Ringworm isn’t actually a worm at all–it’s a skin disease that occurs due to 1 of four distinct accepted species of fungi. The four species of fungi that may cause the disorder referred to as “ringworm” in dogs may also infect humans. It’s strongly suggested that you consult your vet during this period regardless of whether or not you choose to use some of the below-listed home remedies for ringworm in dogs.
Ringworm Symptoms in Your Dog
Ringworm most commonly infects young or immune suppressed dogs, and it has a number of classic symptoms including:
- Small round lesions
- Hair thinning
- Scaly skin
- Pustules
- Itchy or irritated skin
Lesions most commonly appear in the dog’s head but aren’t restricted to that region of their body. Ringworm might be confused with bacterial disease, demodectic mange, and auto-immune diseases.
Home Remedies for Ringworm
Medicinal and therapeutic intervention may be required by more severe cases of ringworm. There are always a lot of treatment options available in case your pet has ringworm, including:
1) Antifungal Shampoo
Bathing your dog with an anti-fungal pet shampoo every other day is a powerful treatment option. There are many well regarded anti-fungal shampoo products out there for dogs, the shampoo from Synergy Labs comes highly recommended.
2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar functions as an extremely powerful natural remedy to heal infections. Make a solution with water and apple cider vinegar and rinse your pet after bathing it.
3) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s curative properties for humans can also extend to man’s best friend. When applied correctly and in a DILUTED form on dogs, tea tree oil can assist in treating topical infections such as ringworm along with other bacterial and fungal infections. The natural health community suggests dabbing some diluted (less than 1% – ideally .1%-1% concentration mixed with water) in the affected areas of the dog’s body two times a day for one week.
4) Papaya
You should use papaya for dogs because it works against ringworms in both humans and dogs in the same way. A piece of raw papaya ought to be rubbed on the ringworms a handful of times regularly each day.
5) Bleach
Bleach is also utilized for treating ringworms in dogs. With a cotton ball, apply a diluted amount on the patches and monitor whether it itches or causes irritation on your pet’s skin. Don’t repeat or carry on with this should the above occur. If your dog is able to lick the bleach you should not utilize this particular option.
6) Garlic
Garlic is quite successful in helping against ringworms. Rub half a clove of it on the ringworms twice every day for a week.
7) Lime Dip
You can even make use of a lime dip to help against ringworm. Two times per week you’ll initially want to make use of it. Following the very first couple of weeks, you can dip your dog just once a week for the following 4-6 weeks.
Any dog beds, blankets, as well as other things with which your dog has already established contact will need to be cleaned with a combination of water as well as bleach. Dilute the bleach with 10 parts water (1 part bleach) to create the appropriate cleaning solution. Its kennel ought to be washed down with bleach, should your pet be an outside dog. Should you crate it or it remains in a dog carrier consistently, that should be completely disinfected with the cleaning solution mentioned above, too.
Keep in mind that just like us, different topical treatments can affect your pet in different ways. Be sure to monitor your pet closely and make a point to review any proposed treatment by your veterinarian before use.