How Does a Dog Get Ringworm?

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is a general name for a type of fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails. Specifically, ringworm is the result of contact with a fungus from the dermatophyte family. Both humans and animals can contract ringworm, which results in a raised, ring-shaped rash. The appearance of the rash, in fact, is how the infection gets the name “ringworm.” There are no worms involved in the infection but the rash that results has the appearance of a worm curled in a circle. This rash often comes with other related symptoms such as a round patch of hair loss, itching, swelling and redness. A diagnosis of ringworm is usually made by observing the visual symptoms. This diagnosis can be confirmed by examining a scraping of the skin with a microscope. Ringworm infections are common and can be highly contagious. The dermatophyte that causes ringworm in dogs, Microsporum canis, also can infect humans.

How Ringworm is Contracted

Ringworm infections are contracted via direct contact with an infected person, animal or surface. A dog may come in contact with a dermatophyte in the soil, on the ground, on another dog or on a wild animal. Puppies are most susceptible to ringworm infections and can quickly spread the infection to litter mates, playmates and sometimes adult dogs. When a dog comes in contact with a dermatophyte, the fungi take up residence in the skin and hair cells of the animal. Living off the keratin found in dead skin and hair, the ringworm infection quickly builds a colony and spreads outward from the source of infection. Dogs with immature or weak immune systems are more likely to contract a ringworm infection, especially if the animal has any other skin wounds.

How Ringworm is Spread

Ringworm from a dog is most commonly spread to humans through direct contact with an infected animal. However, a dermatophyte can live on inanimate objects for an extended period of time. In optimal conditions a dermatophyte spore can live for years. The fungi cling to the fur or cells that an infected dog sheds, potentially contaminating surfaces the dog comes in contact with. Soil, floors, linens, towels, bedding, furniture and clothing can all harbor the fungus and transmit ringworm to a human or another animal. In order to prevent reinfection after treatment, every surface an infected dog or human has come in contact with must be cleaned thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution.

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  How Does a Dog Get Ringworm? eHow

  
  

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  How Does a Dog Get Ringworm?. Ringworm is a general name for a type of fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails. Specifically, ringworm is the result of contact …