Are you concerned your dog might be infected with ring worm? You must be aware that this is only a fungal disease and not caused by any kind of worm. However, the fungal infection usually takes the shape of a ring and hence derives its name. The fungus which causes this disease is known as Dermatophytes. It means a plant that lives on skin. It lives on the surface of the skin and feeds on dead skin cells and hair. You may find three different types of fungus that causes ring worm, but the most predominant one that can be found in your pets like cats and dogs is the Microsporum canis.
If you have a dog, the ring worm may be identified as a ring like lesion that is hairless. Ring worm on humans usually appears as a ring like structure but when it comes to your dog, it may not be the same. The lesion may not necessarily be ring like. Hence, it may sometimes become a little difficult to diagnose the disease simply by looking at it. Dogs usually have hair loss because the fungi causes the hair shafts to break off and results in patches of hair loss. You will find your pets mostly affected in their face, tail, ears and paws. The lesion may itch and also may be scaly. It is of utmost importance that you be very cautious about handling your pets because the fungal spores are known to live in the environment for a long time. So, you may still get the disease form the spores on carpets, beddings and grooming equipment and the like. Normally the incubation period lasts between 10 and 12 days.
Ring worm can also be caused by contact with infected soil. Although this is rare, but it may still happen. Fungus can live on for months in the soil if the environment is permissible. So, it is very easy for you to get infected with the disease if you have a pet already infected. Healthy dogs are said to have a better immune system and can show resistance to ring worm but dogs with a weak immune system may develop the fungus quickly. Young puppies may be more susceptible since they do not have a fully developed immune system. There may also be some pets that have been infected by ring worm but show no symptoms at all. It may become difficult to pet owners to identify the problem and hence acquire it themselves.
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