Effective Medication for Dogs with Ringworm and Hair Lo

Dealing with Ringworm and Hair Loss in Dogs: Can It Heal on Its Own?

Your furry friend is shedding hair in patches, leaving behind circular or elliptical scaly spots? If so, it's likely that your dog is suffering from ringworm! This condition requires prompt medical attention.

Ringworm is a fungal skin disease, and treating it early on can lead to a quicker recovery. Delaying treatment can lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can result in a combination of fungal and bacterial dermatitis, pyoderma, and longer, more expensive treatment periods. Moreover, the fungus can spread not only between pets but also to humans, particularly children and those with weakened immune systems.

Therefore, if your dog is experiencing ringworm and hair loss, don't wait for it to heal on its own. Prompt treatment is beneficial for both your pet and you, the caring owner.

Let's delve into the detailed steps to tackle ringworm, so you can be wellprepared:

1. What Medication for EarlyStage Ringworm?

Earlystage ringworm infections are typically small and don't cause severe skin damage. They can often be cured with topical treatments. Here's how to proceed:

① Shave the fur around the affected area by 3 to 5 centimeters and gently clean the area with physiological saline to remove scales and crusts.

② Allow the skin to dry and then apply iodine tincture for disinfection.

③ Apply a medicated cream like Dapsone (a ketoconazole cream) or spray a sufficient amount of terbinafine hydrochloride spray, twice or thrice daily.

In cases where the infection is around the dog's mouth and makes it difficult to apply cream, oral antifungal medications such as itraconazole or griseofulvin should be used in conjunction with a nontoxic skin antiseptic spray.

2. What Medication for AdvancedStage Ringworm?

For more extensive infections, oral medications and medicated baths are necessary. Here's a suggested treatment plan:

① Shave the dog's entire body or the affected area extensively, and give your pet a medicated bath with antifungal shampoo, once or twice a week. Ensure the fur is thoroughly dried after the bath.

② Apply terbinafine hydrochloride spray topically, twice or thrice daily.

③ Administer itraconazole tablets, 4060 mg per dose, half or onethird of a tablet for dogs weighing 4060 pounds, once daily.

④ If there is a secondary bacterial infection with skin inflammation, oral amoxicillinclavulanate potassium or cefadroxil tablets can be given once daily.

3. Additional Supportive Treatments

① During treatment, use an Elizabethan collar on your dog to prevent them from licking the affected area, which can hinder the effectiveness of the medication or worsen the skin damage.

② Pay attention to environmental disinfection, especially in areas like the dog bed, toys, carpets, sofas, and floors, to prevent the spread of the fungus.

③ Supplement your dog's diet with vitamins, such as vitamin B complex solution, lecithin, and fish oil, to boost their skin immunity and aid in skin repair.

Remember, treating your dog's ringworm requires patience and consistency. Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread and recurrence of the infection.