Owning a pet comes with certain responsibilities. Not only to your pet, but also to your family; it is extremely important to keep your pets and your families safe and healthy. One of the major concerns for those who own pets is the danger of ringworm. If your pet develops ringworm, it can be passed on to your family. Ringworm in your domestic pets is a contagious and itchy infection.
Ringworm in Pets, Causes, Symptoms
There are three different kinds of fungus that are responsible for causing ringworm. However, the most common fungi found on your cat or dog is the Microsporum Canis. People can get ringworm from their pets and children are especially susceptible.
The most common symptom of ringworm on your pet is a lesion that has no hair. It will not always be a round lesion, and it will continue to grow over time. The fungi will cause the shafts of hair to break off so that your pet will have bald spots in places on its body. Normally the ringworm will be present on the ears, paws, tail and face of your pet. The sores will be scaly and dry and might itch. The skin might also become red or inflamed.
Ringworm Presence and Conditions
Ringworm can be transmitted from your pet to you, your children, from you to your pet and from pet to pet so it is vital that once your pet has been diagnosed with ringworm you begin treatment immediately. The fungi can live in their environment for an extended period of time and are found in your bedding, carpets, and grooming equipment. Once your pet comes into contact with something that is infected with the fungi, it will cause the ringworm to occur. The worst part is that your pet can be infected for as long as ten to twelve days before you ever see any signs of the ringworm.
If you have an outdoor pet you should know, that although it is rare, if there is soil that is infected your pet might also become infected. Again, that is rare, but it has been known to happen when the soil is extremely infected.
For most pets, if they are healthy, they build up a resistance for fighting the ringworm. Puppies and kittens are more likely to get ringworm because the immune system in them hasn’t become fully developed hence making them more vulnerable. Several dogs and cats might carry ringworm and never show any symptoms of the condition, but they can still infect people or other animals.
If you suspect your pet has ringworm you should take them to the vet so that tests can be run to determine exactly what type of condition your pet might have. It may turn out to be nothing, but if it is ringworm, you definitely want to get it treated as quickly as possible to prevent any spreading to your other pets or family.
Ringworm Pictures >>
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