To reduce the risk of spreading the possible infection, you also need to wash your hands after handling any animal you suspect has ringworm. [3] X Research source Dermatophytosis. (Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat) Foil. Publisher. WB Saunders
Ringworm can also show up on the dog’s face and chest. [7] X Expert Source Natalie Punt, DVMVeterinarian Expert Interview. 15 February 2022.
It can be wise to isolate the dog whilst you make up your mind. Keep him or her away from other pets and in one room with minimal soft furnishings. This will allow you to more easily vacuum the room and reduce the risk of contamination. If it turns out the dog does have ringworm, then restricting his access to other pets makes a big difference to reducing the spread and risk of infection to others. Be on the lookout for anything resembling insect bights or a more generalized rash that does not develop a circular shape. These would be indications of an alternative diagnosis–such as an allergic reaction–that would require a very different course of treatment. Ringworm infections are often the result of weakened immune systems, while generalized rashes can be caused in part by over-active immune systems.
Certain species of ringworm glow a fluorescent apple green in the presence of ultraviolet light. If this happens then ringworm is present. Your veterinarian may then wish to double check his or her findings by sending a sample away to a lab for species identification. Be aware that only about 50% of ringworm species fluoresce in this way. So, in other words, a negative on the Wood’s Lamp does NOT mean the animal is clear. This is a useful way to get a quick positive, but not a conclusive negative.
Many vets use an “in house” test where the fungal culture medium changes color if fungus grows. This gives a clear indication that ringworm is present. It takes an average of 4 - 5 days for the fungus to grow and cause a color change, although the test is not considered negative until a full 2 weeks have passed with a color change.
To make sure that your dog cannot ingest any topical medication, put a wide cone collar (also known as an Elizabethan Collar) on it during treatment.
While the fungi that cause ringworm are common, contact with an especially heavy concentration of spores can increase the likelihood of infection. Heavy concentrations are really only found on other infected animals. If your dog is healthy but gets ringworm, it is probably because it was around another animal that had the disease. Ringworm is highly infectious and the infected hairs that are shed are a major source of infection for people or other pets. [15] X Research source Dermatophytosis. (Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat) Foil. Publisher. WB Saunders In order to prevent the spread of the disease, sequester infected pets and clean up all fur from the infected pet before allowing other animals in the area.
