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
tidy up service Glenview ..Cat arthritis is not a very common ailment among healthy... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
Our pets give us so much. They entertain us, listen... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More
Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
1. What is heat?Heat is more properly called the estrous... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More
Vitamins Can Increase Your Dog's Life Span!There is evidence to... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
maid service near Winnetka ..Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More
Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More
Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Cats are becoming increasingly popular as pets these days, and... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
Over the last 20 years, vaccinations have generally been started... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Reading a pet food label, how difficult can it be?... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
Even if you haven't had a run-in involving your pet... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
Pet |