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Ringworm fungus: Dermatophytosis in dogs and humans

Ringworm does not mean a worm keeper, but an infection with a skin fungus (dermatophytosis). The term ring worm refers to the typical ring-shaped skin changes caused by the fungus.


How an infection with a skin fungus occurs and what is necessary for a successful treatment of your dog is explained in the following.

Development of dermatophytosis and endangerment of humans

Ringworm fungus

Dermatophytoses can be caused by different types of fungi. These include Trichophyton verrucosum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis. The latter in particular is very common in Europe and is responsible for a large number of skin fungal infections.


The fungal spores can enter the dog's body via an infected host and the environment. They penetrate the animal's skin via tiny cracks, form roots there and spread to the skin and hair.


This can lead to itching, allergic reactions, inflammation and hair loss. After a while, the skin fungus begins to multiply and produces large quantities of new spores, which in turn can attack other hosts.


These fungi can infect both animals and dogs as well as humans. In order to avoid infection, owners should therefore exercise caution when handling dogs affected by skin fungus.

Symptoms of dermatophytosis in dogs

Whether and to what extent an infected dog shows symptoms cannot be said in advance. This is because some fungal infections are asymptomatic. This means that an affected dog has no recognisable symptoms. Nevertheless, it can transfer the skin fungus to other quadrupeds or humans.

However, if symptoms occur, the dermatophytosis usually becomes noticeable by the following signs:

  • Hair break 
  • Hair loss
  • Skin reddenings
  • Sheds

The areas affected by the fungal infestation are usually sharply defined. Due to the severe itching that dermatophytosis can cause, affected dogs scratch more often. This often leads to open and inflamed areas on the skin.


Skin fungus can occur all over the body. As a rule, the fungal infection is initially localized. However, scratching in particular causes the spores and thus the fungal infection to spread more and more over time.

Dermatophytosis in dogs and humans

Diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs

Since the symptoms that occur with dermatophytosis can also indicate numerous other skin diseases, a diagnosis is not easily possible. If you notice any changes in your dog's skin, you cannot avoid having your four-legged friend examined by a veterinarian.


For this purpose the veterinarian has different methods at his disposal. For example, he can perform a biopsy of the skin and examine the tissue sample taken for a fungal infection. In addition, he can use a microscope to examine the hair roots of the four-legged friend to find out whether they have a fungal infection.


By creating a fungal culture, he can also determine which skin fungus is present. In addition, at least some skin fungus types can be diagnosed very quickly using Wood's lamp. In general, however, this procedure does not always prove to be reliable.


Depending on the type of skin fungus and the examination methods used, in some cases it may take a moment for the dermatophytosis to be diagnosed beyond doubt in dogs. It is therefore possible that you may need to be patient.

Treatment of fungal infestation in dogs

Early treatment of dermatophytosis is very important to prevent it from spreading and spreading to other animals and humans. 


For this purpose, the body of the dog must be externally extensively treated with medication, or washed. In this way, infected skin scales and hair can be removed.


In addition, the four-legged friend receives antimycotics against the fungal infestation, which are administered to him either as an injection or in the form of tablets. In addition, it is often advisable to shorten the coat of the animal to facilitate the penetration of the externally applied active ingredients. 

Preventing the transfer of the skin fungus

Dermatophytoses are highly contagious. In order to avoid a renewed infection of the dog as well as a transmission to other animals and humans, a comprehensive decontamination of the environment of the four-legged friend is therefore essential.


All rooms and objects such as toys, blankets or pillows with which the dog has contact must be cleaned and disinfected with fungicides parallel to the treatment of the fungal infestation. 


If these measures are not taken, the fungus is difficult to get under control and spreads again and again. 

Bellfor Immune for naturally strong defences

The risk of an infection as well as the severity of the skin fungus infestation depend to a large extent on the immune system of the quadruped. Especially young animals as well as old and already weakened dogs often have to struggle with dermatophytosis.


In order to reduce the risk of a fungal infestation or to minimize the symptoms caused by it, it makes sense to strengthen the immune system of the dog.


To this end, try to avoid excessive stress and ensure an appropriate diet, for example by using healthy dog food from Bellfor.  


We also recommend Bellfor Immune as a natural dietary supplement. Bellfor Immun is available in powder form or as tasty dog biscuits and provides your four-legged friend with a variety of valuable nutrients that can help to strengthen his immune system.

Dermatophytosis in humans and dogs - our conclusion

As you can see, dermatophytoses can be very annoying and pose a risk not only for dogs but also for humans. 


If you suspect that your dog is suffering from skin fungus, we recommend that you take immediate action. Because a prompt treatment reduces the discomfort of your four-legged friend and ensures at the same time that you do not get infected with him.

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