Basic Puppy Training Online Dog Training Classes by Dove Creswell.

Not only do dogs, ringworm dog catch ringworm, but humans, cats and animals can too. Ringworm is a fungus infection that does affect the skin, hair or nails. The word ringworm has nothing to do with insects or worms and can look like a raised ring shaped rash. The ringworm rash will at times be associated with other symptoms as a round patch of hair loss, redness, swelling and itching. To find the best solution with your present situation, it is best to seek the advice from your vet. By the way, it is hard to analyze the situation by just looking at the skin area. Your vet may use a black light or wood’s lamp. (so called a ultra violet lamp). Normally about fifty percent of M.Canis will glow under the lamp. The other method is to use a microscope to look at the skin or hair samples. Scrapings of the lesion may be required so that a culture can be developed over time. Ringworm dogs tend to be highly contagious by the by.

Ringworm is spread by direct contact with an infected person, animal or surface area. The dog may of contract the infection from infected fungus soil, a infected dog, a infected animal or even a wild infected animal. Do not forget that puppies are susceptible to dermatophyte. This can quickly spread the infection to litter playmates or adult dogs. What happens with ringworm is that the ringworm fungus can take up residence in the dogs hair cells and the skin area causing the present patterns. The ringworm fungus does live off the keratin found in the dogs dead hair and skin which usually spreads outward from the source of the infection. An ideal candidate for ringworm infections are dogs with skin wounds or a weak immune system.

Ringworm and other skin problems have similar appearances as skin parasites, skin allergies or yeast infections.. Your ringworm treatment process is usually quick and easy once you receive the vets diagnosis. The veterinarian will in most time prescribe an oral medication and or a medicated cream or ointment. Don’t forget to follow the medicated instructions at the proper intervals. The veterinarian may also suggest using a medicated shampoo to treat the fungus spores that live in the dogs fur.

Don’t forget to use color-safe bleach and detergent to remove the ringworm (dermatophyte) spores from the dogs bedding, collars, dog cloths, toys etc. Since ringworm is present in your home, vacuuming the carpet will probably be required. Steam cleaning may be necessary  in severe cases at the start and end of your ringworm treatment process.

Using your veterinarian at the start will result in the easiest and healthiest recovery process to a happy home.

Technorati Tags: ringworm dog, ringworm dogs, ringworm treatment

Posted under Miscellaneous Content