To treat ringworm in dogs effectively, a multi-step approach is generally recommended involving topical therapy, oral medications, and environmental decontamination:
1. Topical Treatment
- Use antifungal creams, ointments, or medicated shampoos specifically prescribed or recommended by a veterinarian. Common antifungal agents include miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole, enilconazole, and econazole, often combined with disinfectants like chlorhexidine
- Bathing the dog with antifungal shampoo twice weekly is typical, and creams may be applied to lesions in hard-to-wash areas like the head or ears
- Shaving or clipping hair in affected areas may be advised to speed healing and reduce environmental contamination but should be done carefully to avoid spreading spores
2. Oral Medication
- Oral antifungal drugs are often necessary, especially for widespread or severe infections. Common medications include griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine
- Treatment usually lasts at least six weeks and should not be stopped prematurely to prevent recurrence
- In some cases, if multiple pets are in the household, all may need treatment to prevent reinfection
3. Environmental Decontamination
- Ringworm spores shed from infected hair can contaminate the environment, so thorough cleaning is crucial.
- Vacuuming carpets and furniture, washing surfaces with antifungal disinfectants (e.g., diluted bleach solution), and restricting the dog's access to easily cleaned areas help reduce spore presence
- Confine the infected dog to one room if possible to limit contamination
Additional Notes
- Diagnosis is confirmed by veterinary examination, fungal culture, or Wood’s lamp examination
- Treatment plans vary depending on infection severity, number of pets, and household members' health
- Avoid stopping treatment early and maintain hygiene to prevent spread to humans and other animals
In summary, treating ringworm in dogs involves veterinary-prescribed topical antifungal treatments, oral antifungal medications for systemic infection, and rigorous cleaning of the dog's environment to eliminate fungal spores and prevent reinfection or spread
