Facts About Ringworm In Dogs
Facts about Ringworm in Dogs
"Dogs are man's best friend", as the popular statement goes. Pet owners usually show care to their pet dogs by way of hugging and petting them. If you have a pet, are you still going to do that when your dog has been infected with ringworm? When you do that, most probably you will manifest ringworm symptoms 10-12 days after exposure.
- Dermatomycosis also known as ringworm affects different kinds of animals and large portion of it are dogs. In fact there was a study conducted to determine the prevalence of ringworms among infected animals, and 14.3-65% is on dog species.
- Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by fungi that belong to Microsporum and Trichophyton genus. They procure nutrients from keratin to multiply and live to its host. Keratin is the fundamental component in the structure of skin, hairs, and nails that is why these areas are usually infected by ringworm.
- All living organisms have their own defense against any foreign microorganisms whenever they come in contact with the host. Sebum is one of the body's defenses and if it is destroyed microorganism can easily penetrate such as fungus causing ringworm. Sebum protects the skin from dryness and cracking caused by dehydration. Excessive bathing or washing is one of the causes why sebum is removed.
- Dogs can get infected with dermatophytes by direct contact of the fungi, or from infected host. They can contract dermatophyte spores from dogs with ringworm. They can obtain the fungal infection also from pet owners through hugging and petting their dogs.
- Dermatophytes thrive best in hot and moist areas. Your pet can get infected with ringworms through breaks in the skin, and moist areas can increase the risk of fungal infection.
- Symptoms of ringworm include circular patch that are pale and scaly at the center. The circular lesion has raised red edges. Sometimes it may or may not be accompanied by itchiness and inflammation.
- Dermatomycosis can be diagnosed by inspection of the affected area of the skin. Veterinarians can also use an ultraviolet light, known as Wood's lamp, to detect the fungi. Fungal culture can also be used to confirm the presence of fungi.
- Oral and topical forms of anti-fungal medications are more potent in eliminating the fungi in a short span of time. Body clipping is also recommended to dogs with long hairs to expose the affected site and facilitate treatment in an easy and fast manner.
- While the dog is undergoing treatment, it is highly recommended to clean the environment where the dog is staying. Untidy and moist environment can precipitate fungal growth. You can use bleach and water solution to clean the areas where your pet usually stays and sleep.
- If you own a number of pets, you should isolate the infected animal from others to prevent spreading of the fungal infection since it is contracted through close contact.
- As much as possible rugs, carpets, floor mats, curtains, and other fabrics that comes in contact with the dogs must be cleaned regularly using disinfectant solution such as bleach (1:10 to 1:100 solution mixed in water), lime sulfur (1:33 solution), and enilconazole (0.2% solution).
------
To protect your family and pets from ringworm you need to be armed with knowledge. If you would like to know any more information about Ringworm in Dogs please visit http://www.ringwormscure.com
Featured Products
