The Dog Training Review

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One of the most common skin conditions our hunting dogs suffer with is ringworm.  Ringworm may be caused by parasites or by fungal infections and is typically transmitted by fleas.  

Symptoms of Ringworm

Recognizing ringworm is key to treating it, and like most infections, the sooner it’s diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.  Ringworm is uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to serious complications and infections.  Watch for these signs:

1.   Loss of hair in circular patterns (especially on head and legs)

2.   Circular patches of skin with a red or crusty pattern

3.   Excessive scratching, itching, etc.

Diagnosis of Ringworm

As soon as you recognize any symptoms of skin infection in your dog, he should be taken to the vet right away. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose ringworm with ease, or he may diagnose it as a different skin infection. In either case, there are treatments which will cure your dog. To test, your vet will use blood tests and/or skin scrapings to see if your dog has ringworm. Other types of skin infections will have ruled out to make sure that ringworm treatment is ideal for your dog.

Treatment of Ringworm

Treating ringworm, once it’s been diagnosed, will depend on its source.  This source is usually fleas, which need to be eliminated before the ringworm itself can be treated.  Cleaning up the dog’s habitat, your house, and everywhere that the dog has been is the first step.  A flea bath (often a “full dip”) is the best way to treat fleas quickly when an infestation has gotten out of hand. 

Once the fleas or ticks are gone, the ringworms will usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.  Sometimes medication, special bathing, or other treatments are recommended by the veterinarian to speed up this process.    

Prevention

Preventing ringworm is the best way to care for it.  If it never happens, it’s much easier to deal with.  Since ringworm is usually caused by fleas, preventing fleas from getting to your dog is the best way to prevent ringworm.  Regular bathing, keeping the dog’s area clean, and using anti-flea remedies will keep your dog from getting ringworm.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition such as ringworm, take your dog to a veterinarian right away.  Fast diagnosis means easier treatment and it will be much less stressful on you and your dog if done quickly.

Although your dogs health should be top on your list, it’s safety should be right up there too, make sure you have the proper hunting dog supplies including Tri-tronics shock collars.