Treatment for Dog Fungal Skin Disease: Symptoms & Remed

Section 1: What is Canine Fungal Dermatitis?

Fungal dermatitis in dogs occurs when fungi inhabit and multiply in the keratinous tissues of the dog's fur, skin, and claws. This condition is one of the most common infectious skin diseases affecting our furry companions.

Moldrelated skin diseases predominantly affect puppies, senior dogs, and those with weakened immune systems or low resistance.

The symptoms of canine fungal dermatitis include hair loss in circular patches, itching, dandruff, and scabs on the skin.

Transmission of canine fungal diseases primarily occurs through contact, and humans can also be infected. It is not seasonal, meaning it can happen at any time of the year.

Fungi thrive in moist and warm environments, which is why regions with high temperatures and humidity have a higher incidence rate.

Section 2: Types of Fungi and Symptoms Causing Canine Fungal Dermatitis

1. Microsporum canis

This type of fungus is responsible for over 70% of canine ringworm cases and can infect various animals and individuals. It can appear on any part of a dog's body, but it is most commonly found on the ears, face, neck, and tail. Symptoms include scab formation on the skin, with minimal hair loss, especially in longhaired dogs. The lesions are often not discovered due to their small size. Microsporum canis primarily affects humans through tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp).

2. Trichophyton mentagrophytes

This fungus lives in the soil and can transmit skin mold diseases to dogs, other animals, and humans. Similar to Microsporum canis, it causes widespread skin infections in dogs. Affected areas of the skin will have hair loss, dandruff, and scabs. In severe cases, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections with pus formation. Treatment can be prolonged, lasting for months or even years.

3. Trichophyton schoenleinii and Trichophyton verrucosum

These fungi are less common causes of canine fungal dermatitis. They can also infect humans, with Trichophyton schoenleinii causing tinea capitis in children and Trichophyton verrucosum being the main pathogen for athlete's foot. Dogs often contract these infections through contact with infected individuals.

Section 3: Treatment Methods for Canine Fungal Dermatitis

1. Ensure Dogs Are Thoroughly Dried After Bathing

Many pet owners bathe their dogs at home but fail to dry them properly afterward. This can be due to a lack of expertise or simply neglecting to dry the dog completely, especially in dogs with double coats. It's crucial to pay attention to the undercoat, as it is often overlooked. Dogs with beards or long hair can get their fur wet while eating or drinking, so owners should wipe their faces after meals and keep their fur dry and tidy.

2. Medicinal Bathing

First, use a cleansing shampoo to wash the dog thoroughly, removing any dandruff or scabs from the fur. Then, apply a medicated shampoo all over the dog's body and massage it in for 10 minutes before soaking for another 10 minutes. After rinsing, make sure to dry the dog completely, especially the undercoat. Apply antiseptic ointment to the affected areas twice a day, in the morning and evening, in conjunction with the antifungal medicated bath, until the condition is completely cured.

3. Nutritional Supplementation

Provide your dog with an adequate supply of protein, various vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to enhance their immune system.

By taking proper care of your dog's daily needs, the likelihood of fungal dermatitis is significantly reduced. We hope that all pet owners will take good care of their pets and keep them free from the torment of diseases!

Tip: Click Dog Skin Fungal Symptoms and Treatment to learn more about canine fungal dermatitis.