A contagious fungal infection to manage carefully
Ringworm in cats and dogs is a skin infection caused by a fungus.
Ringworm in cats and dogs is highly contagious—even to humans—and may go unnoticed in animals that don’t show visible lesions. Prompt diagnosis and treatment help prevent spread in your household.
🧴 Symptoms and recommended treatment of ringworm in cats and dogs
Why treat ringworm?
Although ringworm can resolve on its own in 4 to 6 weeks, treatment is advised to:
- Reduce environmental spore contamination
- Speed up your pet’s recovery
- Lower the risk of spreading it to other pets or people
Recommended dual approach:
1. Oral treatment
- Itraconazole for at least 6 weeks
- Give with fat (e.g., melted butter or oil) to improve absorption
- Refrigerate doses as needed
- Possible side effects: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea
⚠️ Pregnant women should avoid handling this medication
2. Topical treatment
- Chlorhexidine baths twice a week for a minimum of 6 weeks
- Shave long fur for better skin contact
- Lather entire body, rub against the grain, let sit 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely
🏠 Environmental decontamination
To limit spore presence in your home:
- Vacuum weekly, and discard the vacuum bag or contents outside
- Disinfect surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water)
- Spores can survive up to 18 months—consistent cleaning is crucial
🧪 Medical monitoring and prevention of ringworm in cats and dogs
To confirm full recovery:
- Perform 2 to 3 fungal cultures, spaced 2 weeks apart, starting after 1 month of treatment
- Stop treatment only after 2 consecutive negative results
- A liver enzyme test may be needed to monitor itraconazole’s effects
If other pets live in the home:
- Test them, even if they appear healthy
- If negative, they must still be treated for 6 weeks
- No fungal culture follow-up needed for them
📞 Strict care protects your pet—and your family
Effective ringworm management includes medication, proper hygiene, and consistent veterinary monitoring. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions—we’re here to help protect your whole household.
