Home Remedies for Ringworm in Dogs
Once your dog is positively diagnosed for Ringworm, a veterinarian may recommend many different medications (both oral and topical) for use in treating the fungal infection. However, it may be of interest to take into account some of the more natural alternatives to using prescription drugs to treat your dog's Ringworm infection. As with any homeopathic treatment, it is always best to check with your veterinarian first. Some homeopathic remedies may conflict with a dog's other medications, or may be dangerous if a dog has a preexisting health condition besides the Ringworm infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This home remedy is frequently used to treat infections, and is fairly effective at treating mild cases of Ringworm in dogs. However, it is important to keep in mind that vinegar is an acidic substance, and may cause your dog a significant amount of pain when applied directly to skin lesions.
Chrysarobinum
This homeopathic remedy is also known as "Goa Powder". It is a fairly powerful skin irritant that is used by some dog owners to treat infections of Ringworm. However, since it is an irritant, it may cause a dog a significant amount of pain. A possible side effect of using this remedy is that a dog's skin condition may actually become worse from treatment with Chrysarobinum.
Mustard Seed
When crushed into a paste, Mustard Seeds may be used as a topical treatment for Ringworm (as well as some other fungal infections). However, this mixture may stain carpet, clothing or furniture, so it is best to have your dog remain outside for some time after application of mustard seed paste.
Tumeric and Honey
Honey is a natural disinfectant, and Tumeric may help to reduce inflammation (as well as having some evidence of clearing up infections). When mixed together, this substance may be applied to the characteristic skin lesions associated with Ringworm to help speed the healing process.
Papaya
This treatment is rapidly growing in popularity, and is now used to treat Ringworm in both humans and dogs alike. The best type of papaya to use for this treatment is raw Papaya, cut into thin slices. The slices of fresh Papaya may be rubbed over the infected areas, or may be made into a paste for topical application.
Holy Basil
The plant known as Holy Basil is not to be confused with regular Basil, though they are slightly related. Holy Basil is a clove-like plant, and has a reputation for healing many medical conditions. As use for a Ringworm treatment, the juice from a Holy Basil plant may be applied to the infected area as a general disinfectant.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is fairly well-known for being a powerful disinfectant. As a treatment for Ringworm, it can be slightly diluted and applied to the infected areas. However, it's important to remember that Tea Tree Oil has been suggested to be toxic to some animals (such as cats), so you must be careful when using Tea Tree Oil to treat Ringworm.