My new puppy has ringworm! Do the dips really help?
doesnt sound like you had the situation explained to you very well …. first of all ringworm is a fungus not an actual worm — it gets the name from the characteristic white circular line where the fungus is growing — think of athletes foot though and you are closer to the severity of the disease — it is contracted just by touch – you do not have to have an open wound — it is harder to treat in animals because you often don’t see the lesions until they are large — the lesions often hide in the fur and are over looked — often we diagnose ringworm in kittens only after their owners are diagnosed with it —- i don’t understand the 8 weeks time frame — did that come from your vet or your md — i do agree if possible it is better to not use the oral medication unless it is a severe case but i say this from a cost sense more than anything — it can rarely damage the liver but it is a very unlikely occurence — if your puppy only has one or two small lesions and i saw her i would
Yes, antifungal shampoo and dips can be beneficial if the lesions are severe. These should be used in addition to clipping the hair around the lesions and using topical treatments such as Lotrimin. A lime sulfer dip is often used. It will stain clothing and jewelry and smells of rotten eggs. If you use this follow your vet’s instructions for mixing it. Doesn’t sound fun 🙁 If the lesions are small and isolated, treatment can be done by clipping and treated twice a day with an antifungal medication such as Lotrimin. That should take care of it. In the meantime though, youd child is in danger of getting ringworm. So are you or any other member of your family. You Do need to keep your child and yourself away from the puppy to avoid infestation. I am wondering if the breeder would be willing to keep the puppy while he or she treats if for the ringworm. That way your child will be safe. I don’t blame you for not wanting to give the puppy back, but this would ensure that your child does not
