Red, circular skin lesions: this tell-tale sign of ringworm is unmistakable, whether it appears on you or your dog. But despite its name, ringworm in dogs isn't always a round lesion or a worm— it's a common skin infection that's highly contagious.
In cases of dog ringworm, these lesions typically appear on the face, ears, tail or feet. While these infected areas are pretty easy to spot, ringworm can also spread to other, more hidden, areas of your pet's body, which can make its transmission all too easy.
The good news is that while dog ringworm is pesky, it's also highly preventable and fairly easy to treat.
How Is Ringworm in Dogs Spread?
Dogs often acquire ringworm — or dermatophytosis, as your veterinarian might refer to it — from digging. It's relatively easy to treat and doesn't cause severe disease. However, ringworm in dogs can be difficult to manage, due to the fact that it's highly contagious and can be transmitted via fomites.
A fomite is any object or material that can carry an infection. In short, anything your pet touches can harbor and transmit ringworm to other dogs, cats or people. Any brushes, bedding, food, water bowls or toys — anything your dog comes in contact with — should be disinfected if ringworm enters the picture.
Additionally, any infected dog is considered highly contagious to other animals and humans. Wear gloves or wash your hands and clothes after handling your pet, and keep them quarantined until your vet declares that they're free of infection.
Does Ringworm in Dogs Affect All Breeds?
Not all dogs that come in contact with ringworm will show signs of an infection. Ringworm infections depend on the type of fungus, as well as the dog's age, relative health, nutrition and grooming.
Any dog can develop a ringworm infection, however, certain age ranges and breeds are more at risk. In an article for DVM360, veterinary dermatologist Anthea Schick says Boston terriers, Yorkies and Jack Russell terriers are all prone to contracting ringworm. Very old dogs, puppies and dogs who have a suppressed immune system, she continues, are at an increased risk for developing ringworm.
Dogs with ringworm are contagious to humans. If your dog has been diagnosed, or if you suspect they may have ringworm, do not handle them and then directly touch your skin. Wash your hands after every touch, and if you notice any red, circular itchy spots on your own skin, call your doctor.
Tasty Tips
How Is Dog Ringworm Diagnosed and Treated?
Your vet will usually diagnose ringworm via physical examination and one or more simple lab tests. The Wood's Lamp, fungal culture and direct examination of hairs under a microscope are the most common ways of diagnosing ringworm. Occasionally, ringworm in dogs is diagnosed via skin biopsy or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from samples sent to a reference lab.
Ringworm is treated with antifungal medication, either topical, oral or a combination of both. There are several lotions, creams and shampoos available by prescription from your vet as well. Ringworm can also be treated with prescription-only oral antifungal medication.
Dogs are often shaved in the area of infection to help prevent the spread of disease through contaminated hair. In some cases, ringworm infections can return; however, treatment in these dogs can still speed healing and reduce the likelihood of the disease being transmitted to other animals or humans.
How to Decontaminate Your Home After a Ringworm Diagnosis
Remember, ringworm loves to travel and infect new hosts via fomites, which is why a key part of treating it is to disinfect your home. If your dog has ringworm, vets recommend:
- Confining them to a single area that can be cleaned easily. If that area is carpeted, vacuum it once a day.
- Using diluted bleach (1:10 mixture in water) or an all-purpose cleaner to clean all nonporous surfaces twice a week (i.e. counters, tabletops, etc.).
- Wiping all floors and walls with dry cloths once a week.
- Washing all pet bedding on the hottest setting weekly, and throwing away any bedding or toys that are hard to clean.
- Changing your clothes immediately after handling them, and putting potentially infected clothing in the washer as soon as possible.
In severe cases in which you have children at home or more than one pup, you may also want to clean your home's air ducts and replace any air filters.
Is Ringworm in Dogs Preventable?
One way to prevent ringworm is to not let your dog dig in rodent holes, as this is how infection often occurs. The likelihood of a ringworm infection can also be reduced by making sure your dog is in otherwise good health.
If you take your dog in once or twice a year for vet wellness visits, follow all their recommendations and practice preventative nutrition by feeding them a complete and balanced diet, you'll be well on your way to keeping ringworm away.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Entrée Can Variety Pack Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Bites
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious small bite size
Hill's Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye, muscle, bone & immune system development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome. Delicious food in a large bite size
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight & Joint Support Hearty Vegetables and Tuna Stew Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée dog food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small Bites Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition. Delicious food in a small bite size.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Large Breed Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws 7+ dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew Can Variety Pack Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Related articles
Dog Warts: What are They & What Causes Them?
Learn whether dogs can actually get warts and their similarities to other skin growths, as well as whether they can be harmful for your dog.
Giardia in Dogs
Learn how giardia in dogs can wreak havoc on your pet's digestive system, how giardiasis gets diagnosed and how your dog's veterinarian might treat it.
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog
Read to learn about 5 human foods that are toxic to dogs. Learn their effects on a dog's health and what to do if they accidentally eat one of these foods.
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
Your dog is a descendent of the mighty wolf, a noble hunter and confirmed carnivore. You feed him meals of the best possible quality, so why does he insist on eating grass?
Dog Nipping & Puppy Play Biting
Discover why dog nipping is such a common behavior, even among the best behaved pups, as well as how to get your puppy to stop nipping.
All About Prey Drive in Dogs
Learn what a dog's prey drive is, how it relates to dog aggression, and how this drive can impact his ability to be trained.
Do Dogs Get Jealous?
Understand if dogs get jealous and what you can do to keep their envious behaviors at bay through fair treatment.
Tips for Feeding Two Dogs at Once
Learn how to manage feeding two dogs at once, including why separation is important and tips if you have one dog that tries to steal the other dog's food.
Cancer in Dogs: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments
Find out what causes cancer in dogs and the treatment options you have if your dog is diagnosed. Discover your options here.
Why Do Small Dog Breeds Live Longer?
Learn why small dog breeds often live longer than large breeds, including the average life expectancy for each, and tips for helping your dog live longer.
How to Give a Dog a Pill: Helpful Tips & Methods
While getting a dog to take a pill can be tricky, learn valuable tips for helping them to take pills, liquids and other medications without a fuss.
Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Butts?
Why do dogs sniff each other's butts? In short: It's their most effective option for a meet and greet. Learn more about this common dog behavior.
Can Dogs See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Discover how whether your dog can actually see in the dark, how well they can see, and if they're safe when the lights are low or off completely.
Stress in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Finding Relief
Learn how to recognize symptoms of stress in your dog, what common situations can cause high anxiety and tips for helping your pup relax.
Is My Dog's Sneezing Normal?
Learn the reasons behind your dog's sneezing (both common and uncommon) and excessive situations when you should consider taking them to the vet.
How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter
How to Keep Dogs Active in Winter
Choosing the Best Dog Breed for You
Get tips on how to pick your next dog, and learn what things you should consider when choosing a puppy.
Why Do Female Dogs Hump Things?
Why do female dogs hump things? Learn the reasons behind this curious behavior and ways you can help curb her mounting habits.
The Best Large Breed Dogs
Learn more about the benefits and things to consider when it comes to adopting a large or giant breed dog.
Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?
Can puppies eat adult dog food? Learn all about puppy nutrition and how — and when — to transition your pup to adult dog food.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.