This article will discuss everything you need to know about ringworm in doodle dogs, including its symptoms and treatment. Keep reading to learn more.
With so many internal parasites, it can be tempting to place ringworms in the same category as tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
However, despite its name, ringworm is not a worm but a skin infection caused by a fungus.
The kinds of fungi that cause ringworm in dogs are called dermatophytes, and the most common one in pets is called Microsporum canis.
Although ringworm is generally harmless, it is a highly contagious skin infection. It can spread through direct contact and live on surfaces such as towels, bedding, and grooming equipment for up to two years.
What Is Ringworm In Doodle Dogs?
Ringworm is a common term for dermatophytosis, a fungal infection of the skin that causes hair loss, redness, and scaly skin.
The condition can also affect the dog’s nails. It is a zoonotic disease that can be spread between dogs and humans. This fungal infection can be found worldwide but thrives in hot climates.
Ringworm is caused by dermatophytes fungi, which come in various species. While some dermatophytes are species-specific (exclusively infect one type of animal), others may transmit between different animal species or from animals to humans.
The three most prevalent fungi that cause dog ringworm include Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
In dogs, 70 percent of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis, 20 percent are caused by the fungus Microsporum gypseum, and just 10 percent are caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
How Is Ringworm In Doodle Dogs Spread?
Ringworm is a highly contagious infection in dogs that spreads through direct contact with the fungus. This can especially happen when your furry friend comes in direct contact with an infected animal.
It also happens when they come in contact with contaminated objects, such as food bowls, carpets, bedding, combs, and couches.
The fungal spores responsible for the spread of ringworm in doodle dogs can remain viable for up to two years and typically spread through the shedding or breaking of infected hairs.
Ringworm Symptoms In Doodle Dogs
While ringworm is not a life-threatening condition, it is very contagious and requires immediate intervention from a qualified vet.
Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in doodle dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets.
It can take up to three weeks from your dog becoming infected before you notice symptoms. The fungi feed on hair, nails, and dead skin cells.
They infect one hair shaft, then, gradually, all those surrounding it, leading to raised, crusty bumps around hair follicles.
While itchiness is not usually included in the symptoms of ringworm in doodle dogs, the affected areas can become scabby and inflamed. The fungus can also spread to the dog’s nails, making them brittle, dry, and rough.
Other signs of ringworm in doodle dogs include:
- Spots of excessive dandruff
- Dry, scaly skin
- Darkened patches of skin
- Inflamed nail beds
- Changes to the dog’s coat
How Is Ringworm Diagnosed In Doodle Dogs?
Ringworm in doodle dogs can resemble other skin conditions that cause inflamed hair follicles, such as mite infestations and bacterial infections.
Therefore, if you spot hair loss or crusty, scaly, or inflamed skin on your furry friend, you must ensure that your vet checks them as soon as possible.
Diagnostic tests (most of which can be done during the consultation) may be recommended to determine the cause.
Your vet may recommend plucking some hairs and scraping some skin from suspicious lesions to view under the microscope.
They can use a small brush to sample material from lesions, then place it into a particular growth medium.
In some cases, dermatophytosis lesions may have an atypical appearance. Perhaps initial testing has not revealed a diagnosis, or treatment has been tried unsuccessfully.
Your vet might recommend a skin biopsy to discover the underlying cause.
Ringworm Treatment In Doodle Dogs
The best and most common way to treat ringworm in doodle dogs is to use topical therapy (application of creams, ointments, or shampoos) and systemic therapy (administration of antifungal drugs by mouth).
The following are remedies for ringworm in doodle dogs.
Wash Your Doodle With Antifungal Shampoo
Ringworm infection usually makes the fur in the infected area more fragile and vulnerable to breaking.
Also, since ringworm spores live in those broken hairs, they are highly infectious. Doodles that shed more often can infect others easily.
If your furry friend has been exposed to ringworm, you can use over-the-counter antifungal shampoos or dips to stop the infection potentially.
Generally, antifungal shampoos for doodle dogs are more effective when used twice or thrice a week.
However, it is essential to note that every antifungal shampoo comes with its instructions, which you must follow. If your vet has given you any other instructions, follow them.
Antifungal Creams and Ointments
Antifungal creams and ointments are a good option if the ringworm infection is not severe.
These topical solutions can be applied to a specific spot more effectively than shampoos and can help reduce the contagiousness of the ringworm patch.
You will want to ask your vet for appropriate over-the-counter antifungal creams. They can also recommend a prescription ointment. Either way, apply the topical treatment for at least eight weeks.
Shaving the Area Around the Infection
As mentioned, ringworm spores live in and on broken hairs. Therefore, you can reduce its spread by trimming the fur around your doodle’s ringworm infection area.
Cutting the fur reduces the chances of breaking hair or shedding. As a result, it reduces the risk of spreading infectious materials around the home and causing another ringworm outbreak later.
Quarantine
Dogs can shed ringworm spores anywhere they are allowed to go. So to give yourself a better chance of keeping the infection contained.
You will want to keep any pets with ringworm confined to places that are easy to clean. Also, if your doodle is infected, keep them away from other pets in the house.
Ringworm can also be transmitted to humans, so you will want to keep anyone with skin infections or a weakened immune system away from your doodle dog as long as it has ringworm.
Wash Bedding Regularly
Ringworm is a very infectious disease. Ringworm spores can remain potentially infectious for months after they are shed. So, ensuring your home is as clean as possible is crucial.
If you treat your furry friend or yourself for ringworm, you should frequently vacuum to remove the shredded fur and skin cells from your home.
In addition, you will want to wash their toys and bedding regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs get ringworm?
Ringworm in dogs is spread through direct contact with the fungus. It can be transmitted when your furry friend directly contacts an infected person or another animal.
Also, when they come into contact with contaminated objects, such as food bowls, combs, carpet, bedding, or couch.
Can I touch my doodle dog if it has ringworm?
Ringworm is a very infectious disease, so any infected dog or pet is considered highly contagious to humans and other pets.
Therefore, unless you wear gloves, you should avoid touching your dog with bare hands. Also, wash your hands and clothes after handling your dog.
Can dog ringworm transfer to humans?
Ringworm can be transmitted quite easily to humans, especially kids. So it is essential to take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to the fungus while the dog is being treated.
The disease is more likely to be transmitted to cause clinical signs in humans with a depressed immune system.
Can ringworm kill your dog?
Although ringworm is highly infectious, it is not as dangerous as other diseases. The condition will not kill your furry friend or cause irreversible damage.
Conclusion
Ringworm is a very contagious fungal infection that can affect doodle dogs. It causes circular or irregularly shaped lesions on the skin, inflammation, hair loss, and potentially discolored nails.
If you suspect your furry friend has ringworm disease, contact your vet for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.