Let"s treat our dogs! Natural Remedies for Ringworm!

Considering the recent events with the OSPCA York Region, I wanted to pos this very small but informative post on ringworm and some natural effective remedies. I realize that not many traditional vets will consider these treatments, but they should be considered as they do work!

Ringworm is one of the most common and widespread ailments in pets, especially in dogs. Ringworm is NOT worms, it is a fungal infection caused by an organism called Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissue on the skins surface. It appears as a circular mark and can spread quickly.

There are a number of different strains, all of them non-fatal! They can be treated.

Three of the most common are:

1. Trichophyton mentagrophytes – contracted by dogs and cats from rodents
2. Microsproum canis – specific to cats
3. Microsporum gypseum – contracted by dogs and cats from digging in soil

The symptoms of this disease would be small round lesions without hair. It will usually have a scaly center. Lesions are usually annoying and itchy and can be very uncomfortable for animals and humans alike.

Currently there are no reliable vaccinations for this disease.

Although there are many recognized over the counter treatments and preventative measures, it is a hard road to travel and diligence and patience must be utilized.

Here are some herbal remedies you could use for treatment of ringworm in your pet.

Calendula – serves as an anti-inflammatory and can work to heal the sores fairly quickly.

Licorice – also an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. A topical treatment by making a tea out of the dried herb along with hot water.

Now here is my favourite:

Neem oil from the Neem tree is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory. I can also help to relieve the pain and I’ve used it on my dogs in the past. Best thing about it is that the bitter taste keeps the dogs from licking! All you need to do is cotton swab it on!

We need to be aware that there are natural remedies out there for our pets that do work. With a little bit of effort from us as their guardians, we can help to guarantee a better quality life in mind, body and spirit.

Home remedies for ringworm

Ringworm doesn’t really care who it affects – you, your dogs, or your cats. And since it spreads easily, if you’ve got kids in school, you may find yourself treating it.

It’s not really a worm. It’s a fungal infection of the skin that usually shows up in humans as raised red patches with defined edges… looking like a worm curled under the skin. It doesn’t always look like a ring when it affects your pets, but it does make their hair break off over the affected area.

Ringworm can be transferred back and forth between pets and humans – pets and pets – or humans and humans. The fungal spores can live for a long time in the environment, so it’s important to do a good anti-fungal cleaning if your home has had it.

But – I promised some home remedies, not a lecture on house cleaning, so here they are. Use most several times a day.

1. Aloe Vera
2. Tea tree oil
3. Honey and olive oil in melted beeswax
4. Apple cider vinegar
5. Listerine mouthwash
6. The oregano herb – mix with olive oil
7. Epsom salt solution – soak once a day
8. Nail polish – if you use it on pets, make sure it’s dry before you turn them loose
9. Chewing tobacco – any wet tobacco. Use as a poultice and wrap it.
10. Diluted lime sulfur – one part to 16 to 32 parts water. Will stain!
11. Grapefruit seed extract
12. Raw papaya
13. Fresh garlic
14. Bleach – one part bleach to 6 parts water
15. Bag balm
16. Pure virgin coconut oil – also good for diaper rash!

Remember that everyone – pets and people alike – has a different system. Watch for allergic reactions and discontinue if they appear. Remember that allergies can take many forms – including headaches and muscle aches.