What Is Ringworm In Cats & Ringworm In Dogs?

Q. What Is Ringworm In Cats & Ringworm In Dogs?

A. Contradictory to its name Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a fungus. In the past, because of the circular lesions made by the ringworm fungi it was thought to be caused by worms, hence the name ringworm.

Ringworm in dogs and ringworm in cats is caused by a fungus found in infected soil or from an infected animal, that causes skin lesions, that can present in many different ways. Most commonly are hair loss lesions in specific areas along with crusty skin. Ringworm in dogs and ringworm in cats are most commonly found on the feet, face, underbelly and if on the feet, in the nail beds, causing dry and cracked nails. In a puppy or kitten the ringworm can cover the entire face and all feet. It is also possible for a dog or cat to be carrying and spreading ringworm without showing any symptoms. The condition is easily spread between pets and humans, in fact many cases in humans are tracked back to their dogs and cats, which is why a diagnosis of human ringworm comes with a suggestion to have your dog and cat tested as well. Ringworm diagnosis is done in a vet’s office with a special lamp and a fungal culture and can take several weeks to read results. There are many treatment options including shampoos and skin treatments available.

Ringworm In Dogs

Ringworm in dogs and ringworms in cats is caused by a fungus found in infected soil or from an infected animal, that in turn causes hair loss and skin lesions with crusting edges, that can present in a myriad of different ways, Ringworm in dogs and ringworm in cats are commonly found on the feet, face, underneath the belly and on the feet, and in the nail beds, causing dry and cracked nails. Puppy ringworm can cover the entire face of the pup and all feet. It is also possible for dogs with ringworm or cats with ringworm to just be a carrier and to spread ringworm to others without showing any symptoms of ringworm themselves. The condition is easily spread between pets and humans, in fact many cases in humans are tracked back to their cats and dogs, which is why a diagnosis of human ringworm comes with a suggestion to have your cats and dogs tested as well. Ringworm in cats and ringworm in dogs diagnosis is done in a vet’s office with a special lamp and a fungal culture which takes several weeks to read results. There are many treatment options available for treating ringworm, including shampoos and skin treatments.

Griseofulvin may be prescribed for ringworm in cats or ringworm in dogs. This is an antifungal drug that is used for pets with ringworm, but it does come with some side effects, so be sure to see your vet before administering any medication to your pets. Griseofulvin is a fungal inhibitor.

Note: Ringworm in a highly contagious fungal infection. You can catch ringworm just by touching an animal infected with ringworm. Ringworm can spread while merely patting or grooming your cats or dogs. You can also get ringworm from cows, goats, pigs and horses.