Find out how to make sure Fido doesn't pass on any diseases over to you. Learn the warning signs below!
About 1 in 5 people will catch ringworm at some point in their lives.
Pets are a common source of infection for people.
Ringworm and People
People can acquire infection directly by touching the fungus on a fence post or stroking an infected dog, or indirectly from contact with infected hairs shed by their dog or cat.
The most common sign of ringworm infection is a red, ring-like sore on the skin, which sometimes looks silvery.
Ringworm can be itchy, and scratching will break the skin’s surface to set up a secondary bacterial infection.
Ringworm and Pets
Paws and faces are commonly infected as a result of digging or sniffing. The typical appearance of ringworm on a muzzle is a bald circular patch, a little target on their nose.Indeed, ringworm at a certain phase in its life cycle can survive for 18–24 months in the environment to act as a possible source of infection.
Reducing the Risk of Infection
Should people with pets be worried about ringworm? The short answer is no, but it pays to be vigilant.There are different ways of diagnosing ringworm, but the most widely used is by taking hairs from the pet and looking under the microscope for signs of fungi wrapped around the hair shaft, or culturing the hairs to see if the ringworm fungus grows.
Treatment
If a pet is diagnosed with ringworm, depending on how widespread the infection is, the vet may suggest shaving off the fur. Treatment for cats and dogs commonly means an antifungal shampoo and either tablets or an oral liquid form of antifungal medication.Don’t become paranoid about ringworm and your pets, but seek help early from your doctor and veterinarian to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
Although you learned that Fido can infect you with ringworm, this doesn't mean that you have to quarantine yourself and stay away from him! A visit to the vet can ensure his health and yours!
Ringworm sounds scary but it's fixable for the both of you. Just be careful and make sure your pooch is ringworm free around the younger kiddos and folks with weak immune systems. It's important to always keep your fur baby healthy!
Learn more about ringworm and how to treat it by visiting Petful.
