How quickly does shingles spread in dogs? Effective ways to treat lichen in dogs

If your pet has become infected with lichen, then you should know that the disease is dangerous for others, and you need to take immediate action. Let's figure out what ringworm looks like and how to treat it at home to avoid unpleasant consequences.

Lichen and its types

Lichen is an infectious skin disease caused by various types of pathogenic fungi that affects the upper layers of the epidermis.

The fungus is resistant to different environmental conditions and can remain viable for several years.

There are five types of shingles that dogs can get.

Eczema, or ringworm manifests itself as a result of a general malfunction in the body. It may be caused by an allergic reaction, endocrine problems, or even bad heredity.

The disease manifests itself as inflammation of an area of ​​skin that can quickly grow and hair falls out.
The skin becomes loose, bright pink or red, covered with pustules and scabs, from which ichor or pus flows. This is accompanied by constant itching and burning.

Although this type of lichen is not transmitted to humans, it is so difficult to treat and so often prone to relapses that it will cause both the owner and the pet a lot of trouble.

Only a competent veterinarian can cope with eczema after a full comprehensive examination.

It is recognized as the least dangerous type of lichen in dogs, as it appears and disappears on its own and suddenly.
It got its name from the color of the spot, which appears sharply on the body and increases to 3 cm in diameter. After a couple of days, the same spots appear all over the body, only smaller.

As a rule, they peel off, and sometimes they can change color to yellow. You can show your pet to a doctor, but he will advise you to avoid the sun and water treatments.

If you do everything, then after 1.5–2 months the lichen will disappear, and new hair will appear in its place.

Important!You can wipe stains with vinegar 4-5 times a day. This will speed up the disappearance of pityriasis rosea.

Ringworm, on the contrary, is considered the most common and dangerous for dogs and, importantly, for humans. Beige or light pink round or oval spots appear on the pet's body, mainly on the lower legs, around the tail, on the head and around the ears.

The speed of their spread throughout the body depends on the animal’s immunity.

All this is accompanied by severe itching and burning, as well as peeling of the skin. The fur in areas of inflammation has a broken appearance, and after healing, a new one does not grow for a long time. This is why the disease got its name.

Shingles appears as a result of a dog being infected with the herpes virus.
Mostly appears on the stomach, but not necessarily. It appears as spots covered with blisters, which eventually burst and turn into crusts on the skin. The disease is accompanied by itching.

This type of lichen is transmitted to humans, so at the first sign you need to protect your pet from children, and disinfect its places of stay with chlorine.

A common disease in dogs, it begins as a small yellow-brown or pink spot on the body that grows in size over time.

The site of inflammation peels off, but does not cause itching. May appear on different areas of the skin.
Ringworm in a dog is shown in the photo at the initial stage.

Whatever type of lichen your pet develops, you should not make treatment decisions on your own, but immediately contact a qualified veterinarian for advice and prescribing the correct treatment.

Did you know?A dog's nose is wet to recognize the direction of the air or where the smell is coming from.

Causes of the disease

There are many reasons why your pet might become infected with this nasty fungus. Animals at risk are those that:

• have been in contact with stray animals;
• wore someone else's collars or leashes;
• ate food from someone else's bowls or slept on the bedding of an infected animal;
• have a weakened immune system due to another disease;
• are malnourished or malnourished;
• bear offspring or feed them;
• are sick with chronic diseases or cancer;
• are young or old.

The risk of getting sick increases in warm, humid weather, so owners need to be extremely careful at this time.

Signs of an infectious disease

The signs of lichen were individually described above, but they all have common principles.

At the first active stage of development of the fungus, the animal develops a rash on its body, which, as a rule, the owner does not notice under the fur.

Next, spots of different colors begin to appear: from pink to brown. And then, in the areas of inflammation, hair begins to fall out.
At the same time, the animal may become apathetic and lose its appetite. He also suffers from constant itching.

If you notice these signs - it's time to see a doctor, because it can be dangerous for humans.

How to treat lichen in dogs at home

You can try to overcome lichen in a dog using treatment at home, but to do this you need to take a comprehensive approach to the problem.

We must not forget about good nutrition and daily walks.

Pharmacy products

Before using any treatment, cut off all hair on the affected area, seizing healthy hair. Then the area is washed with warm water and lubricated with iodine.
In the future, you can use any of the antifungal ointments, such as Ketoconazole, Dermatol, Zoomikol or Mikozalon.

It is important that the pet does not lick off the applied product, and to do this, wear a special collar that will prevent this.

To protect the liver from potent drugs, hepatoprotective agents can be given: Hepatovet or Hepatolux.
In case of severe damage, you need to use intramuscular injections with antifungal drugs: Vakderm, Mentavak or Polivak.

We must not forget to give the animal general strengthening vitamins and mineral complexes during this period.

Treatment with folk remedies

Not many folk remedies have proven effective in the fight against shingles in dogs. You can lubricate the affected areas with iodine as a standalone remedy or apple cider vinegar.

Important!Iodine and vinegar promote necrosis, that is, the death of skin tissue, so in the future you may encounter dermatitis. But it is much easier to cure than lichen.

Diagnosis and treatment in a veterinary clinic

Diagnosing your pet yourself is dangerous, so bring it to the clinic.

With the help of modern diagnostics, the correct diagnosis will be made and treatment will be prescribed.

1. By using wood lamps highlight the affected areas on the skin in a dark room. If there is fungus, the fur will glow green. But here the accuracy is about 70%. And if the lamp shows a negative result, this does not mean that there is no infection.
2. Wool microscopy helps identify fungal spores on hair removed from the affected area. It is mixed with alkali, and if there is contamination on it, the hair will glow with fluorescent light due to this reaction.
3. Bacterial culture- the most effective method of recognizing the disease, which gives 100% results. The disadvantage is the duration of the procedure, which takes about two weeks. Take a small piece of the affected area of ​​skin and sow it into a nutrient medium. After a couple of weeks, they look under a microscope to see what type of fungus has grown from it.

Diagnostics is mandatory for selecting the correct treatment and rapid recovery of the animal.

Did you know?Dogs can hiccup just like people - from overeating or when they drink water quickly.

Preventive actions

If you follow preventive measures in a timely manner, your pet will not be afraid of any lichen.

• It is important to avoid contact with other people's dogs and other animals, especially stray ones.
• The pet must receive the food it needs correctly and in a timely manner.
• It is necessary to regularly examine the animal for the appearance of spots and hair loss.
• Monitor the dog's condition and behavior.
• Clean its habitats and household items regularly.
• Take him for a preventive examination to the veterinarian and do not forget to get timely vaccinations.

Do not be afraid if your pet is struck by such an unpleasant disease. Contact your veterinarian and they will help you choose the right type of treatment. Follow all their instructions, and your pet will soon be on the mend.

During their lifetime, many dogs contract a fungal skin infection called ringworm. Active dogs spend a lot of time outdoors, where they can pick up infections from contact with other dogs and pets such as cats. In addition to the inconvenience and danger to the health of the dog itself, ringworm is easily transmitted to people. For this reason, as well as for the health of the animal, you should be able to recognize the signs of ringworm in a dog in a timely manner and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian to prevent further spread of the infection.

Steps

Identifying ringworm

Look for signs of itching and skin irritation. In this case, the animal may often scratch and bite its fur, which is often the first sign of ringworm. In any case, if these symptoms occur, you should carefully examine your pet.

Examine the animal's skin. If you suspect your dog has a skin infection, you should examine any areas of skin that may have become infected. At the same time, spread the fur so that it is more convenient for you to inspect the skin. Pay special attention to areas your dog scratches frequently, including the head, ears, and front paws (these areas are most susceptible to infection).

Pay attention to the bald spots in the dog's fur. They most often occur on the head, ears and paws of the animal. Are these bald spots round in shape? Are they surrounded by a bright red rim? If the answer to both of these questions is yes, the likelihood of ringworm increases.

Monitor the affected areas for several days. If you find infected or irritated areas of skin, keep an eye on them. Sometimes ringworm cannot be identified immediately, in which case you should continue to monitor and see what happens next.

• It is useful to isolate the dog while the diagnosis is being determined. Keep your pet away from other pets. Try to keep your dog in a room with a minimum amount of upholstered furniture - this will make it easier to vacuum the room, which will reduce the risk of spreading infection. If your dog does indeed have ringworm, isolating him from other pets will help prevent them from becoming infected.
• Look for marks that look like insect bites and skin rashes that are not round in shape. This may be a sign of other conditions (such as allergies) that will require completely different treatment. Ringworm often affects the skin due to a weakened immune system, while other rashes may occur due to an overactive immune system.

1. Take a closer look at the development of inflammatory processes. If the areas of damaged skin become larger and remain round in shape, and the inflammation increases, it looks like ringworm. In this case, you should contact your veterinarian, who will prescribe a suitable antifungal agent.

2. If the above methods do not allow an unambiguous diagnosis to be made, the veterinarian will take a sample to grow a culture and analyze it. The analysis will determine the presence of fungus. To do this, your veterinarian will take a sterile brush (such as a toothbrush) and run it over the affected area. The brush bristles will then be placed in a container containing a fungal growth medium, the container will be sealed and left for a period of time long enough for the fungus to grow.

   • Many veterinarians use a test in which the growing medium changes color when fungus grows. This test allows you to clearly determine whether an animal has ringworm.
   • It takes an average of 4-5 days for the fungus to multiply and cause a color change, although the test is considered negative if the color of the growing medium has not changed after 2 weeks.

3. Start treatment for ringworm. If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, your veterinarian will prescribe an antifungal medication. Keep your pet isolated during treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other pets or even people.

   • To prevent your dog from ingesting topical medications, wear a wide cone-shaped collar (called an Elizabethan collar) during treatment.

Sometimes it happens that even pets surrounded by the care of their owners get sick. Some diseases can be dangerous for humans, one of which is lichen in dogs.

Features of the disease

Ringworm is an infectious pathology that affects the skin of dogs. The infection can be viral or fungal, depending on the pathogen.

Ringworm causes damage to the pet's skin with concomitant hair loss and the formation of crusts. Sometimes the disease affects the claws, as a result they become injured and cracked, and their integrity is compromised. Owners often have a problem - how to recognize lichen in a dog. This will be discussed below, where we will tell you what lichen in a dog looks like depending on the type.

Ringworm can also be transmitted to humans; children are at increased risk. Among animals, animals with weakened immune systems, pregnant and lactating bitches, aged and sick pets, as well as young animals with an unstable immune system are at greater risk.

Sources of the disease

The greatest risk of infection is through direct contact with an infected animal. This is one of the reasons why you should categorically avoid contact between dogs and stray animals when walking. Ringworm in a dog does not appear immediately; there is an incubation period, which varies depending on the species.

It is also possible to develop an infection through contact with objects that have been used by a sick animal, including bedding, bowls, fur brushes, etc.

When the fungus gets on the skin of an animal, it quickly spreads throughout the pet’s body, especially for such a dangerous and common disease as ringworm or trichophytosis in dogs.

Ringworm in a dog, the symptoms of which may vary, which will be discussed below, is not always the cause of a fungal infection. Sometimes it can be caused by viral infections, such as the herpes virus.

However, not all types of lichen are infectious; the causes may also lie in the area of ​​the endocrine system, as in cases with weeping eczema.

Signs of lichen in a dog

To the question: how does lichen manifest itself in dogs, there is no general answer. There are different types of canine lichen, and the signs of lichen in a dog look different.

A characteristic sign of the manifestation of any of the varieties of the disease is the appearance of damaged areas of fur on the skin of the animal. And also the fact that the dog scratches or licks the damaged area, since the damage is often accompanied by itching.

A subtle rash may also appear, gradually increasing in size. There may be more than one affected area; most often, problems begin near the animal’s ears, on the head, near the base of the tail and on the lower part of the paws.

The appearance of the affected areas is essentially the only thing that describes what lichen in dogs looks like.

At the first appearance of any symptoms discussed below, the animal must be immediately isolated from other animals and people, especially children, and shown to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of the disease

Unfortunately, even if the external symptoms of any type of lichen in dogs pass, the animal may remain a carrier of the disease.

It is highly not recommended to try to diagnose an animal on your own for any ailment, especially for infectious diseases. Accurate diagnosis can only be carried out in a clinic with the direction of a qualified veterinarian. Even if the owner is familiar with how to identify lichen in a dog, the animal still needs to be shown to a specialist.

The following diagnostic methods are available:

• examination of the animal using a long-wave ultraviolet Wood lamp;
• examination of the affected hair using a microscope;
• Wool samples for sowing in special media.

Types of lichen in dogs

There are several types of the disease. Symptoms of ringworm in dogs vary depending on the species.

Pink

Pityriasis rosea in dogs is not considered the most dangerous to a pet's health. The initial sign will be the appearance of small round spots about 2 cm in diameter with a characteristic yellow-pink color, hence the name of the disease.

A distinctive feature is the appearance of the so-called “maternal plaque”, the main focus of the lesion. It is slightly larger in size compared to other affected areas. The plaques are quite itchy and constantly peel off, causing discomfort.

Often a manifestation occurs in a very unexpected way, and can disappear just as quickly. Often the disease goes away on its own, but it is better to check the final confirmation of recovery with a doctor.

Trichophytosis

Ringworm in dogs is quite common. The causative agent of ringworm is the same fungus from the Microsporum family, which causes damage to the skin.

At the same time, ringworm in dogs, the symptoms of which are easily recognizable, is a very unpleasant disease for the animal.

Trichophytosis in dogs is characterized by the appearance of round or oval spots measuring about 2 cm. Most often, the initial lesions appear on the head, tail, paws and face of the animal. In this case, the infection quickly spreads throughout the body.

The hair on the affected areas falls out and baldness occurs, which is why the disease got its name. As in the case of pityriasis rosea, peeling and itching of the affected areas is pronounced. However, the disease does not go away on its own and requires rapid intervention and intensive treatment.

Weeping

Ringworm in dogs is eczema. Often the cause lies in a chronic condition of the animal or a genetic predisposition and it manifests itself differently than ringworm in a dog. This disease is not infectious, but rather allergic in nature, sometimes caused by a malfunction of the endocrine system.

The obvious symptoms are as follows: spots appear that look like a burn. The nature of the rash is inflammatory, a rash and small pustules appear throughout the pet’s body, from which ichor is released. In the affected areas, the skin also itches, itches and cracks, blisters and redness appear.

A distinctive symptom of weeping eczema is pronounced swelling.

Pityriasis

One of the most common types is pityriasis. The first sign of the disease is the appearance of a single spot or several in the area of ​​the pet’s back, paws or neck.

The spots are pink in color with a gradual change towards yellow or brown; the hair in these areas falls out, but no visible inflammation is observed.

girdling

The cause of its appearance is the herpes virus. Foci of external viral damage most often occur in the abdomen and between the ribs, where severe itching occurs.

Gradually, bubbles appear, which eventually burst with the formation of crusts. Outwardly, it resembles the same thing that happens when a “cold” occurs on a person’s lip, since the pathogen is identical.

Gradually, skin lesions can spread to the pet’s back and paws, forming a kind of belt around the animal, which is why the problem got its name.

You will find the answer to the question of what to do if your dog has lichen in this article.

Treatment

So, a dog has been diagnosed with lichen, what should you do to cure your pet?

Treatment of the animal will directly depend on the verdict of the veterinarian. Obviously, treatment for ringworm in a dog will vary depending on the type of diagnosis, since fungal infections will be treated differently from viral ones. That is, how to treat lichen in dogs depends on what exactly the dog is sick with.

Local (ointments, creams)

So, how to treat ringworm in a dog. In the case of fungal infections, which include pink and ringworm, it is necessary to carefully trim the hair around the affected areas of the skin. After this, treatment occurs with warm water, then with an iodine solution.

Local treatment with creams and ointments is most advisable when wearing disposable latex gloves to avoid infection. The clipped wool along with the signets must be disposed of immediately after the procedure is completed to avoid contamination.

The question arises as to what to apply to a dog’s lichen. After washing, the plaques are lubricated with antifungal drugs (Miconazole, Clotrimazole), salicylic acid solution. Ointment for ringworm in dogs is prescribed by a veterinarian. Additionally, special sprays with a targeted effect against lichen and antifungal shampoos may be prescribed if the dog can be washed. To prevent your dog from licking ointments and creams from the skin, it is better to use a protective collar.

However, local exposure should not be the only one; treatment should be comprehensive, which will be discussed below.

Complex

Before the question arises of how to cure lichen in a dog, you need to remember the diagnosis.

As for the disease ringworm in dogs, treatment is carried out in combination with local exposure and oral antifungal medications are prescribed. The most popular is Griseofulvin. However, when taken, the drugs have a negative effect on the liver, to protect which hepatoprotectors are used.

The treatment for weeping eczema is different because the root of the problem lies in a different area. It is important to find out the cause of allergic reactions and treat it first. You may need to change your diet, eliminating foods high in fat.

Vaccine

One of the most successful treatment options is vaccination. Medicines are administered intramuscularly, 2-3 times a day for 10 days.

There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the drugs, and therefore antiallergic drugs may be prescribed in parallel with the use of the vaccine.

Immunomodulators can also be prescribed to strengthen the immune system and body resistance, as well as vitamin preparations aimed at restoring the health of the coat after an illness.

At the moment, there are enough remedies to treat lichen in a dog, no matter what type it is.

Personal hygiene is mandatory in case of infectious diseases, along with patient isolation. Immediately after contact with a sick animal, it is necessary to use disinfectants; it is possible to take vitamins and antifungal drugs.

Regular wet cleaning of the premises is necessary. Items that the pet has come into contact with should be disposed of whenever possible.

The diet should be balanced; the benefits of vitamins have already been mentioned above. It is advisable to confirm the diet with your doctor.

Be sure to follow all veterinarian instructions and monitor your sick pet.

Prevention

A very important point is the prevention of lichen in dogs. First of all, this includes timely vaccination, which will protect your pet from illness.

A complete and balanced diet with high quality feed is important.

Unfortunately, the most unpleasant types of lichen are dangerous for humans, especially for children. This is why isolation of a sick animal is important, even if a caring child wants to care for his pet.

Trichophytosis in dogs is the most contagious disease; according to statistics, it is the most common fungal disease among children, since they love to communicate with animals and cannot always determine that an animal is unhealthy.

Video

The video explains in detail about dog skin diseases and their treatment.

Instructions

Many dog ​​breeders believe that lichen is the lot of homeless animals or animals that are not properly cared for. However, this opinion is erroneous, and domestic dogs are just as susceptible to this unpleasant disease as street dogs. The carriers of the pathogenic fungus are rats and mice. From them, spores fall on stray cats and dogs, and they then pass them on to their pets. Any contact with a carrier of the disease can lead to infection. Dog owners need to remember that lichen can also be transmitted to humans, and young children are especially susceptible to it. Therefore, it is so important to be able to recognize this disease in the early stages.

Rash and redness of the skin in one or more places. At this stage, lichen is more reminiscent of dermatitis or allergies. A dog breeder who discovers such a rash on his pet’s body should be vigilant and carefully monitor the condition of the dog’s skin and its behavior.

The appearance of pinkish or red spots on previously affected areas. Gradually, the skin there begins to roughen and become covered with a hard crust. These crusts on the skin can come off along with the fur.

Itching. The dog becomes anxious, nervous, sleeps poorly, and constantly scratches sore spots. Initially, owners may think that the animal is having an allergic reaction to food. You can alleviate the animal's condition with antihistamines. If there is frequent itching, it is necessary to exclude dermatitis, which is a consequence of flea and tick bites.

Hair loss in affected areas. Bald spots with clearly defined boundaries appear, and pus may ooze from under the resulting crusts. This sign indicates that the dog’s damaged skin is contaminated not only with pathogenic fungi, but also with staphylococci. This can aggravate and prolong the treatment process.

Ringworm usually starts on the paws, face and ears, and then spreads throughout the body. Therefore, owners of four-legged animals should examine these parts of the body most carefully. At particular risk are dogs with weak immune systems, puppies or older dogs, as well as those suffering from cancer.

As with any fungal diseases, trichophytosis should be started with the prescription of potent antifungal drugs. Most fungi are hypersensitive to medications that contain iodine. Therefore, drugs based on this substance are widely used to treat lichen. They also use drugs such as Dermatol, Yuglon, and Griseofulfin. Antibiotics are often included in the course of treatment.
Before using ointments and other medicinal products, you should cut the dog's hair, treat the affected areas with clean water, and then with iodine. After this, ointment is applied. At the same time, it is important to ensure that the dog does not lick the areas where it is applied. In addition, the dog is given vitamins that strengthen the immune system. The sooner treatment is started, the better it will be for you and your pet.

Video on the topic

note

If you suspect your dog has shingles, you should limit his contact with people and other animals and contact a veterinarian immediately.

Helpful advice

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Take the time to vaccinate your dog against lichen at the veterinary clinic, and the likelihood of her developing this disease will be significantly reduced.

Related article

Sources:

• Ringworm
• how to treat lichen

Often, dog owners notice that their pet's fur begins to fall out in patches. Areas of hair loss turn red, fester and itch very much. Perhaps your pet has contracted a contagious disease called, or, scientifically, trichophytosis or microsporia. Trichophytosis and microsporia differ from each other in some symptoms and fungi that cause these diseases. These diseases are similar to skin allergies, so it is important to recognize them at the first signs.

Symptoms of lichen

Knowing shingles is important because this disease is dangerous not only for animals that live with an infected dog, but also for people.

Ringworm is an infectious inflammatory disease. It manifests itself in pigmentation of the skin and severe itching. The incubation period, when not yet noticeable, can last from 5 to 20 days.
The causative agent of this contagious disease is microscopic fungi, the spores of which land on the dry skin of the dog and grow into it. Inside the dermis, spores multiply quickly, and the animal’s body responds to this process with inflammation.

Microsporia is caused by a fungus of the species Microstropium canis, and it is characterized by the following symptoms:
- dry dog ​​fur that begins to fall off;
- appearance of hairless skin areas;
- white coating at the base of the hair;
- red, inflamed skin on bare areas, which;
- itching of the affected areas.

Trichophytosis has slightly different symptoms, but it is also a type of lichen. It is caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagroghytes. Its symptoms:
- fur falls out in places;
- hairless areas of the skin turn red over time;
- the affected areas become covered with brown scaly skin;
- these areas increase in size and often merge into one;
- the dog is constantly.

The boundaries of lichen are clearly defined. Only that part of the skin where there is no hair is always affected. Ringworm most often affects the dog's head and neck, then it spreads to the base of the tail and limbs. Sometimes advanced forms of lichen can be found on the stomach and nose.
Small and old animals are more susceptible to deprivation; animals with weakened immune systems. If your dog spends a lot of time outside alone, then he is also at risk.

How to treat lichen

To successfully treat ringworm, first limit your dog's contact with people and other animals. The veterinarian, having examined the dog, will immediately prescribe the necessary treatment. Most often, treatment for lichen takes place in several stages.

First of all, the doctor prescribes an antifungal vaccine, then antimicrobial agents (ointments and sprays). It is important to treat wounds with an antiseptic every day. After the ointments, the doctor may prescribe additional immunomodulators to restore the dog’s immunity.

Wet cleaning of the apartment should be done daily to prevent fungal spores from infecting the dog again. Disinfect your dog's bed, bowl, toys; Wash yours and all the places where the dog likes to lie. Wash your hands every time you handle an infected dog.

Prevention of lichen

To prevent lichen, there is a special vaccination that is needed periodically. But many owners do not want this disease. They hope that the infection will bypass their pet. Of course, now lichen is quickly and easily treated, but it is more pleasant to prevent the disease than to treat it.
An infected dog may not develop lichen, but in this case the dog becomes its carrier. The dog, as a carrier of the disease, will infect all weakened animals. She herself may get sick if her body also weakens.

Routes of infection

Ringworm appears as a result of contact with a carrier of the fungus. After playing with a sick pet, the dog becomes a carrier of the infection. The clinical picture may not appear immediately; the fungus poses a secret threat during this period. Ringworm is dangerous to humans and other animals.

Symptoms of lichen

The incubation period of infection can last from several days to several months. The dog first develops a rash, then a dry, red crust appears on the skin, and pus may ooze from it. A receding hairline most often has clear boundaries. It's hard not to notice her. The dog's behavior also changes. She begins to scratch the affected areas and behave restlessly. Ringworm most often appears behind the ears, on the head, at the base of the tail, and on the bottom of the paws.

When the fungus gets on the skin, it penetrates deep into the epidermis. If the environment is favorable for development, then the lichen grows and the first ones appear. Hair begins to fall out because the hair follicles are damaged due to lack of nutrition. An inflammatory process begins throughout the body, the immune system weakens, and the dog becomes lethargic.

Dog treatment

Annual vaccination with the following drugs will help protect your dog from this terrible scourge: Polivak-TM, Mentavak and Vakderm. During a walk, you need to monitor your pet so that it does not play or fight with stray dogs that can be carriers of the disease. Fungal spores can even be found in street and house dust, so the dog is always at risk of infection. The infection lurks for a long time in furniture upholstery and carpets, where dust accumulates. The person himself can also suffer if he becomes infected from his pet. At the first signs of deprivation, the dog should be protected from communication with other family members, given a corner and not allowed to walk around the apartment and spread the infection. You should take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

No need for a sick dog. There are ointments and vaccines to return your pet to its former life. During the treatment period, it is necessary to prepare a diet accordingly so that the dog receives all the necessary vitamins and microelements that will help restore the weakened body and fight the infection. The house should always be wet cleaned and disinfected. Thoroughly wash your dog's bowls, toys and resting areas. You should take special care of cleanliness when treating your dog so that fungal spores do not re-enter. Remember to wash your hands after contact with a sick animal.

Ringworm in dogs is a contagious skin disease that is difficult to treat and has a fungal or viral nature. If your pet suddenly begins to lose hair and strange red spots appear on its body, this is an alarm bell. It is possible that the dog has lichen, from which the animal may die if treatment is not started in time.

Symptoms of lichen in a dog

Each type of lichen has its own symptoms. It is important to be attentive to your dog in order to notice warning signs in time and begin therapy.

General symptoms common to all species

• changes in taste preferences, dogs beg for sweets;
• apathy;
• sleep disorders;
• excitability;
• hyperthermia (except for herpes zoster);
• pale mucous membranes.

Symptoms of herpes zoster

• the appearance of large hairless areas on the neck, muzzle, back of the head and in the ear area;
• within a day, the spots swell and become inflamed;
• after a few days, the bald areas begin to itch and peel;
• If a dog scratches its receding hairline, secondary infection occurs, possibly suppuration and tissue necrosis.

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

• hyperthermia;
• large bald patches all over the dog’s body;
• the skin of bald areas changes color to bright pink or brown;
• peeling of the skin;
• Over time, bald patches begin to become wet and inflamed.

Symptoms of weeping lichen

• the appearance of large hairless spots in the tail or head area;
• severe itching, the dog itches;
• ichor oozes from the wounds;
• Over time, the wounds begin to bleed.

Ringworm - symptoms

• the appearance of “bald” oval-shaped areas throughout the animal’s body;
• severe itching;
• scratching the affected areas;
• Without treatment, bald patches begin to become wet and increase in area.

Pityriasis rosea - symptoms

• numerous hairless areas on the dog’s body, resembling a rash (size no more than 2 cm);
• redness of the affected areas;
• in the center of the spots the skin is yellow and peels;
• without treatment, the area of ​​the spots increases, peeling and itching intensify.

Locations

Most often, lichen is localized in the head and neck area, on the limbs and around the tail of the dog. Typically, the first lesions appear on the animal's face and ears.

If proper treatment is not started in a timely manner, the pet will scratch itself, and the area of ​​affected skin will gradually increase.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you experience one or more symptoms that indicate your dog may have shingles, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Only in a clinical setting can a diagnosis be confirmed or refuted.

Diagnostic measures:

• Initial examination. The doctor examines the dog and studies the symptoms.

• Wood's lamp diagnostics. Examination of the animal under a “black light” (Wood’s lamp). Fungi and some other microorganisms emit a fluorescent glow under this light source.

• Sowing a fungal culture. This study is necessary to make a final diagnosis. It is considered the most reliable. A scraping is taken from diseased areas of the animal's skin and placed in a special environment where lichen spores begin to actively grow.

What does ringworm look like in dogs?

near the ear

on the head

on the stomach