Dog's Help

Ringworm is a very common disease that in pet animals, especially dogs. The name is misleading as it suggests that the disease is an intestinal worm of some sort. However, ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by a group of fungi called Dermatophytes. There are 35 species of Dermatophytes. The most common species of this fungus is the Mircosporum Canis. It is responsible for most of the ringworm cases in dogs and cats.
 
It is an infectious skin disease and your pet may pick it up from an infected animal or simply by roaming around in an environment that is infected by the fungus. The fungus affects dead skin and other areas such as the face, tail, paws and ears.

The infected area becomes red and inflamed. Be very careful about handling your pet when you notice red colored lesions on its skin, as this may be ringworm. Ringworm is infectious and it can spread from dogs to humans.  If you need to clean or disinfect the area, wear a pair of gloves.

If you notice your pet itching, you should take it to a vet immediately. The vet can carry out a proper diagnosis using ultraviolet light. If ringworm is confirmed, then the vet may prescribe topical ointments, creams, shampoos along with oral medicines. Regular use of these medicines should solve the problem.

If diagnosed early it is usually a mild disorder that can be treated without any major problems. If left untreated it can turn into a very nasty infection. If you find that it is recurring, you should ask your vet for advice. It is a very traumatic experience for pets and owners alike.  

It would be a good idea to prevent your pet from going outside unsupervised.