Symptoms and Causes of Cat and Dog Ringworm: What You N

What is Ringworm in Cats and Dogs?

Ringworm is a skin condition caused by fungal infections. There are four types of fungi that can cause ringworm in cats, with the most common being Microsporum canis. This fungal infection can occur when the immune system is weakened, nutrition is inadequate, or the living environment is damp and unclean. It is typically spread through direct contact, dust, clothing, and other means!

Although seemingly insignificant, once infected, the treatment can be lengthy and prone to recurrence. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread to other parts of the pet's body and may even be transmitted to humans.

What Symptoms Appear in Cats and Dogs with Ringworm?

The mildest symptoms of ringworm in cats and dogs include the aforementioned hair loss and dandruff, along with hair that becomes matted, twisted, and broken off. In addition, there is a common ringshaped scale that often appears on the heads, chests, forelimbs, and backs of cats, as well as on the heads, ears, limbs, and tails of dogs.

Among these, the bridge of the nose and temples are common areas of infection during the early stages. In severe cases, there may be papular dermatitis (raised bumps) and extensive hair loss. A simple way to check for ringworm is through a Wood's lamp examination, where the affected areas will glow apple green under the light.

The symptoms of ringworm in humans are somewhat similar to those in pets with ringshaped scales, but also include ringshaped rashes or blisters, and intense itching that can cause the infected area to expand.

How to Treat Ringworm in Cats and Dogs?

For common cases of ringworm, follow these three steps:

Shave the affected area of the pet's fur.

Apply antifungal medications for skin conditions.

Give the pet a medicated bath.

Disinfect the home environment.

If the pet owner is accidentally infected, they can use clotrimazole cream or ketoconazole cream, which have antifungal properties, following the instructions on the label. Generally, the infection can be cured within 23 weeks.