When your pet starts losing patches of fur, scratching nonstop, or has a circular red rash, it might not be allergies—it could be ringworm in pets, a common fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes that affects dogs, cats, and rabbits. Also known as dermatophytosis, it’s not a worm at all, but a fungus that feeds on dead skin and hair. What makes it tricky is that it’s zoonotic, meaning it can jump from your pet to you, your kids, or other animals in the house.
Most cases show up as dry, scaly, circular patches with broken hairs—often on the head, ears, paws, or tail. Cats, especially long-haired ones, can carry it without obvious signs, making them silent spreaders. Dogs might show more obvious redness and crusting, while rabbits often lose fur in patches that look like they’ve been chewed. The fungus thrives in warm, damp places, so pets that spend time in shelters, boarding facilities, or humid climates are at higher risk. Even a single shared blanket, brush, or bed can pass it along.
It’s not life-threatening, but left untreated, ringworm can spread across your pet’s body and into your home. Carpet fibers, furniture, and even your vacuum cleaner can harbor spores for over a year. That’s why diagnosis matters—your vet will use a Wood’s lamp, skin scraping, or fungal culture to confirm it. Treatment usually involves antifungal shampoos, topical creams like ketoconazole cream, a topical antifungal used to treat skin infections in both humans and animals, and sometimes oral meds. Cleaning your home isn’t optional—it’s part of the cure.
Many pet owners panic when they see the first patch of hair loss, but ringworm is treatable if caught early. You don’t need to isolate your pet forever, but you do need to be smart about hygiene: wash bedding weekly, vacuum daily, and avoid letting your pet sleep on your bed until the infection clears. And if you or a family member starts getting itchy red rings on the skin? That’s a sign the fungus made the leap—and it’s time to treat everyone at once.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on how to spot ringworm early, what treatments actually work, how to clean your home without harsh chemicals, and when to call the vet instead of trying home remedies. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re practical steps from people who’ve been there.
Ringworm in pets is a common fungal infection that spreads easily to humans. Learn how to spot it, treat it properly, and prevent it from coming back in your home.