How To Treat Pets For Ringworm
Introduction
Ringworm can be treated in many pets, but it’s important to seek medical attention first. The sooner you get your pet treatment, the better their chances are at a full recovery.
What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. The fungus that causes it is a type of dermatophyte, which means it grows in the outer layers of the skin. Ringworm is not a worm and cannot be transmitted to humans.
Ringworm can occur in any breed or age group and on any part of your pet’s body, including their:
- feet
- legs
- belly
- head
The Symptoms Of Ringworm In Cats And Dogs
Ringworm is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. Fungal infections are not contagious to humans, but they can be transmitted from pets to other pets and from animals to humans.
Ringworm is not life threatening, and most cases resolve on their own without treatment within 2-4 weeks. However, it’s important for you to get your pet checked out by your vet so that if your pet does need medical intervention (like anti-fungal medicine), then the doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment without delay.
While ringworm isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease in cats and dogs as it is in people—meaning that an animal doesn’t have sex with another animal just so it can spread its fungus spores around—it still means that pets who haven’t been treated before coming into contact with each other could spread the fungus back and forth between themselves until one becomes infected again whereupon both animals become infected again because they’re living together!
How To Prevent Ringworm In Pets
You can prevent ringworm in pets with some simple steps that will also make your home safer for everyone:
- Keep your pet away from other animals.
- Keep your pet’s bedding and toys separate from those of other animals.
- Wash bedding regularly, especially if it is used by multiple pets.
- Clean toys regularly as well, especially if they are used by multiple pets.
- If you have an area where another animal has been, clean it thoroughly before allowing your pet access to it again (such as a doghouse or kennel).
Natural Remedies For Pet Ringworm
The following natural remedies are a good place to start when treating pet ringworm:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Mix one part ACV with one part water, then apply it directly on the infected area. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil for added relief.
- Tea Tree Oil – Apply a small amount directly onto the rash twice daily until it clears up (usually 1-2 weeks). It’s important not to get any in their eyes or mouth.
- Baking Soda – Mix with water until it forms a paste, then apply directly onto the affected area two times per day for 7 days straight. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after applying this treatment so that you don’t accidentally spread it around on yourself!
- Aloe Vera Gel – Rub aloe vera gel directly on ringworm lesions once or twice daily until they disappear completely; be sure not to use too much or else your cat will ingest some through licking themselves clean afterwards which could cause diarrhea or constipation if taken in large quantities over time (this isn’t likely though!). If possible try getting organic aloe vera juice instead because these would contain none/very little pesticide residue compared with regular store brands which may still have pesticides present
If you think your pet has ringworm, take them to the vet and treat them as soon as possible.
With a relatively mild treatment, ringworm can be cured in most cases. For example, if your pet has been diagnosed with ringworm and you can’t afford to see a vet immediately, there are some steps you can take at home:
- Apply an antifungal cream or spray on your dog or cat’s fur once or twice daily until the area is cleared up.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry by washing it regularly with warm water and soap (not antimicrobial soap), then drying off completely before applying the medication again. Change their bedding daily as well if possible; otherwise every other day should be fine as long as it’s washed thoroughly first thing each morning before using again during the day or night depending on when your pet spends most time resting indoors so that no new spores get transferred from one location onto another surface where they’ll have time to grow overnight without being treated properly first thing in morning when people usually aren’t awake yet anyways so don’t have time look at them closely enough touch something else that might cause problems later down road…
Conclusion
With these treatments, you’ll be able to get rid of ringworm for good! Make sure you treat your pet as soon as possible so that it does not spread further.