Dog Fungal Infection: Symptoms & Treatment Guide

Scalp ringworm, also known as tinea capitis or alopecia areata, is a fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes. Clinically, it is characterized by distinct, circular or annular patches of hair loss, accompanied by itching and crust formation.

In dogs, infection leads to hair loss and the appearance of circular or annular bald spots, which are covered with gray scales. Within these scales, remnants of destroyed hair roots may be found, or the area may be completely bald. The lesions around the affected area are pronounced, often showing small blisters or pustules. In severe cases, the skin becomes itchy, experiences extensive hair loss, and multiple lesions may merge, ultimately forming scabs.

Treatment should involve a combination of internal and external medication.

Internally: Griseofulvin tablets at a dose of 20 to 40 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day, and ketoconazole at a dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight, taken twice a day, for a duration of over 4 weeks.

Topically: Use clotrimazole cream, miconazole cream, or antifungal ointments like Tineacide, applying 1 to 2 times daily until the condition is healed. Before applying, clean the affected area with warm water.

For a homemade remedy, soak bedstraw and Chinese foxglove in 50% alcohol for 2 to 3 days, then strain and apply the liquid twice a day.

Ringworm is a highly itchy, contagious skin disease caused by scabies mites, characterized by intense itching, hair loss, and eczematous dermatitis.

After scabies mite infection, dogs may exhibit papules and itching on the extremities, face, ear flaps, sides, and lower abdomen, eventually spreading throughout the body. Initially, the skin appears red and papular with severe itching, leading to bleeding and scab formation due to scratching and rubbing. The affected area may lose hair, thicken, and develop fissures at the tail base and forehead. The skin in the affected areas is usually dry, but can also present as allergic eczema. Dogs may become restless, lose appetite, and if secondary bacterial infection occurs, the affected area may show deepseated pyoderma.

For treatment, first trim the hair around the affected area, remove dirt and scabs, and wash with warm soap water or 0.2% warm Lysol solution. Then, choose the following medications:

Administer 1% Ivermectin Injection (commonly known as ItchEase), which contains the active ingredient ivermectin, at a dose of 0.5 to 1 ml (for small to large dogs), 1 to 2 ml (for mediumsized dogs), or 2 to 3 ml (for large dogs) subcutaneously. For severe cases, a second injection may be given every 7 to 10 days.

Traditional Chinese medicine: Soak fresh Chinese foxglove in 75% alcohol for 7 days, then apply the liquid to the affected area, using this method for 3 to 5 days.

In this case, the dog's ears have crusted over, with a scalplike dandrufflike substance, suggesting a fungal infection. If red papules are also present, it may indicate scabies mite infection. Treatment should involve both topical and oral medications, as referenced above.