Below you can find out how dogs become infected with skin fungi, how to recognize a possible infection and how the fungal infestation can be treated.
Key facts at a glance
- Skin fungus is caused by different types of fungal spores in dogs and is highly contagious to both humans and animals.
- The typical symptoms of a fungal infection include severe itching, skin inflammation, allergic skin reactions and hair loss.
- The diagnosis of a skin fungus infection can sometimes take some time and require various examinations.
- In order to permanently eliminate skin fungus in dogs, in addition to treating the animal, thorough cleaning of the apartment is also necessary.
How dogs get infected with skin fungus
Skin fungus is very contagious and is mainly transmitted through physical contact with an already infected dog. When dermatophytes get onto the animal’s body, they penetrate the skin through small cracks, form roots and spread into the outer layer of skin and the hair follicle openings.
Once the skin fungus has established itself, it multiplies very quickly and produces more fungal spores that spread both on and around the body of the infected dog.
As a result, the skin fungus can be transmitted very easily to other dogs or to humans. If your four-legged friend suffers from a fungal infestation, it is therefore important that you handle it carefully and take care of the treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a skin fungal infection in dogs
Skin fungus causes various symptoms in dogs, the main ones being itching and skin inflammation. In addition, the fungal infestation can sometimes trigger allergic skin reactions and hair loss.
If the latter is the case, there are usually characteristic circular bald spots that are usually also red and scaly. Furthermore, due to the severe itching associated with skin fungus infection, it is only a matter of time before excessive licking and scratching occurs in affected dogs, causing minor skin lesions and sores.
However, be aware that an infection with a skin fungus does not always have to lead to recognizable symptoms and, accordingly, animals that are completely symptom-free can sometimes be carriers of the fungal spores.
Diagnosing skin fungus in dogs
If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from a skin fungus infection, a timely vet visit is strongly recommended. The vet will carry out a series of tests on your four-legged friend to rule out other skin diseases as the cause of the symptoms and to confirm your suspicion.
A fungal infection can be diagnosed using the following examination methods, among others:
- Creation of a fungal culture and subsequent examination in the laboratory
- Taking a tissue sample (biopsy)
- Microscopic hair root examination (trichogram)
- Examination with the Wood’s lamp (only possible with certain types of fungi)
It is not always possible for the veterinarian to immediately diagnose a skin fungus infection in dogs. Because sometimes it can take a few weeks until reliable laboratory results are available.
Treat skin fungus in dogs
The earlier the fungal infestation is recognized and treated, the better it is for the affected dog and the easier it is to prevent the skin fungus from being transmitted to other animals or people.
The treatment is usually carried out using special washing solutions that are applied to the dog’s skin and coat. In order for the active ingredients contained in it to be able to penetrate the skin of the four-legged friend, it may be useful to shorten the fur.
In addition, the veterinarian will give your dog antifungal medication to support the fungicidal effect of the wash solution.
Hygiene measures must not be missing during treatment
In order to permanently eliminate the skin fungus in your dog, it is not enough to treat your four-legged friend with appropriate preparations. In addition, it is at least as important to free the area around your four-legged friend from fungal spores.
If you don’t do this, you have to reckon with the fact that your dog will soon suffer from skin fungus again. There is also a risk of infecting yourself with fungal spores and developing dermaphytosis.
To avoid this, thoroughly clean and disinfect items such as pillows, blankets, and dog toys, as well as any rooms your dog has been in, with an antifungal agent.
Skin fungus in dogs – our conclusion
Skin fungal infections often prove to be extremely stubborn and therefore require consistent treatment. The sooner you take care of combating the fungal infestation, the faster your four-legged friend will have overcome the unpleasant symptoms.
Prompt treatment also reduces the risk of you or other members of your family contracting a skin fungus. It is therefore essential that you take any symptoms seriously and, if necessary, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.