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
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
There are three important litter box considerations to account for... Read More
Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
Over the past couple of years, animal rescues have been... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More
Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More
Cats are known for their curious and adventurous nature. Curiosity... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Presently, and throughout the 1990s a phenomena swept through the... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More
Pet |