Health & wellness
A small bald patch here, a bit of flaky skin there, or perhaps your pet is scratching more than usual, and suddenly you’re wondering, ‘Does my pet have ringworm?’
If so, you’re certainly not alone. Many pet parents find these types of skin changes worrying, especially when they seem to appear out of nowhere.
Ringworm is one of those conditions that sounds a little alarming (and perhaps a bit mysterious), but it’s a fairly common condition in both cats and dogs. The reassuring news is that most pets recover very well with the right treatment.
Spotting the signs early and consulting your vet can make all the difference. So, let’s take a closer look at what ringworm is, what symptoms to watch out for, and what steps to take if you think your pet might have it.
Table of contents
What is ringworm in pets
Despite the name, ringworm isn’t actually a worm at all. It’s a fungal infection that affects a pet’s skin, hair, and sometimes their claws.
The fungi responsible live in the environment and spread through tiny spores. These spores can travel easily and be picked up through contact with:
- Infected animals
- People
- Contaminated bedding, toys, grooming tools, or surfaces
Because the spores are quite resilient, pets can sometimes pick up ringworm without direct contact with another infected animal.
Some pets are also more prone to contracting ringworm than others, including:
- Kittens and puppies
- Older animals
- Sick, undernourished animals and those with weakened immune systems
Cats tend to develop ringworm more often than dogs, particularly long-haired breeds where the fungus can hide more easily in the coat. That said, dogs can certainly get ringworm too.
Signs of ringworm in cats and dogs
The most recognisable sign of ringworm is usually circular patches of hair loss, but signs may vary from pet to pet. Some animals show obvious signs, while others develop much more subtle skin changes that are easy to miss at first.
Common signs of ringworm include:
- Round patches of hair loss
- Scaly, crusty, or flaky skin
- Red or darker patches of skin
- Broken or brittle hairs
- Itching (typically ranging from mild to severe, although some pets may not appear itchy at all)
- In more advanced cases, animals may develop claw changes, nail destruction, severe skin inflammation, hair loss, and skin sores
These patches often appear on the face, ears, paws or tail, though they can show up anywhere on the body.
In cats (especially kittens) ringworm can start quite subtly. You might notice thinning fur around the ears or eyes, or small patchy areas that look a bit dry or flaky.
However, other conditions can look quite similar, and some pets can carry the fungus without showing obvious signs. That means they can pass it on without anyone realising. That’s why a proper check with your vet is important. If something about your pet’s skin or coat doesn’t look quite right, it’s always worth having it looked at.
Can humans catch ringworm from pets
Yes, ringworm can spread from pets to people and vice versa. It’s what’s known as a zoonotic disease, meaning it can pass between animals and humans.
In people, ringworm often appears as a red, circular rash on the skin, which can sometimes be itchy. (If you think you may have ringworm, seek advice from your doctor.)
Certain people may be more likely to catch it, including:
- Children
- Older adults
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- Athletes
- Pet owners
- Individuals living in hot, humid climates
If your pet is diagnosed with ringworm, your vet will usually recommend a few simple precautions to help prevent it spreading around the household.
These might include:
- Washing your hands after handling your pet
- Cleaning bedding, blankets, and toys regularly
- Disinfecting floors and surfaces
- Vacuuming frequently to remove fungal spores
- Following your vet’s treatment plan carefully
- Preventing your pets from sharing toys, grooming tools, or other items
While it might sound a little daunting at first, ringworm is usually very manageable with the right treatment and good hygiene at home.
What to do if you think your pet has ringworm
If you think your pet might have ringworm, the next best step is to book a visit with your vet. Skin conditions can sometimes look similar, so your vet will want to confirm exactly what’s going on before recommending treatment.
To diagnose ringworm, your vet may:
- Examine your pet’s skin under a special ultraviolet lamp
- Take hair or skin samples for testing
- Recommend medicated creams or washes
- Prescribe oral medication if the infection is more widespread
Treatment often takes several weeks, and it’s important to continue the full course your vet recommends, even if your pet’s skin begins to look better sooner.
During recovery, you may also be advised to:
- Temporarily separate your pet from other animals
- Wash your bedding regularly, including your pet’s bedding and any shared blankets or bedding they sleep on
- Disinfect grooming tools and commonly used surfaces
With the right treatment and a little patience, most pets make a full recovery.
How pet insurance can help take care of unexpected vet bills
Skin conditions like ringworm are more common than many pet parents realise, particularly in young pets. While many cases are straightforward, diagnosing and treating skin infections can sometimes involve tests, medications, and follow-up vet visits, and those unexpected vet bills can add up.
This is where having pet insurance can really help. Not only does pet insurance help cover a portion of your eligible vet bills, but if you’re with RSPCA Pet Insurance, your policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. So, while you’re protecting your pet, you’re also helping thousands of others across Australia get the care they need.
To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What is ringworm and how do I know if my companion animal has it? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-is-ringworm-and-how-do-i-know-if-my-companion-animal-has-it
FAQs
The most common sign of ringworm in pets is round patches of hair loss, often with scaly or flaky skin. These patches may appear on the ears, face, paws, or tail, though they can develop anywhere on the body. Some pets may also have brittle hairs or experience mild itching. Because other skin conditions can look similar, it’s best to have your vet confirm whether your pet has ringworm.
Yes, both dogs and cats can get ringworm, although it’s more common in cats. Kittens and long-haired cat breeds tend to be particularly prone to the infection. Puppies, older pets, or animals with weakened immune systems may also be more likely to develop ringworm.
Yes, ringworm can spread from pets to people. It’s a zoonotic fungal infection, meaning it can pass between animals and humans, but can be treated effectively in both. In people, it often appears as a red, circular rash on the skin. Practising good hygiene, washing your hands after handling your pet, and following your vet’s treatment advice can help reduce the risk of spreading it. If you think you may have ringworm, seek advice from your doctor.
Treatment for ringworm usually involves medicated creams, washes, or oral medication, depending on how widespread the infection is. Your vet may also recommend cleaning your pet’s bedding, grooming tools, and home environment to remove fungal spores. Treatment often takes several weeks, and it’s important to complete the full course.
Yes, pet insurance may cover treatment for ringworm, depending on the policy and level of cover. As every policy is different, it’s important to check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what is and isn’t covered, and to make sure the cover suits your needs.
If you’re looking for cover for unexpected vet bills that also supports animals in need, RSPCA Pet Insurance offers customisable cover, with every policy contributing to the RSPCA’s animal welfare initiatives.
