signs of ringworm in dogs and cats

Ringworm isn’t a worm at all, but rather a ring-shaped fungal infection that can affect both pets and people.

Ringworm is spread by highly contagious fungal spores that affect both people and pets. Here’s what to know to help prevent the spread.

How to identify and treat ringworm

Ringworm shares many symptoms with other issues in pets, including hypothyroidism, allergies, and low-nutrient diets.

Ringworm is not a worm!

Ringworm, despite the name, is neither a ring nor a worm. Instead, it’s a highly contagious skin disease, dermaphytosis, that’s caused by fungal spores like Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. 

Ringworm often causes an itchy, rashy red ring on human skin, which is what gives the disease its name. However, pets have a slightly different response to the fungus. Instead of red rings, they’ll typically develop crusty patches of red or darkened skin. 

Ringworm affects the top layer of the skin and the inside of hair follicles. In pets, the fungus can also attack and weaken hair shafts and nails, leading to thinning coats and rough or pitted claws. 

How do dogs and cats get ringworm? 

Ringworm spreads to pets and people through contact with highly contagious ringworm spores. Spores can be spread by touching, petting, and sleeping with your pet, or through contact with contaminated bedding, fabrics, carpets, pet food bowls, pet hair, or combs. 

The clinical signs of ringworm in pets 

Ringworm can cause a patchy rash and skin lesions, which most often appear on dog or cat faces, ears, feet, and tails. Symptoms may be harder to spot if your pet has very fluffy fur.

Alopecia (baldness):

Since ringworm affects the skin and hair follicles, it can cause noticeable bald patches. These patches often start in a roughly circular shape but can become bigger and less even as the infection grows.

Lesions on faces, ears, feet, and tails:

Unlike hot spots, ringworm infection isn’t an open or moist sore. Look for patchy spots of darkened, thickened skin with white or peeling centers, inflammation, or scabbing.

Are young children at risk of catching ringworm from pets?

The fungus that causes ringworm is zoonotic, which means it can affect both pets and people. It’s also extremely contagious to people, young and old. 

Ringworm isn’t a deadly disease, but it does need medical attention to resolve. You’ll need to deep clean your home and wash all infected bedding, fibers, and objects to kill any lingering spores. 

If you or your human family have developed an itchy, red, ringlike rash or any other symptoms of ringworm, please consult your doctor.

Natural remedies like tea tree oil may be popular “cures” for fungal infections on the internet, but they’re actually poisonous to pets. Talk to your veterinary team about informed treatment for your pet.

Your veterinarian will run tests on hair and skin scrapings. If they diagnose ringworm, they’ll talk to you about medication and next steps. In addition to medical treatment, this includes a deep clean of all blankets, grooming tools, and spaces where pets and people may have left contaminated hair and fungal spores.

Ringworm doesn’t have a quick fix. Treatment takes commitment and can include months of continued medication and disinfection. Be aware that pets will remain contagious until their treatment is complete. Your veterinary team will let you know what precautions to take at home and with other pets.

Your veterinary team can help with advice on preventing ringworm in pets. While there’s no preventive medication, good home hygiene and regular deep cleaning can help both you and your pet.

Keep animals apart during treatment:

Wait until your veterinarian confirms pets are spore-free before bringing your animal and human family members back together.

Remove hair:

Pet hair can carry fungal spores, so vacuum and mop your pet’s living area daily. 

Wash pet and people bedding and blankets:

Hot water and bleach can kill spores.

Sanitize floors and other areas:

Dilute bleach in hot water to clean affected areas.

Steam-clean rugs and upholstery:

The steam may not kill the spores, but the suction action will help clean fabrics that can’t be washed in the machine.

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