Ringworm in Dogs: Identifying & Treating a Non-Parasitic Plague

We don't know yet.

RadiQuell™ Canine has a marked inhibitory effect against other fungi that infest skin wounds, such as Malassezia pachydermatis and Candida albicans, so it stands to reason that it may have some inhibitory effect against the fungi that cause ringworm.

However, we do not have any research data or anecdotal evidence to confirm this yet. Each fungal species is unique and presents its own hardiness when threatened.

Yes, any dog breed can get ringworm.

Puppies, senior dogs, and those with compromised immune systems or chronic skin disorders are more susceptible than dogs with healthy skin.

Of all canines, terrier breeds such as Boston terriers, Yorkies, and Russell terriers are more prone to ringworm infections.

Not in all cases.

The ringworm-causing fungus Microsporum canis will glow a bright green color under a Wood's lamp (blacklight), however other species do not luminesce under a blacklight.

The best way to determine if ringworm is present is via a trichogram (microscopic exam) or a fungal culture.

Ringworm can be itchy, but it is not in every case.

Dogs may attempt to persistently groom (lick) the lesions, which can lead to or worsen irritation.

Though uncommon, certain dogs can be carriers of ringworm and show no clinical signs, such as fur loss or itching.

Yes, ringworm is a highly contagious, zoonotic disease -- meaning it can be spread to humans from animals.

The inverse is also true. Humans can easily spread ringworm to dogs, cats, livestock, and other animals.

Ringworm typically appears in humans as a round, red welt with raised edges. Google Images can certainly give you more visual info.

The length of treatment for ringworm can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the level of infestation, your dog's immune system, and how carefully treatment procedure is followed.

Two consecutive negative fungal cultures are needed to indicate the infection is clear.

Simply put, do not stop treatment unless your veterinarian says so, and follow their guidelines.

Neglecting to follow through on topical and oral treatments, OR, failing to properly decontaminate your dog's environment could result in the infection lingering for months or recurring later.

It is possible, yes.

Ringworm is considered a "self-limiting" disease that resolves on its own in healthy dogs. If your dog has a healthy immune system, it is possible for them to self-cure in 2-3 months. However, there is no guarantee of this, and it may take much longer.

Allowing ringworm to "work itself out" runs the risk of spreading to other dogs, animals, or people. Treatment speeds up the healing process and reduces the contagion and its opportunity of spreading. 

Ringworm and demodectic mange can sometimes be confused because they both tend to exhibit spreading patches of hair loss (alopecia), especially around the face. Both diseases feed on hair follicles and can exhibit mild itching or none at all.

Some of the key differences between ringworm and demodectic mange:

• Ringworm is a fungus; mange is caused by parasitic mites
• Ringworm is extremely contagious to humans and other animal species, whereas demodectic mange is not
• Ringworm can affect any dog; demodex mange tends to only affect dogs with weak or compromised immune systems
• Ringworm will cause hair follicles to glow bright green under a Wood's lamp; mange will not
• While both involve skin and hair cytology in diagnosing, ringworm requires a fungal culture to properly diagnose and monitor treatment progress

If the ringworm is treated immediately and aggressively, infected dogs will stay contagious for about 3 weeks.

If only minimal measures are taken or if you do not follow the prescribed approach, the infection and the contagious period will last much longer.

Finally, if you do not properly decontaminate your dog's environment -- carpet, floors, couches, bedding, food bowls, toys, etc. -- you run the risk of the fungus sticking around and re-infecting your dog.

If your dog has defined bald spots, shaving the hair around them can help keep the fungus from spreading across the body. An electric trimmer would work best.

Brushing the hair once a day can also help remove spores.

Be sure to disinfect the trimmer and any brush after each use with a dilute bleach solution (1:8 bleach to water ratio).

Be aware that the spores are active, even on loose hair and surfaces they come in contact with, so dispose of the hair accordingly.

However, shaving dogs with very long coats is not recommended. This can cause small cuts or scratches to the skin, making the dog more susceptible to the ringworm infection or contracting a separate bacterial infection (or pyoderma). 

A diluted bleach solution (10-12% bleach, 88-90% water, or 1 pint bleach to 1 gallon of water) is likely the most cost effective means of disinfecting many household surfaces.

Another fungicide that is readily available to consumers is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP). Virox, Clorox, and Rescue are a few brands that sell it. First developed by Virox, you can learn more about this powerful, eco-friendly cleaner on their AHP technology page.

For more on the science behind disinfectants versus ringworm, see this article about Kennel Disinfectants for Dermatophytes (Ringworm).