How do dogs get ringworm at home?

The lively and adorable appearance of dogs always brings boundless joy to the family, and they are an essential and warm presence in the household. However, the pesky ringworm disease may stealthily target dogs at home, causing them discomfort. As owners, by understanding the ways in which dogs get infected with ringworm at home, we can better build a protective barrier for them and safeguard their health.

The home environment is one of the significant factors contributing to dogs' ringworm infections. Ringworm fungi thrive in warm, humid, and dark environments. If the dog's kennel remains damp for an extended period, for instance, when it's placed in a corner with poor ventilation, or if the dog's mat, once soaked in urine, isn't replaced and cleaned promptly, it creates an ideal living condition for the ringworm fungi. Just imagine, in such a damp and dark environment, the ringworm fungi are like finding their "paradise" and will multiply and grow rapidly. Once a dog comes into contact with these areas contaminated by ringworm fungi, it stands a high chance of getting infected. Also, if the floor at home isn't cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially in the areas where the dog frequently moves around, once ringworm spores land, they may take root in the floor gaps and corners, waiting for the opportunity to infect the dog.

The dog's contact with the source of infection is also a crucial factor in getting ringworm. If there are other pets at home that have already been infected with ringworm, the risk of cross-infection increases substantially. For example, if a cat at home has ringworm, during its activities, the ringworm spores on its body will shed into the surrounding environment. When the dog is playing, it may unknowingly come into contact with these spores and get infected. Moreover, intimate interactions between pets, such as licking each other and playing together, will accelerate the spread of ringworm fungi.

In addition, after going out to play, dogs may also bring ringworm fungi back home. In places where dogs gather, such as parks, pet hospitals, and pet stores, there are numerous ringworm fungi. When dogs are active in these places, they may come into contact with the ground, toys, and supplies contaminated by ringworm fungi. For example, if a dog rolls on the grass in the park, and this grass has been previously visited by a dog with ringworm, then the dog may pick up ringworm spores. After returning home, these spores will "settle in" and wait for an opportunity to infect the dog.

Dogs with low immunity are more susceptible to the invasion of ringworm fungi. If a dog is malnourished, lacking essential vitamins and minerals in its body, or is in a state of illness or stress, the function of its immune system will be weakened. At such times, even if it comes into contact with a small amount of ringworm fungi, it may lead to an infection. For example, if a dog has just completed a long-distance journey and its body is under stress with reduced immunity, after coming home and coming into contact with the ringworm fungi lurking at home, it is more likely to be infected than usual.

When owners notice that their dogs exhibit symptoms suspected of ringworm, such as hair loss, red skin, and itching, they should attach great importance to it. Take the dog to a pet hospital promptly. After a professional examination confirms the diagnosis, actively cooperate with the veterinarian for treatment. Meanwhile, conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the home environment. Wash the dog's mat and toys, and use a pet-specific disinfectant to wipe the dog's kennel, floor, and other places that the dog frequently comes into contact with, to completely eliminate the ringworm fungi in the environment and prevent the dog from being reinfected.

Watching the once lively dog become listless due to ringworm, the owner's heart is filled with distress. But as long as we understand the reasons for dogs' ringworm infections at home, take preventive measures, keep the home environment dry and clean, prevent the dog from contacting the source of infection, and enhance the dog's immunity, we can significantly reduce the risk of the dog getting ringworm. This allows the dog to grow up healthily and happily at home and continue to accompany us through every wonderful day. Let's take action to protect the dog's health and shower them with meticulous care.