Ringworm is a highly contagious skin infection for cats and dogs caused by parasitic fungi (dermatophytes) that get into the outermost layer of the animal’s skin or into their hair follicles. The infections tend to be localized, although they can spread if the dog or cat has a compromised immune system. Ringworm can also be found on the hairs shed by a pet that has the infection, and this is also a possible means of exposure for a cat or dog.

What Causes Ringworm?

Pets will get ringworm through contact exposure to the fungi, and as for what causes ringworms it is almost always from close contact with an infected person or animal. It is also possible to get it by making contact with anything that has the dermatophytes on the surface. However, it is important to know that contact with ringworm fungus does not always result in an infection. The amount of environmental contamination will determine if a ringworm infection establishes itself, and the age of a pet is going to be a factor too.

Ringworm Symptoms

Seeing red lesions that are circular in shape on the body of the animal is the foremost of ringworm symptoms pet owners can look for to determine if their dog or cat has this fungal skin infection. They may also see fur hair shafts that are fragile and easily broken, and ringworm may cause the nails of dogs or claws of cats to be affected too and become rough, brittle, or broken. It is also possible for a pet to have a ringworm infection and not show symptoms, although this is uncommon.

Ringworm Treatment

Use of a medicated antifungal shampoo will often be what a veterinarian recommends first for ringworm treatment. A pet antifungal cream that contains miconazole may also be effective for eliminating the fungus causing a ringworm infection, and the vet may also suggest shaving the affected area if the fungus seems to be mostly in follicles rather than embedded in the outer skin layer. You will also want to vacuum and wash the pet’s bedding frequently until you can get rid of a ringworm infection and keep the dog or cat away from other pets during this time.