name, it isn’t caused by a worm, but by a fungus called dermatophyte. While not usually life-threatening, ringworm is contagious and can spread to humans, making early detection and treatment essential.
At Atlas Animal Hospital, we guide pet owners on recognizing, preventing, and managing ringworm to keep pets and families healthy.
How Ringworm Spreads
Ringworm spreads through:
- Direct contact with an infected animal
- Contact with contaminated surfaces like bedding, grooming tools, or furniture
- Spores in the environment, which can remain infectious for months
Young animals, older pets, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection. Cats, particularly kittens, are common carriers, sometimes showing no obvious symptoms.
Recognizing Ringworm in Pets
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Common signs include:
- Circular patches of hair loss with red or scaly skin
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Crusty, brittle, or broken hairs
- Slow-healing lesions
- In severe cases, widespread infection
Because symptoms can resemble other skin conditions, such as allergies or bacterial infections, veterinary evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing Ringworm
Your veterinarian may use several methods to confirm ringworm:
- Wood’s lamp examination: Some fungi fluoresce under UV light
- Microscopic evaluation: Hair and skin samples can reveal fungal spores
- Fungal culture: Provides a definitive diagnosis and guides treatment
Prompt diagnosis ensures effective management and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
Treatment Options
Ringworm treatment usually involves a combination of approaches:
Topical Treatments
- Medicated shampoos, creams, or dips target localized lesions
- Regular application helps reduce fungal load and speed recovery
Oral Medications
- Oral antifungal medications may be required for severe or widespread infections
- Typically prescribed for several weeks to ensure complete clearance
Environmental Management
- Wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water and antifungal cleaners
- Vacuum and clean surfaces regularly to remove spores
- Isolate infected pets until fully healed to prevent spreading
Preventing Ringworm
Prevention focuses on hygiene, early detection, and minimizing exposure:
- Avoid contact with unknown or infected animals
- Regular grooming and skin checks
- Maintain a clean environment, including bedding and litter areas
- Quarantine new pets until health is verified
Healthy, well-nourished pets with strong immune systems are less likely to develop severe infections.
When to Contact Your Veterinarian
If you notice circular hair loss, scaly patches, or persistent scratching in your pet, contact Atlas Animal Hospitalimmediately. Early intervention ensures effective treatment and reduces the risk to other pets and family members.
Call (604) 301-0300 to schedule an appointment and receive personalized guidance for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ringworm in your cat or dog.
Supporting Recovery
With proper treatment and environmental management, most pets recover fully from ringworm. Consistency in medication, cleaning, and monitoring is key to preventing recurrence and keeping your home safe.