How to Deal with Ringworm Spores in Pets

Ringworm is a zoonotic condition. It can be passed from animals to humans as well as from human to human. If you suspect that you pet has ringworm, here are some precautions to take to protect your family.

That beloved cat or dog in your home is one of the family. And, like one of the family, there are certain conditions that can be passed from them to you.

The hard thing about pets and ringworm is that some may be carriers but not suffer from the condition. They may carry the spores and can pass them on, but you wouldn’t be able to identify that they were carriers unless someone came down with the condition.

Symptoms in Dogs and Cats

But, for the sake of argument, let’s say that your pet has the signs of ringworm. There are different types of fungal spores that affect cats and dogs called dermatophytes and they give off arthrospores (the fungal spores). These spores live on the hairs of your pets and when you pet them, they can be transferred to you.

Here is the way that you can tell that your pet has ringworm. Much like ringworm of the scalp, your pet will begin to show bald spots where their hair has come out and formed a circular pattern on the skin. The spots are red and your pet will scratch them incessantly. There may even be a scaly appearance to the skin.

Treatment

At this point, get your pet treated immediately by a vet. For pets, ringworm is a little harder to treat. They require the administration of fungal powders topically on the skin and also oral medications to kill the spores completely. The powders will need to be used as a dip for your pet for at least six to eight weeks. To reduce the amount of spores, a pet’s hair will need to be cut short before treatment to ensure that it is effective.

As for you and yours, the home will also need to be cleaned to be sure that the spores won’t re-infect your pet or infect you. Keep your pet quarantined to a specific area until they are cleared of all spores through testing at the vet.

As for your home, cleaning the carpet will require vacuuming of all areas and furniture where you pet usually gathers. Use a bag vacuum so that you can discard the bag outside as soon as it is full. Don’t forget to change air filters and to clean out ductwork. It may take several treatments a week to remove all spores from surfaces. A solution of 1:20 bleach will disinfect non-porous surfaces.

Does your pet have ringworm? Treatment involves not only taking care of your pet but your home as well.