Dog Ringworm Treated Easily: One Tube of Ointment Solve
Recently, a new pet shop opened up right beneath my house, and to celebrate their grand opening, they were offering discounted baths. Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to give my dog a bath there. Little did I know, it wouldn't be long before I discovered that my furry friend had contracted a skin disease!
Since I wasn't sure which type of skin condition it was, I turned to the internet for answers, conducting extensive research and comparing my dog's symptoms. My suspicion grew that it might be ringworm. To avoid misdiagnosis, I even purchased a Wood's lamp online to conduct my own examination. The presence of a distinct yellowgreen fluorescence confirmed my fears: it was indeed a fungal infection.
How to Use the Wood's Lamp:
Turn off the lights and draw the curtains to create a dim environment at home. Shine the lamp on the affected areas, focusing on the roots of the fur. If you see a green fluorescence, it's a strong indication of ringworm. If the fluorescence is on the fur itself rather than at the roots, you may need to further investigate other areas. If there are no other affected spots, it might be a bacterial or miterelated skin issue!
My dog had previously suffered from eczema as a puppy, which required a significant amount of money and time for treatment at the vet. This time, I wanted to try treating the condition at home before resorting to professional care.
Thankfully, I caught the infection early, and ringworm is relatively easy to diagnose. After confirming the diagnosis, I promptly ordered a fungal treatment ointment online. Just a few days of consistent application showed remarkable improvement!
Treatment Steps:
1. Shave the Fur: If the infection is localized, you don't need to shave the entire body. Just trim the fur around the affected area by about 2cm to make it easier to apply the medication. You can also trim more fur if necessary to prevent the spread to unseen areas.
2. Clean the Dandruff: Use a cotton ball soaked in saline solution to gently apply it to the affected area. Soften the dandruff and scabs, then remove them to allow the ointment to directly contact the skin.
3. Disinfect and Apply Ointment: Wipe the area with iodine to disinfect, then let the skin dry before applying a layer of Dasatin (Ketoconazole Cream) evenly, twice a day. It's best to use petspecific ointments, as human medications can be too harsh on a dog's skin and may damage the follicles.
4. Wear an Elizabethan Collar: Ringworm is highly contagious. If the affected area is somewhere the dog can scratch or bite, it's essential to fit them with an Elizabethan collar to prevent the spread of the fungus through their claws or saliva.
Treatment Results:
Ringworm treatment can take a long time, with some veterinarians suggesting it may take at least two weeks to heal. My dog recovered in about ten days, although new fur hasn't grown back yet.
After continuing the treatment for another ten days and supplementing with some Supervet (Vitamin B Complex Solution), the fur started to grow back after about a month. So, remember, patience is key when treating your furry friend!
(Here's a cute photo of my pup to brighten up the day~)
With this experience, I've come to realize that a skin infection in dogs isn't as daunting as it seems. If caught early, it's entirely possible to manage the condition at home, potentially saving both time and money. And if home treatment doesn't work, seeking veterinary care is still an option.