Pet Parasites: Ringworm… Not a Worm!

When we hear the word “ringworm,” most of us immediately picture a wriggling, unpleasant parasite living under the skin. But here’s the twist: ringworm isn’t a worm at all. Despite its misleading name, ringworm is actually a fungal infection—and it’s one of the most common skin conditions seen in pets, especially in cats, dogs and even small animals like guinea pigs.

Let’s clear up the confusion and take a closer look at what ringworm really is, how it affects pets, and how you can protect your furry family members (and yourself!).

What is Ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi live on the surface of the skin, hair and nails and thrive by feeding on keratin. In pets, the most common culprit is Microsporum canis, though other species can also be responsible.

The name “ringworm” comes from the classic circular, red and sometimes scaly lesions it causes on human skin. In pets, however, it might not always look like a perfect ring—making diagnosis a little trickier.

How Do Pets Get Ringworm?

Ringworm is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected animal or person, or indirectly through contaminated objects such as bedding, grooming tools, furniture or even dust particles containing fungal spores. These spores are resilient and can survive in the environment for months.

Pets most at risk include:

• Young animals with immature immune systems

• Elderly pets

• Pets with weakened immune systems

• Animals in crowded conditions such as shelters or catteries

Photo courtesy: RSPCA Australia

Signs of Ringworm in Pets

Ringworm doesn’t always look the same from one pet to another, but common signs include:

• Patches of hair loss

• Scaly, crusty, or inflamed skin

• Circular areas of redness

• Brittle, broken hairs

• Itchiness (though not always)

• Lesions typically on the face, ears, paws and tail

Sometimes, a pet can carry ringworm without showing any visible signs and still spread it to others.

Why Ringworm Matters

Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can spread between animals and humans. In people, it often appears as a red, itchy ring-like rash. Children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable.

Because of this, treating ringworm in pets isn’t just about their comfort—it’s also about protecting everyone in the household.

Diagnosing and Treating Ringworm

If you suspect ringworm, our vets may use several methods to confirm the diagnosis:

• A Wood’s lamp (UV light) to check for fluorescence in the fur

• Microscopic examination of hairs

• Fungal culture or PCR testing for a definitive answer

Treatment usually involves a combination of:

• Topical antifungal shampoos or creams

• Oral antifungal medications

• Cleaning the environment thoroughly—vacuuming, disinfecting, and washing bedding frequently

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Recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the severity and the pet’s response to treatment.

Preventing Ringworm

• Practice good hygiene and wash hands after handling animals.

• Regularly clean your pet’s bedding and grooming tools.

• Quarantine new pets until they’ve been health-checked.

• Be cautious in environments where infections are common, e.g. shelters or pet boarding facilities.

Final Thought: Not a Worm, But Still a Nuisance

Ringworm might not be a worm, but it’s certainly not something to ignore. With proper veterinary care and good hygiene practices, most pets make a full recovery—and you can keep the infection from spreading throughout your home.

If you notice suspicious hair loss or skin changes in your pet, especially if you’ve been itchy yourself, please call us to book a veterinary consultation for your pet. Early diagnosis makes treatment far easier—for everyone involved.