{"id":5403,"date":"2020-10-13T21:06:19","date_gmt":"2020-10-13T21:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/?p=5403"},"modified":"2020-10-17T22:13:16","modified_gmt":"2020-10-17T22:13:16","slug":"ringworm-in-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wondermentgardens.com\/ringworm-in-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Ringworm in Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Dear Annie, Do you have any suggestions for ringworm in dogs.\u00a0 The puppy we recently adopted from our local animal shelter has been diagnosed with ringworm. What natural solutions can we use?<\/p>

Thank you for reaching out. Ringworm is a common infection in dogs and puppies especially those from a shelter. Luckily, the fungus responds well to natural treatments and home remedies.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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About Ringworm in Dogs<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Despite the name, ringworm is not a worm or parasite at all. Ringworm is a fungal infection that lives off dead skin cells. Interestingly, the fungus is more or less the same kind that causes Athletes foot and Jock Itch. The name \u201cringworm\u201d comes from the round shape of the rash. The fungus responsible for ringworm is called Microsporum, of which there are 3 main types. Microsporum canis is responsible for 70% of ringworm cases in dogs. 20% is caused M. gypsenum and 10% is related to a different fungus in the same family, Trichonphyton mentagrophytes.<\/p>

Ringworm lives on the dead skin cells of the outer layer of skin called the epidermis where it easily spreads. A single spot can spread on the same animal, creating more patches. It is also highly contagious moving readily from animal to animal and from animal to human. The young, elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk of infection, both in humans and animals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Symptoms of ringworm in dogs<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For most dogs, ringworm manifests as circular spots of hair loss. These spots can be localized to one area or appear all over the dog\u2019s body. As the infection progresses, the circumference of the lesion grows larger. Enlarged patches may take on a patchy appearance with the skin inside the patch becoming red, inflamed and scabbed. Sometimes the skin inside the patch or lesion appears to heal as the patch grows larger.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Thankfully, ringworm in dogs (or anyone) is not life threatening and usually does not make the dog itch. (As it does in humans). Ringworm does, however, affect the hair and hair follicles. Hair follicles around the infected area become brittle and break easily with lost hair being a big part of how the fungus spreads. Sometimes ringworm infects the claws or bottom of the feet, causing them to become brittle and rough.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Prevention is the Key for ringworm in dogs<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Ringworm in dogs is highly contagious. Plus, it can spread between humans and animals. Therefore, a little prevention can go a long way toward stopping the fungus in its tracts, while protecting your family and home.<\/p>

First, and probably most important, keep the area clean. Fungi thrive in damp, moist and dark environments. Also, those brittle hairs your dog is shedding can carry the fungus to a new host–you. Hence, one of the best methods of prevention is housekeeping. Wash the puppy\u2019s bedding a few times a week. Sweep and vacuum the floor a little more often, and if the puppy sleeps with you or gets on the couch regularly, clean those too.<\/p>

Second, wash your hands after you touch your pet. Also wash your hands after applying salves or other remedies to the affected patches.<\/p>

Third, keep a lookout for outbreaks. Ringworm usually clears up in a week or two with treatment. If your puppy doesn\u2019t get better, there may be other immune issues going on. Watch your other animals and people, especially children and elders. Ringworm is easier to remedy the sooner you start treatment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Natural Solutions for Ringworm in Dogs.<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ringworm responds well to topical treatments. And, although it may sometimes be necessary to add an internal remedy, most of the time it\u2019s not necessary. If the ringworm continues and does not get better, visit your vet. In those cases, internal remedy may help speed the healing process, but only after ruling out other potential problems.<\/p>

Before you begin, clip or shave around the ring or bald spot. This will enable you to apply natural medicines more easily and prevent affected hairs from dropping and spreading around the house.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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ACV is a truly impressive healing agent. Possessing both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it also helps return the skin to a normal alkaline level. To use ACV for ringworm, mix equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and distilled water. Place in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas several times per day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Coconut Oil <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Another wonderful healing agent. Simply apply the coconut oil to the area a few times per day. If you like, add 10 drops of tea tree oil per 1 oz of melted coconut oil. Let it harden and apply as a salve.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Black Walnut is one of the most respected and widely used anti-fungals in the herbal world. The hulls, leaves and bark can all be used internally and externally. The hulls produce a natural form of iodine that can be utilized as a topical antiseptic. The tincture, oil, and salve or ointment work wonderfully on most skin infections. Apply Black Walnut externally 3 or 4 times per day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Essential Oils <\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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My favorite essential oils for anti-fungal treatments are Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Tagetes (Tagetes minuta var. bipinata), Myrrh and Oregano. They each have powerful anti-fungal and anti-biotic properties. However, it important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and very potent. To use them, add 5 to 10 drops total essential oil to 1 oz carrier oil. Essential oils can also be added to alcohol-based preparations, like tinctures. When adding to a tincture, only 1 or 2 drops per 1 oz tincture is needed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Other herbs that work well when used to treat fungal infections, including ringworm in dogs are Neem (Azadirachta indica), Garlic (Allium sativum), Chaparral (Larrea tridentate), Pau d\u2019arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Recipes for Ringworm<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Possible Tincture Formula:<\/h4>

Use a cotton ball or cotton swab (Q-tip) to apply tinctures or liquid plant extracts. Discard them after each use. Remember, ringworm is highly contagious.<\/p>

Mix individually prepared liquid extracts of<\/p>