Is Ringworm in Dogs Contagious to Humans?
Many people wonder if ringworm in dogs is contagious to humans or possibly other animals. There are four fungal species that will cause this condition to appear, and all of them are contagious to both humans and some other species of animals. What Is Ringworm? Ringworm is not a worm at all, but actually a fungus. The name comes from the appearance on the skin of a circular pattern, which originally led people to think a worm lived under the skin. The fungus survives and spreads by feeding on dead skin tissues and hair. The hair breaks off at the base, leaving small circular patches that are usually found on the legs, paws and face. If the disease progresses without treatment it will spread and form additional irregular shapes on the skin. How Ringworm Is Transferred Once contact with the fungus has occurred it will take 10 to 12 days before any signs of contagion appear on the skin. If untreated it will usually run its course in approximately four months. Direct contact with the infect
