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What if my pet has ringworm? How do I get it diagnosed and treated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed | 8 months and 10 days old

Is this ringworm? How can I get it treated?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2018

Can be but may not be. Your vet can use a woods lamp to see if it glows green. If it does then it is ringworm. If it does not then it still can be ringworm but may not be. There is a fungal test to confirm if it is or not. Does anyone in your home have lesions? I would also recommend skin scraping the area looking for mites if it is just hairloss and not scabbing also. Mia needs to have a vet physically examine this area and the rest of her to see exactly what is going on. Ringworm can be treated topically if just one location with an anti-fungal cream. I also recommend ecollars after applying the cream so they do not lick the areas. If it is more than one location then I recommend oral anti-fungal medications. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 1st, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Toffee! Not all ringworm fluoresces under a blue light. It could be a skin infection from allergies or a non-contagious called demodex. From the pictures the areas look moist like she has been licking. If you can keep her off the areas then you can see if they start to heal. Otherwise I recommend that you take her to the Vet. They probably will shave the areas, give her antibiotics and something to stop the licking. Good luck!

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 6th, 2018

    It doesn't have the round appearance that ringworm often has, but that doesn't mean it isn't ringworm. It looks more like a bacterial infection with maybe some grooming/scratching irritation. I would get her in to see your vet for an exam as soon as possible to make sure it isn't ringworm, since that can be spread to other pets and people. In the meantime, I recommend gently bathing the area with a warm washcloth, an emollient shampoo or mild soap, drying it well and applying a non-steroidal ointment, such as plain Vaseline to help protect it and keep it from drying out. In case it turns out to be ringworm, wash any cloths or towels as well as bedding she has come into contact with in HOT water and use bleach if possible.

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My dog has a skin condition I believe is ring worm based on the pictures I’ve seen online. What can I do?
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I am sorry to hear about your kitty! I would recommend a visit to your vet for a test to see if this is truly ringworm. You do want to know if this is ringworm because it can be transmitted to people if so, and to other pets. Your vet can use a special light to examine the area and if it doesn't show any infection they may pluck some hairs to do a ringworm culture. Griseofulvin used to be the common treatment for ringworm but now there are other medications we often use which we feel are more effective with fewer side effects. Here is an article with information on ringworm http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=559 . It is possible this is ringworm, but we can also see bacterial infections or insect bites that can show circular bald areas like you are seeing so it is best to find out for sure!
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Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! Poor Toffee! Not all ringworm fluoresces under a blue light. It could be a skin infection from allergies or a non-contagious called demodex. From the pictures the areas look moist like she has been licking. If you can keep her off the areas then you can see if they start to heal. Otherwise I recommend that you take her to the Vet. They probably will shave the areas, give her antibiotics and something to stop the licking. Good luck!
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