Dog Ringworm Treatment: What Owners Should Do Immediately
By RexVet Team
Have you noticed your dog suddenly developing round, red patches on their skin? This could be a ringworm infection.
In short, ringworm is a type of fungal infection that spreads quickly. It can spread to humans as well, especially children or people with weak immunity. In this blog, we will look at:
Why do dogs get ringworm?
What are the symptoms?
What are the treatment options?
And some effective prevention tips?
If you want to get the right treatment for your pet in the USA for ringworm or any other common or emergency problem at home, there is no better option than RexVet. Our service is available 24/7, so you can get professional vet advice anytime and get prescription medicines delivered directly to you. With us, you can get the highest quality treatment for your pet at the lowest price.
What is a Ringworm in Dogs?
Ringworm is not actually a worm, it is a type of fungal skin infection. When it occurs on your dog's body, it usually causes hair loss, peeling skin, or round reddish spots.
We call this infection ringworm in dogs, which can spread not only from the skin but also from hair, nails, and even from surrounding objects. It can spread from dog to dog and from dog to human, so it is very important to identify it early.
To identify it and treat it, you first need to know its symptoms well.
Early Symptoms of Ringworm in Dogs
The symptoms of ringworm may seem very mild at first, but they actually spread quickly. Ignoring a small spot or hair loss on your dog's body can turn into a big problem later. So it is very important to recognize the early symptoms.
Visible Signs on Skin, Fur & Nails
You may notice round spots on your dog's body where the hair has risen and the area is red or scaly. Sometimes the skin may also peel or crack. If the nail is infected, it may become brittle or break abnormally.
Behavioral Changes You May Notice
Your dog may act restlessly and feel irritated. A dog who is licking, scratching or even biting any part of its body is most probably doing it due to discomfort or an itch. This may in turn, lead to the spread of the infection.
How to Confirm with a Vet Diagnosis
Just having a suspicion is not enough, and testing is essential for confirmation. Skin sample is the most commonly used for lab testing to determine the presence of an infection or a particular ailment. In these cases, a discreet ringworm, or other skin ailments, is often the culprit.
Now, don't panic after seeing these symptoms. You need to follow some immediate steps.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Dog Has Ringworm
If your dog has a ringworm, you need to take some urgent steps without delay. Because this infection is not only dangerous for your dog, but also for other pets in your house and even your family. Therefore, it can be brought under control quickly if you take the right measures.
Isolate the Infected Dog from Other Pets
The first thing to do is to isolate the infected dog. The infection can easily spread to other animals from touch or the surrounding environment. So if you have other dogs, cats or small pets in your house, keep the infected dog in a separate room from them. Use separate food bowls, water bowls, beds and toys. Remember, the more contact you reduce, the less the spread of the infection will be.
Clean Bedding, Toys, and Living Areas
The ringworm fungus can survive in the surrounding environment for several months. So, thoroughly clean the infected dog's bed, blankets, cushions, toys and areas where it spends a lot of time every day. You can use hot water and a pet-safe disinfectant. Carpets, sofas, or floors can harbor fungal spores, so it is important to vacuum regularly. Be sure to clean the vacuum bag or container after use.
Practice Personal Hygiene (Gloves, Handwashing)
Put on gloves with every contact that you make with your pet. Gloves should be removed after the packing of the medications, the cleaning of the wounds, the serving of the food. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after contact. Always get a separate towel for the infected dog and do not mix that towel with other garments during washing. Tell family members, especially kids, to avoid contact with the infected area.
Now, after following these initial steps, your job is to give your dog the right treatment. To give the right treatment, you first need to know about the treatment options.
Dog Ringworm Treatment Options
The sooner you start treatment for ringworm, the easier it will be to control the infection. Without proper treatment, this fungus can spread throughout the body and cause long-term problems for your dog. Let’s take a look at the main effective treatments.
Veterinary Medications (Topical & Oral)
The most effective treatment for ringworm is medication. There are two types of medications that are commonly used—
Topical medications (ointment, spray, lotion): These are applied directly to the infected area. They stop the growth of the fungus and help the skin lesions dry up quickly.
Oral medications (tablets/liquids): If the infection is more widespread or deep, oral medications are given. These work from the inside and reduce the risk of re-infection.
The exact dosage and duration are always determined by the veterinarian, so it is best not to self-medicate.
Instead, you can contact our vet and get a prescription from home.
Antifungal shampoos and creams
Use antifungal shampoos specifically designed to treat ringworm infections. Regular bathing of the dog two to three times a week is enough to keep the skin clean and kill the fungus within a day or two. Roborant or medicated creams are also sometimes applied to the lesions. These both decrease the infection and alleviate pruritus and discomfort.
Home Remedies and Their Limitations
Home remedies using herbal products such as coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are common and widespread. These do provide some relief but they are a far cry from a proper solution. They can also pose a considerable risk if proper medication is not given to the dog to prevent the situation from worsening. So home remedies are best not used alone or as first line solutions.
How Long Does Ringworm in Dogs Take to Heal
The most common question that many people ask when it comes to ringworm is, “When will my dog be completely cured?” Honestly, it depends on many things. In general, if the right dog ringworm treatment is taken, the infection will be largely under control within about 2 to 4 weeks. However, in some cases, it may take 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover, especially if the fungus has spread or the dog's immune system is weak.
Regular medication, shampooing, and following the doctor's instructions are essential for the infection to heal quickly. In addition, it is very important to keep the environment clean, separate the affected items, and prevent the spread of the infection.
If you notice that the dog gradually starts to itch less, the spots dry up, and the behavior returns to normal, then it means that the treatment is working. However, if you give up any kind of pharmaceutical or home remedy or stop the treatment in time, there is a chance that the infection will return.
Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
Ringworm can seem scary even once, so the best strategy is to prevent it in advance. With a few small habits, it becomes easier to keep your dog healthy and reduce the chances of a fungal infection returning to the house.
Regular Grooming and Vet Checkups
If you brush your dog’s fur and examine its skin regularly, many problems can be caught early. In addition, regular checkups with the vet can help you quickly address small blemishes or hair problems. This also makes your dog more comfortable and gives you less to worry about.
Maintaining a Clean Living Environment
It is very important to keep the areas where your dog eats, sleeps, and plays clean. Wash all bedding, blankets, and toys regularly. Use separate towels and vacuum the floor, sofa, or carpet regularly. This will reduce the chance of spreading the infection to almost zero.
Strengthening Your Dog’s Immune System
The stronger your dog’s immune system, the easier it is to fight off fungal infections. Ensure a healthy diet, plenty of water, exercise, and rest. Sometimes, a mild supplement or vitamin may be given as recommended by your vet.
By following these three methods regularly, your dog will be much safer not only from ringworm, but also from other skin problems. Small changes in habits can be a big savior.
Why Choose RexVet for any Health Problem of Your Pet
Allergies like ringworm, respiratory problems, diarrhea—such problems always occur in our pets, and RexVet is the fastest and most accessible means for such problems.
RexVet is a non-profit organization, where our goal is to make your pet's care easy, affordable and professional. Our service is available 24/7, and since we have our own pharmacy, we provide prescription drugs, which are delivered directly to your home. In 2025, we were recognized as the Top rated online veterinary service in the USA, and through us you can take free health and nutrition courses (beginner to advanced level) for pets.
We have two packages, so you can choose according to your needs. And these are 75% cheaper compared to regular veterinary services .The Per Appointment Plan is just $35 per visit, and the Family Plan offers 4 virtual appointments for $10 per month, for a yearly cost of $120, plus free shipping on orders over $49. Plus, a portion of our packages goes towards donations, helping more pets benefit. So book an appointment with us today and ensure your pet gets the right care.
Conclusion
Ringworm in dogs might seem trivial but it is quite the opposite. If not dealt with, it may result in skin, hair and nail complications. However, the infection can be controlled with proper and timely dog ringworm treatment, a clean environment, and the standard brushing and regular checkups, with the veterinarian. It is crucial to understand that supportive home therapies do not and should not, replace primary treatment. So, if you have any doubt, book an appointment with our licensed vet without delay, and your dog will recover quickly if you follow their instructions.