Ringworm in Cats and Dogs: A Pet Owner's Guide

What Is Ringworm?

You may be surprised to know that ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It is a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and sometimes nails, caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. The name “ringworm” comes from the round, ring-like patches it creates on skin (mostly in humans). Do note that presentation is often different in dogs and cats – where skin can just look dry, scaly, with loss of hair, etc – which could be mistaken for other skin issues!

Ringworm is a fairly common skin condition, especially in young animals, strays, and those in shelters. The good news is, with proper treatment, most pets recover fully.

Common signs	Areas of hair loss, usually scaly or crusty, can be circular or not. Brittle or patchy coat. Itching is variable – not every pet is itchy.
Where	Random but face, ears, paws, tail are common spots.
Who is affected	All ages. Common in younger animals (immature immune systems).

Important Note

Ringworm can spread from pets to humans (vice-versa) through direct contact. People with lowered immunity, young children, and the elderly are most vulnerable.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment requires dedication and patience as it may take a few months. To reduce side effects, we usually take a multi-modal approach. Your vet will advise on what is right for your pet but may involve one or more of the following:

• Anti-fungal / medicated shampoo

• Topical creams or ointments

• Oral anti-fungal medication (for widespread or stubborn cases)

• Clipping the coat 

The skin may look healed to the naked eye but the fungus may still persist. Hence, to conclude resolution of ringworm, you will need 2 negative cultures performed by your vet, usually 2 weeks apart after starting treatment.

At-Home Tips To Reduce Spread

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling pet or cleaning.

• Have infected pets stay in easy-to-clean rooms.

• Vacuum floors, carpets, upholstery daily. Mop floors with warm water if possible.

• Wash bedding, blankets, toys etc in hot water if possible.

• See your doctor if anyone in the household develops any skin lesions.

• Consider testing other pets at home (speak to your vet about this).

Willow Vet Clinic contact
Phone: 6970 5686
E-mail: hello@willowvets.sg (non-urgent enquiries only)

DISCLAIMER: THIS HANDOUT IS MEANT FOR GENERAL EDUCATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.