Treatment for Ringworm in Dogs

Since Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, once diagnosed, there are several different treatment options available. Depending on a dog's response to the treatment, the frequency of the treatment and the type of treatment used, the total effectiveness of each of these options may vary. However, Ringworm infection is a relatively minor condition, and there are many treatments that may be recommended by a veterinarian. Also, in some minor cases (primarily instances of Ringworm infecting young puppies), the infection may heal on its own as a young dog's immune system becomes stronger.

Topical Treatments

For all topical treatment methods, it's usually recommended by a veterinarian to trim all excess hair in and around the infected lesions. This will improve the effectiveness of all topical treatments, and may help to identify any possible spread of the infection. In many cases of generally localized Ringworm, an anti-fungal shampoo treatment is recommended as an initial treatment procedure.

Effective anti-fungal shampoo treatments include:

  • Lime Sulfur Dip
  • 0.5% Chlorhexidine Shampoo
  • Ketoconazole Shampoo
  • 2% Miconazole Shampoo
  • 2% Chlorhexidine Shampoo (for more severe generalized infections)
For more specific infections, an anti-fungal topical cream may be prescribed by a veterinarian. This allows specific infected areas to be treated.

Commonly prescribed topical cream-based medications include:
  • 1% Chlorhexidine Ointment
  • Lotrimin Cream
  • Miconazole Cream

Oral Treatment

If topical treatments are not completely effective, or if a dog has a particularly severe case of Ringworm infection, a veterinarian may prescribe oral medication in addition (or as a replacement for) topical treatments. Oral medications are usually continually used for several months, though can have some potentially serious side effects.

Griseofulvin

This anti-fungal medication is used to treat Ringworm in dogs, cats, and other small animals. This medication needs to be continued for a period of time after all visible traces of the infection disappear. Since Griseofulvin may cause several serious birth defects, it can not be used in dogs that are pregnant, nursing, or who may become pregnant. It also is not used to treat male dogs that are specialized for breeding. Due to the relatively high toxicity levels of this medication, it is also not recommended to be used with young dogs or puppies. Possible side effects include vomiting, lack of appetite, depression, diarrhea, or muscle weakness.

Ketoconazole

This anti-fungal medication is commonly used to treat dogs that are also immunocompromised (in addition to being infected with Ringworm). Since Ketoconazole is classified as "lipophilic", it may lead to accumulation in fatty tissues. Ketoconazole may cause a decrease in testosterone (which is sometimes useful in treating prostate cancer). Ketoconazole also has the side effect of suppressing glucocorticoid synthesis, which is why it is sometimes used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs.

Itraconazole

This oral medication has relatively fewer side effects than other oral antifungal medications, but is considerably more expensive. It is usually used for serious infections of Ringworm. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, jaundice, or depression.