Can Dogs Get Ringworm?
It causes circular hairless patches. It is treatable, but needs proper care and home cleaning.
Yes, dogs can get ringworm, which despite the name is a fungal infection, not a worm. It causes circular patches of hair loss, often with scaly or crusty skin, and it is contagious to other pets and to people. It is treatable, but it needs proper diagnosis and thorough home cleaning to clear up fully. The round, scaly patches can look like other skin problems, including eczema, so a proper diagnosis matters.
Signs of Ringworm
Because these patches can resemble spots from acne or the scratching caused by fleas, it is easy to mistake ringworm for something else.
| Sign | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Circular hair loss | Round bald patches, often on face, ears and paws |
| Scaly or crusty skin | Flaky, reddened or inflamed areas |
| Brittle nails | Misshapen or crumbling claws |
| Variable itch | Sometimes itchy, sometimes not |
Treatment and Cleaning
- See your vet. Get a proper diagnosis, since other conditions look similar.
- Treat the dog. Use antifungal shampoo, cream or tablets as prescribed.
- Decontaminate the home. Vacuum often and wash bedding, since spores linger.
- Treat other pets. Check and, if needed, treat other animals in the home.
- Finish the course. Complete treatment and retest if your vet recommends it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ringworm actually a worm?
No, despite the name. Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin, hair and nails, named for the ring-shaped rash it can cause in people. In dogs it typically appears as circular patches of hair loss with flaky or crusty skin rather than a neat ring.
What does ringworm look like on a dog?
The most common sign is one or more roughly circular areas of hair loss, often with scaly, crusty or reddened skin. The patches may or may not be itchy, and are frequently seen on the face, ears, paws and tail. Brittle or misshapen nails can also occur.
Can I catch ringworm from my dog?
Yes. Ringworm is contagious to people and other pets through direct contact and contaminated items like bedding and brushes. Children, elderly people and anyone with a weakened immune system are most at risk, so wear gloves when handling an affected dog and wash your hands well.
How is ringworm in dogs treated?
Treatment usually combines antifungal creams or shampoos with oral medication for more widespread cases, and can take several weeks. Just as important is decontaminating the home, since fungal spores linger. Follow your vet's plan fully and retest if advised, as ringworm can be stubborn.
⚠️ Emergency? If your dog may have swallowed something toxic or is seriously unwell, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately (in the US, the Pet Poison Helpline is 855-764-7661).
Sources: American Kennel Club (akc.org), VCA Animal Hospitals (vcahospitals.com) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org). This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own veterinarian. See our editorial & review policy.
