Ringworm in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection that can cause hair loss and red, crusty skin, often in circular patches.[1] It is very contagious and can spread to humans and other species.[1]
Signs
How a vet finds out
- Physical examination
- Skin scrape/cytology
- Culture
How vets treat it
- Coat clipping
- Medicated shampoo
- Antifungal medication
- Disinfecting the home
- Having any other pets checked by a vet
What the experts say
“Patches of raised, red, crusty skin (often circular) ; Alopecia (fur loss) ; Dandruff ; Mildly itchy skin”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection.[1]
What signs can ringworm cause in dogs?
It can cause raised, red, crusty skin patches, often circular, fur loss, dandruff and mildly itchy skin.[1]
How may a vet treat ringworm?
A vet may clip your dog's coat, use a medicated shampoo and prescribe antifungal medication. The home should also be disinfected, and other pets should be checked by a vet.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
Sarcoptic Mange
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Ticks