Dog Hair Loss and Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

If you can see on your dog's skin patches that are circular and crusty and the diameter of the patches ranges from twelve to fifty millimeters, there's a good chance that he or she has been infected by the skin disease called ringworm. Patches that are caused by ringworm are reddish at the sides and hairless in the middle. This can be a major cause of hair loss in dogs as well as other health issues. It needs to be identified and treated quickly.

The disease is fungal in nature and the involved parasites, Microsporum Canis, attack both the hair follicles and the hair strands themselves.

Modes of Transmission

The transmission mediums of the parasites are soil and hair strands that are infected. Part of the things that you should do to control the spread of the disease is cleaning or disinfecting carpets, furniture, toys, combs, and brushes. Your home should be made sure that it is free of the parasites because they can infect humans.

Symptoms

If the dog is feeling itchy, it is not the ringworm that's directly causing the itch. Some secondary infection is causing it. Thus, you need to act early and perform regular checking on the dog's skin and watch out for the following symptoms.

Development of crusts and scabs - these signs need to be checked especially if the dog is licking or scratching too much.

Check if the animal's nails are deformed, or brittle, or cracked or dry.

Check for lesions that are nodular in structure and round in shape. These lesions are a little bit raised from the skin. Veterinarians call these lesions as kerions.

The hair may fluoresce green when subjected to ultraviolet rays. Fluorescing hair strands can be subjected to laboratory examination to determine if it is ringworm that's causing the phenomenon. Fluorescing hair strands can be caused by other diseases.

Causes

One or two of these things might be the culprit in the development if the disease.

Do not use grooming tools on more than one dog and constantly disinfect your own dog's grooming implements. Open wounds are particularly appealing to the parasites.

Household dust is an easy companion for the parasites. If it is possible for you, use an electrostatic duster. Dirty places are favorite breeding grounds for the parasites.

Always ensure good health for your dog. The parasites can easily sense a weak immune system.

Treatment

A healthy dog can easily get rid of the disease in two to three months on its own, but it will be highly likely that your vet will prescribe medicine. This is to ensure that the disease won't progress and infect the members of your family. The vet would most probably prescribe an antifungal cream, and in cases where several bodily areas are compromised, would suggest that you use an antifungal shampoo. Three to four weeks is the minimum treatment period.

Despite the Ringworm

Despite the disease, don't forget giving your dog your loving care. However, always disinfect yourself after touching or caressing the dog's body. Use alcohol or always wash your hands.

Just don't let the animal feel that he is being treated coldly. It can help speed up the healing process.

This article is not a substitute for professional advice. If you are in any doubt or have any concerns about the health of your dog you may wish to consult with a professional for diagnosis and treatment at the earliest opportunity.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dog-Hair-Loss-and-Ringworm:-Symptoms,-Causes-and-Treatment&id=8545265