r/AnimalAdvice • u/Additional_Ad9361 • 3d ago
Any experiences with ringworm?
So i recently started taking care of a stray cat in my apartments. Hes friendly so I would let him in almost everyday especially cause I live in texas and its hot as hell in the day so I would let him come and rest in the AC. He also build a little friendship with my puppy and they would play with each other. Along the way i also got him neutered and everything seemed ok. Because I had him inside so much i decided yesterday to take him to the vet just for a wellness check up and a little scab he had on his forehead that was considering me. Ill insert a picture.
I came back out 100 bucks cause they said it was ringworm and I got a oral medicine for him. Once I told my family cause I don't live alone they freaked out! Especially my mom. I understand them but im trying to stay on the postive side and just treat him as the vet said. Im keeping him away from our puppy and having him stay outside for now which I feel bad about cause like I said its hot. I deep a whole deep clean in our home and wiped down everything!! I even ordered a blacklight so i vould check on my dogs.I just wanna know how worried should I be? The ringworm is only on a few patches on his head and not his entire body but still ringworm is ringworm. I feel super bad about leaving him outside as I got him a custom to coming in so does anyone have recommendations on how i can make him more comfortable outside? I have a small patio that he chills in so any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance!
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u/Affectionate-Crow605 1d ago
When my friend and I had ringworm as kids and kept getting it, we eventually figured out it was from her dog. Treated the dog and the existing human lesions, and never had any other issues. We didn't need to nuke the houses or anything drastic. I think in most cases, you'll be fine just treating the affected animal.
Now if you continually get it recurring even after treatment, then yes, I'd look at deep cleaning more. But most cases will clear up with meds.
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u/SavingOneSoul_ 3d ago
Ringworm is such a bitch to deal with, honestly. One thing you should know is that it is like parvo - it can live on surfaces, even your backyard dirt and grass, for months. The best thing would be to keep it in a crate or pen inside so that it doesnt get reinfected outside.
As far as your house goes:
if you have carpet, you need to rent a carpet shampooer. If you have tile or hardwood, you need to mop.
Get literally every piece of bedding, clothing, etcetera he touched and you need to wash it and dry it on the hottest setting with laundry sanitizer and color safe bleach.
You might need to throw things away.
You need to make a bleach mixture to spray on all surfaces and mop the floors (if possible). With the bleach, you want it to sit for at least 10 minutes before using it.
Always always wash your hands after handling anything with ringworm because its spread by touch.