What can be done about ringworm in pets?  

First things first: what is ringworm? 

Despite the name, ringworm has nothing to do with worms. It’s a fungal skin infection caused by organisms called dermatophytes. These fungi live on the skin, hair, and nails and feed on keratin (the protein that makes up hair and the outer layer of skin). 

Ringworm fungi are widespread in the world around us. Pets can be exposed through: 

• Direct contact with infected animals or people. 

• Contaminated objects, such as bedding, brushes, bowls, collars, furniture, or carpets. 

• The wider environment, including soil and areas shared with wildlife. 

The fungal spores are extremely hardy and can survive in the environment for many months and sometimes over a year. Contact with spores doesn’t always lead to infection, but risk increases with higher levels of environmental contamination, young age or stress and a weakened immune system. 

Because the spores are tough and long-lived, ringworm can show up even in clean homes and in well-cared-for pets.  

Ringworm matters because: 

• It can spread between animals. 

• It can sometimes spread to people. 

• It can survive in the environment for a long time if not cleaned properly. 

How does ringworm affect pets? 

For most animals, ringworm is more of a skin nuisance than a serious illness. Many pets feel completely well in themselves and continue eating, playing, and behaving normally. 

Some animals may experience mild itchiness or irritation, and localised discomfort if the skin becomes sore or cracked 

It’s uncommon for ringworm alone to make a pet feel generally unwell. However, young animals, small mammals, or pets who are already stressed or unwell may find it harder to clear the infection, which is why early support is helpful. 

What does ringworm look like? 

Ringworm doesn’t always look the way people expect. While the classic image is a neat circular bald patch, real-life cases can present in a variety of ways. 

You might notice: 

• Patchy hair loss 

• Scaly or flaky skin 

• Broken or stubbly hairs 

• Mild redness or crusting 

• Occasionally thickened or brittle nails 

Some animals, especially cats, can carry ringworm without obvious signs, which is one reason it can spread quietly before anyone realises. 

Because ringworm can look like many other skin conditions, it’s important to seek veterinary advice rather than trying to diagnose or treat it at home. A vet can confirm whether ringworm is actually the cause, recommend treatments that are effective and safe for your particular pet and advise on cleaning and infection control that fits your situation. 

Home remedies found online, such as essential oils, vinegar, or household disinfectants are not reliable treatments and can sometimes cause skin burns, poisoning, or delay proper care. 

Ringworm in cats 

Cats are the species we worry about most when it comes to ringworm. 

Kittens, long-haired cats, and cats from rescue or multi-cat environments are particularly prone. Some cats show obvious bald patches while others act as silent carriers, shedding fungal spores without looking unwell. 

Most cats need more than one type of treatment: 

• Topical treatment (such as medicated washes or dips) to reduce spores on the skin and coat. 

• Oral antifungal medication.  

• Environmental cleaning to stop reinfection. 

Treatment often lasts several weeks, and stopping too early is one of the most common reasons ringworm comes back. 

The good news is that the vast majority of cats make a full recovery. 

Ringworm in dogs 

Dogs get ringworm less often than cats, but it does still happen, especially in puppies, elderly dogs, or dogs with other health problems. 

In dogs, ringworm can look like: 

• Small areas of hair loss 

• Mild scaling 

• Occasional redness 

Because these signs overlap with many other skin conditions, a vet may recommend tests before starting treatment. 

Many dogs respond well to topical treatment alone, especially for small patches, and oral medication if lesions are more extensive. Most dogs are not long-term carriers, and recovery is usually straightforward with treatment. 

Ringworm in small mammals 

Small mammals deserve special mention, because ringworm is very common in species like guinea pigs, and also occurs in rabbits, rats, and hamsters. 

Young animals are especially at risk, and signs often appear around: 

• The nose and face 

• The ears 

• The feet 

Hair loss, flaky skin, and crusts are typical, and itching is often mild or absent.  

Small mammals are delicate, and not all antifungal products are safe for them. This is why veterinary guidance is especially important. 

Treatment usually involves gentle topical antifungal therapy, treating all in-contact animals and improving hygiene, nutrition, and housing. With the right support, small mammals generally recover well. 

How is ringworm diagnosed? 

Because ringworm can mimic many other skin conditions, diagnosis is important before treatment begins. 

Your vet may: 

• Examine the coat and skin closely. 

• Use a Wood’s lamp (an ultraviolet light). Some, but not all, ringworm infections glow. 

• Take hair or skin samples. 

The most reliable test is a fungal culture, which grows the fungus in a laboratory. Results may take a few days or up to three weeks. Faster PCR tests may be used for more rapid diagnosis, but these can occasionally give misleading results, especially when you are trying to confirm a cure at the end of a course of treatment. 

Your vet may also recommend tests to rule out other causes of hair loss. 

How is ringworm treated? 

Most cases are treated using a combination of approaches. 

Topical treatment reduces the number of spores on the coat and helps protect the environment. Topical treatment may include: 

• Antifungal creams or ointments for small areas (usually from the triazole family). 

• Medicated shampoos. 

• Lime sulphur dips. 

Many pets, especially cats with widespread disease, need oral antifungal medication for several weeks. Treatment length varies, but six weeks or more is common. 

Never stop treatment unless your vet advises you to. 

It may also be advisable to clip or shave the fur, especially for long-haired cats, to make treatment easier.  

With appropriate treatment, pets are usually contagious for around three weeks. Without proper treatment, they can remain contagious for much longer. 

Two negative fungal cultures are usually needed to confirm that infection has cleared. 

Cleaning: the part no one enjoys (but really matters) 

Cleaning is an important part of managing ringworm, to prevent your pet from being reinfected by spores in their environment. The most helpful thing to remember is that removing pet hair is more important than using strong disinfectants. 

Cleaning works best as a two-step process. First, remove hair and debris by vacuuming, sweeping, or wiping surfaces until they look visibly clean. This step alone removes many ringworm spores and allows disinfectants to work properly. Second, disinfect cleaned surfaces using a suitable household product, making sure you follow the instructions on the label and allow the product to sit for the recommended contact time. 

Focus your efforts where your pet spends the most time. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and soft furnishings regularly, and wash bedding, towels, and washable fabrics separately from other laundry using a long wash cycle. Hard floors can be cleaned with standard floor cleaners once hair has been removed. 

You don’t need to disinfect everything every day. In most households, regular hair removal and cleaning a few times a week is enough, alongside daily removal of visible pet hair. Try to be consistent rather than perfect. Steady, realistic cleaning is what really makes a difference. 

Can people catch ringworm from pets? 

Yes, ringworm can pass from pets to people, but it’s important to keep this in perspective. In healthy adults, ringworm usually causes a small, itchy skin lesion or rash which can be easily treated with pharmacy or GP-prescribed antifungal cream. 

Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable, so extra care is sensible. 

Simple precautions help: 

• Wash hands after handling pets. 

• Avoid touching visible lesions. 

• Don’t share bedding or pillows during treatment. 

Myth-busting: common ringworm worries 

“Ringworm means my home is dirty” 

No. Ringworm is incredibly common, especially in young animals and rescues. It spreads easily even in very clean homes. 

“My pet must be removed from the home” 

In most cases, pets can stay at home with sensible precautions. Ringworm is treatable and not a reason to give up a pet. 

“Ringworm will never go away” 

It can take time, but with proper treatment and cleaning, most cases resolve fully. 

“All bald patches are ringworm” 

Definitely not. Many skin conditions look similar, which is why a veterinary diagnosis matters. 

“Humans always catch ringworm from infected pets” 

Not true. Many households manage ringworm without anyone else becoming infected. 

A final word of reassurance 

Ringworm is inconvenient. It can be messy, slow to clear, and emotionally draining, especially if you’re already juggling other worries. But with patience, treatment, and realistic hygiene measures, the vast majority of pets recover completely and go on to live normal, happy lives. 

If you’re struggling financially, practically, or emotionally, speak to your veterinary team or a local animal charity. Help is often available, and you don’t have to manage ringworm alone.