Ringworm in puppies and kittens

There are many types of fungal infections that can affect dogs and cats, but ringworm is especially significant for young puppies and kittens. Young pets are at a higher risk than adults for ringworm infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems. If you have a puppy or kitten, read on to learn:

• How ringworm is spread to young pets
• Signs of ringworm in kittens and puppies
• What to do if your pet has signs of a skin infection

Ringworm is spread when fungal spores on an infected animal’s hair and skin cells are shed into the environment. Puppies and kittens catch ringworm when they come into direct contact with the spores or infected animals. Signs can include patches of scabby, scaly skin and hair loss. Ringworm treatment involves antifungal topical and oral medication, home decontamination, and isolation of the affected pet. It’s important to effectively treat ringworm in young pets to prevent the spread of the infection to other animals and people.

Fungi are spore-producing organisms, and some fungal species can cause parasitic infections in animals. There are many types of fungi worldwide, and not all cause illness in animals. Puppies and kittens can catch fungal infections through direct contact or through the inhalation of disease-causing fungal spores in their environment.

Spores can be airborne, can come from an infected animal, or can be found in soil or other areas in the environment. Many fungi do not cause disease in animals unless the animals are immunocompromised. Young puppies and kittens are at a higher risk of infection due to their immune systems not being fully developed. There are a variety of different fungal infections that can affect dogs and cats, but ringworm is especially significant in young animals. Other fungal infections are more common in older pets.

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a superficial fungal infection that can affect mammalian species, including dogs, cats, and humans. Ringworm affects the skin, hair, and nails. Despite its name, ringworm is caused by a fungus rather than a worm.

Ringworm spores are found in the environment and on infected animals. Puppies and kittens often spend time in environments that have a higher risk for all types of infectious diseases, including ringworm. Kennels and shelters typically have high-density housing with many animals coming and going, increasing the likelihood of exposure to infectious diseases. Frequently cleaned environments may be damp, allowing spores to multiply, especially if the area isn’t well ventilated. Some animals are asymptomatic carriers, so it isn’t always easy for shelters and kennels to identify and isolate pets carrying spores.

Ringworm can affect healthy animals but is more common in those with immature or compromised immune systems. This is why ringworm infections are common in young puppies and kittens. In addition, weaning and moving to a new home can be stressful for pets, which further weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. Some breeds, such as Persian cats, are genetically predisposed to ringworm infections.

Clinical signs of ringworm in cats and dogs include:

• Patches of hair loss or broken hairs
• Scaly, crusty skin lesions
• Red, inflamed skin or other rashes
• Abnormal hair or nail growth
• Itchy skin (uncommon)

The characteristic circular ringworm lesions seen in humans are less common in animals. Lesions can be any size or shape in pets. The ears, nose, face, and tail are the most common areas to be affected, but any part of the body can have visible lesions.

Ringworm tends to develop where the hair is thinner, where there’s friction or minor trauma, or where grooming is focused. Skin lesions typically start out small and grow as the fungus feeds on dead skin cells and hair. Unlike other common skin conditions, such as flea allergy dermatitis, ringworm infections are not usually itchy. Some animals, especially cats, can be asymptomatic carriers and infect other animals and people even though they show no obvious signs of infection themselves.

Ringworm in dogs and cats has similar common symptoms with other skin issues, so a veterinarian often recommends diagnostic testing to determine the type of skin infection your pet has (e.g., bacterial, fungal, parasitic) and what underlying issues may be contributing to it.

Testing may include:

• Physical examination
• Microscopic examination of skin and hair samples (cytology)
• Examining the skin with a UV light
• Bacterial or fungal cultures
• Blood tests
• Skin biopsy

A special ultraviolet light called a Wood’s lamp is sometimes used to examine the skin and hair in a dark room. Some ringworm fungi glow under ultraviolet light. However, if a skin lesion does not glow under a Wood’s lamp, this doesn’t rule out ringworm, as not all fungal species that cause it have this reaction.

Once a diagnosis of ringworm is confirmed, a treatment plan may involve:

• Oral/topical antifungal medication
• Medicated shampoos
• Frequent disinfection of the home
• Isolation of the affected animal(s)

In some cases, trimming hair around lesions may be recommended to reduce environmental contamination, but this should only be done under veterinary guidance.

Ringworm infections are highly contagious between animals and humans, so frequent and thorough home cleaning is usually necessary to get rid of as many fungal spores as possible. Ringworm spores are shed into the environment on infected animals’ skin cells and hair, so isolating the affected puppy or kitten from other animals in the home as much as possible can help prevent the infection from spreading. “Effective treatment for ringworm can take several weeks to months,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “It is important not to stop treatment too soon, even if symptoms go away.” Retesting may be necessary to determine if the treatment was effective.

Many skin conditions, including ringworm infections, share common signs. It’s important to talk to a veterinarian if you notice abnormalities in your pet’s skin or fur, even if your pet seems otherwise healthy. A virtual vet appointment can allow a veterinary professional to see your pet in their home environment. Based on observed symptoms, they can help determine what next steps you should take to help your puppy or kitten.

Do not attempt to treat skin symptoms before consulting a vet. It’s necessary to know what’s causing the symptoms in order to determine what kind of treatment is going to be effective. Some home or natural remedies may cause more harm than good and are unlikely to help the infection. In addition, delaying proper care can allow ringworm to spread, putting other animals and people in the home at risk for infection.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and continue treatment, home decontamination, and pet isolation until the affected pet is cleared. Because symptoms of ringworm usually improve before the infection has fully resolved and the fungus can still be present and contagious even when the skin looks normal, treatment usually continues for several weeks after visible skin lesions have healed. Veterinarians often recommend at least two consecutive negative tests to confirm the infection is truly gone before stopping treatment. Following these recommendations is especially relevant in multi-pet homes or shelters, where premature discontinuation increases the risk of spread and reinfection.

How an online vet can help

Teletriage with an online vet is an excellent tool for pet parents if they have questions about skin symptoms. Symptoms affecting the skin and hair are rarely associated with emergencies, but they can be uncomfortable for your pet and can present a risk of spreading infection to other pets and people, so it’s beneficial to get timely veterinary attention. Virtual vet appointments are often available on the same day.

Online vet professionals can also help you through the lengthy process of treating conditions like ringworm by providing step-by-step directions on administering medications and medicated baths, and offering advice on home decontamination and safe pet isolation.

Depending on your location and your relationship with the virtual veterinarian, they may be able to prescribe medication for your pet’s skin condition. Prescribing is not guaranteed and is always at the discretion of the veterinarian.

How do puppies get fungal infections?

Puppies get fungal infections by touching, inhaling, or ingesting disease-causing fungal spores. While there are many types of fungal infections, ringworm is the most common in puppies. Puppies contract ringworm by having direct contact with infected animals or spaces where infected hairs and skin cells were shed by other animals. This is more likely to occur in shelters, kennels, daycares, grooming salons, and other places where many different animals are in contact with each other.

What is the treatment for ringworm in kittens?

Treatment for ringworm in cats and kittens involves oral or topical antifungal treatments. In addition, thoroughly and regularly cleaning the home is necessary to prevent reinfection and the spread of ringworm to other pets and people. Keeping the infected kitten isolated from other people and animals as much as possible may also be necessary to contain shed ringworm spores.

How do I know if my puppy has ringworm?

Signs of ringworm in dogs include patches of hair loss, scabbed or scaly skin lesions, and rash. Ringworm symptoms are similar to other skin conditions, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinarian.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.