Ringworm is not a life-threatening disease, but it is very contagious and does require the intervention of a veterinarian. Knowing the symptoms of ringworm in dogs can help you catch the disease before it passes to humans or other pets.
What happens if you leave ringworm untreated in dogs?
What happens if ringworm goes untreated in dogs? Ringworm can go away on its own, but it will take longer than treating the infection. Your dog will also be uncomfortable and contagious for a longer period of time without treatment. Untreated ringworm in dogs could potentially spread to all of their skin.
What are the effects of ringworm on dogs?
"In dogs, the fungi commonly infect hair follicles, which causes the affected hair shafts to break off at the skin line resulting in round patches of hair loss." In the dog, ringworm lesions usually appear as areas of hair loss (alopecia) that are roughly circular.
Should I be worried if my dog has ringworm?
If you notice any skin issues with your dog or cat including scaliness, flaking, patchiness, or hair loss, contact your vet for an accurate diagnosis. There are several ways to diagnose ringworm including inspection by a Wood's ultraviolet lamp, microscopic inspection of hair follicles, or through a lab-tested culture.
Can ringworm be fatal in dogs?
While ringworm is not fatal, it is an uncomfortable condition that can cause your dog to lose its fur and may infect you as well. Puppies and senior dogs are the most seriously affected age groups. They can develop body-wide ringworm infections if they don't receive treatment.
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