of this fungus as soon as possible.

This disorder usually appears as a lesion upon the skin of an animal or human and requires medical attention. It looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair in most cases. The patch may look somewhat inflamed and appear to have "dandruff" like flakes on it. However, sometimes it is very hard to spot ringworm, especially in dogs.

A veterinarian can usually diagnose ringworm by using an ultraviolet light. In some cases however, this isn't enough and a sample of hair or scrapping of the skin is needed for further diagnosis. Treatment is basically in the form of antifungal pills and/or topical medications such as creams or medicated shampoos.

Curing Ringworm In Dogs

The major problem is getting rid of the spores in your home so they don't reinfect your pets. Most spores are shed through the fur into the carpet, so occasional "dip" baths may be required to kill the spores that may linger on the fur of your dog. As well, it is recommended that you destroy all pet bedding, blankets, brushes/combs, and other items used by the canine.

Any items that cannot be thrown out need to be soaked thoroughly in a solution of hot water and Betadine or Iodophor for one hour. They should then be rinsed in a mixture of water and .5% chlorine bleach. Drying the items outdoors in sunlight will also help. Vacuum your house thoroughly and be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag. Then have all carpets and upholstery steam-cleaned and wash all walls with a mixture of water and chlorine bleach. If you have an air filter in your home, you must also dispose of the filter.

Although ringworm is a mild disorder, it can cause a tremendous amount of problems to a household. If you continue to have problems with canine ringworm reinfection, please consult your veterinarian for additional solutions or information that he/she may be able to provide.

Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog skin problems, care and grooming, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/grooming- aids.shtml

---

Why Does My Pet Eat Grass?

Are you concerned when your dog or cat eats grass,... Read More

Tips on Choosing a Boxer Dog...

An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More

Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know

So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More

Protecting Yourself From Online Pet Classifieds Scams!

Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More

Animals Are Forever

Throughout the course of my life, I've encountered my own... Read More

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

Cat Arthritis

Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More

All Natural Dog Cookies ? Because Your Dog?s Health and Happiness is So Important

Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More

Top Five Dog Breeds for Homes with Children

Top five dog breeds for homes with children* Beagle *... Read More

Frustrated Over High Veterinarian Bills?

Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More

Goldfish Outdoors

How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More

The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods

Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More

Improve Your Dogs Health With a Natural Diet

It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More

Why Does My Cat Drink Dirty Water?

You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know, Part 3...

Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More

Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More

Quality Dog Food Is Essential For The Health Of Dogs

Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More

5 Tips For Choosing the Best Vet For Your Dog

Find a vet, if possible, who specializes in small animals... Read More

With Understanding Comes Success

One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More

Guinea Pigs Health

Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More

Thinking of Getting a Lhasa Apso Dog?

One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More

What Your Cat Wants You To Know

If your feline friend could speak your language, here a... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More

Dog Boutiques ? Perfect Pampering for Your Pooch!

Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More