Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is curable. The problem with this disorder is that there are 35 different species of ringworm that can affect cats, dogs and be transmitted to humans as well. The most common form is Mircosporum Canis which accounts for the majority of ringworm cases.
What Causes Ringworm in Canines?
Ringworm is caused from exposure to the dermatophytes from spores present in the environment, mainly from other animals that are infected with it. Your dog could pick it up from anywhere...boarding kennels, breeding kennels, someone else's home. The spores can live in the environment for up to 13 months and are very hard to get rid of, so reinfection of animals is also a common problem. As well, children are highly susceptible to these infections, so it is very important to rid the household of this fungus as soon as possible.
This disorder usually appears as a lesion upon the skin of an animal or human and requires medical attention. It looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair in most cases. The patch may look somewhat inflamed and appear to have "dandruff" like flakes on it. However, sometimes it is very hard to spot ringworm, especially in dogs.
A veterinarian can usually diagnose ringworm by using an ultraviolet light. In some cases however, this isn't enough and a sample of hair or scrapping of the skin is needed for further diagnosis. Treatment is basically in the form of antifungal pills and/or topical medications such as creams or medicated shampoos.
Curing Ringworm In Dogs
The major problem is getting rid of the spores in your home so they don't reinfect your pets. Most spores are shed through the fur into the carpet, so occasional "dip" baths may be required to kill the spores that may linger on the fur of your dog. As well, it is recommended that you destroy all pet bedding, blankets, brushes/combs, and other items used by the canine.
Any items that cannot be thrown out need to be soaked thoroughly in a solution of hot water and Betadine or Iodophor for one hour. They should then be rinsed in a mixture of water and .5% chlorine bleach. Drying the items outdoors in sunlight will also help. Vacuum your house thoroughly and be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag. Then have all carpets and upholstery steam-cleaned and wash all walls with a mixture of water and chlorine bleach. If you have an air filter in your home, you must also dispose of the filter.
Although ringworm is a mild disorder, it can cause a tremendous amount of problems to a household. If you continue to have problems with canine ringworm reinfection, please consult your veterinarian for additional solutions or information that he/she may be able to provide.
Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. To learn more about dog skin problems, care and grooming, please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/grooming-aids.shtml
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..Keeping your dog safe is similar to keeping a child... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Training your dog to obey commands is an important part... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More
Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
One we must regrettably share with our children for they... Read More
Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
Pet |