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My dog has ringworm. Is human antifungal cream safe or effective?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 35 lbs

I've got a 2yr old female Pitt, Dawn. She has what I believe to be is ring worm. Its on her belly, on her womanhood and a few spots on her fur on the back. I've read to use antifungal cream, is this correct? And is there any other advice?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2019

No, OTC antifungal cream will not work. That's because the human creams treat for athlete's foot, which is caused by an entirely different fungus than the one that causes ringworm in dogs (Microsporum canis). You need to have Dawn seen by a vet to confirm she has ringworm, and the vet can prescribe treatment. Any other animals in the home will have to be treated as well, and watch out on yourself and family members for lesions as it's contagious to humans. Ringworm spores live in the environment for up to 18 months, so you will have to disinfect the home. Check out the link below on how to do it: http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/

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My dog has ringworm on front limb, at least I'm almost certain it is. I have ketoconazole cream 2%. She is a licker and she will lick the cream off. What should I do? If she ingest some of the cream will it hurt her? What's best way to handle this si
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Will over the counter antibacterial lotion great ringworm on my puppy?
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2 of my dogs have ringworms I've been putting some stuff for athletes foot and making sure they are all covered. If my dog licks me can I get a ringworm?
You can't get ringworm if your dog licks you, but you can get it from touching the sores and from the environment. Ringworm spores can last up to 18 months in the house, and you need to disinfect your home. I will put a link to a website that will give you detailed instructions on how to do it. Athlete's foot cream will not cure ringworm in dogs, and both your dogs have to see a vet first thing Monday. Ringworm in dogs is caused by Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, or Microsporum gypseum, while athlete's foot is caused by trichophyton rubrum. A different medication will be required to treat your dogs's ringworm. http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/
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Terbinafine is an antifungal. If the lesion is ringworm (an fungal infection), you should not be touching it or the hair around it with your bare hands as it is highly transmissible to humans. as it is raw and red and not perfectly circular as with most ringworm lesions, it looks more like a bacterial pyoderma collarette to me. Augmentin is actually one of the milder antibiotics, commonly prescribed in human infants and toddlers. If you are worried about oral antibiotics/antifungals, you can ask your vet about a topical antifungal such as miconazole lotion (to cover your bases if it is ringworm), and topical steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as Dermavet. Good luck!
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