Ringworm is not a worm but a type of fungus that affects your pet. It is a contagious skin infection that eventually you and your family can contract if you are not proactive about treatment. Dogs are particularly susceptible to ringworm. If you believe your four-legged friend has ringworm, schedule a pet clinic visit as soon as possible to begin a treatment regimen.

Learn the symptoms of ringworm, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options are available:

• Symptoms: Symptoms of ringworm include lesions that appear on your dog’s head, paws, ears, and forelimbs. Lesions are circular, crusty patches with red spots in the middle. The lesions can cause bald areas all over the canine’s body if no treatment is administered. Your dog could also carry ringworm but remain symptom-free.

• Diagnosis: Ringworm most frequently affects stressed or malnourished dogs, as well as puppies under one year old. Diagnoses by your veterinarian can include ultraviolet light and microscope tests and skin and hair cultures. The latter is the best way to determine if ringworm is present.

• Treatment: Treatment for ringworm includes oral medications, topical shampoos and ointments, and lime solution baths. Rinsing your dog in an apple cider vinegar solution after a bath is also considered an effective remedy because of the vinegar’s antifungal properties. All dog bedding, leashes, and toys must be washed or discarded to prevent reinfection.

Take your dog to the Milford Animal Hospital for a ringworm check even if no symptoms are present, particularly if the animal is under a year old or was recently rescued from a stressful situation. Rely on the Milford, OH, pet clinic for all your veterinary care needs, including preventative medicine, radiology, and dental cleanings. Schedule a ringworm check today by contacting Milford Animal Hospital at (513) 831-5530 or visiting the website. Like the pet clinic on Facebook for more great tips.