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
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
I would like to write a few words about my... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?The word hepatitis refers to an... Read More
How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More
Taurine, a water-soluble amino acid, has recently become the topic... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Pet |