Ringworm - Natural Herbal Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats

In this article:

1. What is Ringworm (also known as Tinea)

2. Ringworm Infection - at Greatest Risk

3. Symptoms of Ringworm

4. Preventing Cross-Contamination of Ringworm

5. Conventional Chemical-Based Treatments – Reason to Go Natural

6. Natural Remedies

7. Natural Topical Remedies

8. Natural Ingested Remedies

9. Dietary Support - Provide an Immune System, Health Supporting Diet

1.0 What is Ringworm  

Tinea is an alternate name for ringworm...

Ringworm is not actually a worm it is instead a disease of the skin that is caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte . Dermatophytes also cause hair and nail infections. The most common fungi responsible for causing ringworm in dogs and cats are:

• Microsporum canis;
• Micorsporum gypseum;
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

The ringworm fungus lives on the hair fibres and skin. 

A case of ringworm is not difficult to remedy when approached the right way. Conventional methods of treatment can be very inexpensive, and health damaging. You can treat this condition using simple, safe, natural remedies.

Ringworm is a Zoonotic Infection...

Meaning that humans can also contract it from non-human animals.

• Ringworm is highly contagious – it can easily spread via the following means:
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected human or non-human animal;
• May be acquired from exposure via wind-blown fungi spores.

2.0 Ringworm Infection -
      at greatest risk...

Ringworm is more apt to infect an animal - non-human or human, under the following conditions...

• Young, or:
• Has a suppressed immune system. Suppression of the immune system can happen for many reasons, for example:
• Antibiotics;
• Disease;
• Exposure to toxins via daily diet;
• Ingredients in dog and cat food such as:
• Ethoxyquin;
• Artificial food colours;
• Chemical-based preservatives;
• GMO grains such as corn and soy;
• Aflatoxins;
• Protein from meat sourced from animals that are fed GMO, antibiotics, growth hormones, etc.
• Species inappropriate daily diet – i.e. grains, refined grains and additives such as cellulose, etc.
• Environmental factors such as:
• Pesticides and herbicides;
• Chemical-basedinsect and parasite preventatives;
• Chemical vapour (airborne) or residue left on surfaces (i.e. the floor that the dog or cat lies on) from chemical-based household cleaning products, etc.
• Litter that contains chemical-based ingredients, i.e. clay-based litter with artificial odour suppressants, clay dust, etc.
• Exposure to toxins via health care products such as chemical-included shampoo and dental care products;
• Over vaccination;
• Prednisone, Steroidal drugs or Non-Steroidal drugs (NSAIDs);
• Etc.

A strong immune system is better able to defend itself from invasion of fungi. Time to check your dog's and cat's diet and health care regimen...guidance on that further below.

3.0 Symptoms of Ringworm

Typical symptoms of Ringworm include:

• Hair;
• Thinning of hair;
• Skin;
• Red circular rash with clear spot in the middle;
• Itchiness;
• Irritation - inflammation;
• Lesions – most common on the head but may appear elsewhere on the body;
• Pustules;
• Scaly skin.

Some of the symptoms of ringworm are similar to auto-immune diseases, other bacterial diseases, demodectic mange – but the circular rash normally indicates ringworm.

Mild cases of ringworm may clear in a week or two simply by applying a topical treatment;

Severe cases of ringworm may persist and can require both topical and ingested treatment.

4.0 Preventing Cross Contamination

The ringworm fungi can live on:

• Moist areas of the skin but also on – for example:
• Bedding;
• Clothing;
• Other fabric such as towels,
• Carpet;
• Carpeted cat trees,
• Collars, harness, leash, etc.

Washing or spraying with organic apple cider vinegar (ACV) will help kill the ringworm fungus on these household items safely – ACV is not toxic to dogs and cats.

In severe cases you may have to discard some items.

5.0 Conventional Treatments – 

      Reason to Go Natural

In some very severe cases conventional medicines may be required however it is best to intervene first by treating with natural remedies and resort to conventional treatments only if 100% necessary.

Conventional treatments for ringworm used by allopathic veterinarians have many side effects that range from mild to lethal. The following provides a few examples of these conventional drugs and related side effects:

Griseofulvin

Used to treat fungal infections of the hair, nails, skin etc.

• Side effects – common:
• Allergic reaction;
• Chronic Trouble Sleeping;
  Confusion, disorientation;
• Dizziness;
• Fatigue;
• Hepatitis;
• Hives;
• Intestine or stomach irritation;
• Skin Rash;
• Sun-Sensitive Skin;
• Thrush;
• Numbness, tingling or pain in paws;
• Urine – elevation of protein in urine;
• Vomiting
• White blood cells – decreased.

• Side Effects – rare cases:
• Bilirubin in blood – high amounts;
• Gaint hives;
• Liver function – abnormal;
• Lupus like-syndrome;
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis – in most cases results in death;

Fluconazole (generic name Diflucan)

Used for yeast and fungal infections.

• Side effects - common:
• Appetite loss;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Heart – fast or irregular heart beat;
• Hair (fur) loss;
• Nausea;
• Pale gums, nose and tongue;
• Skin rash;
• Stomach upset and pain;
• Urine – dark or jaundice due to liver failure;
• Vomiting;
• Side Effects – rare:
• Allergic reaction (laboured breathing, itching, swelling);
• Liver failure, liver disease.

6.0 Natural Remedies

The best remedy is one that seeks to provide treatment and remedy using a three-point approach...

1. Natural topical remedy, plus;

2. Natural ingested remedy, plus a;

3. Dietary means of boosting the immune system – provide
    an immune system, health supporting diet.

7.0 Natural Topical Remedies

Remember, ring worm is highly contagious so wear gloves when applying topical treatments to the areas of the skin affected by ringworm.

For the following treatments use organic products whenever possible. 

Topical treatments should be used in combination with an ingested treatment and an immune system boosting daily diet.

Aloe Vera Juice

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

• Aloe Vera Juice is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.
• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) aloe vera juice directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Repeat two to three times daily;
• Aloe vera juice can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain;
• Use only 100% food grade aloe vera juice or 100% human grade aloe vera gel.

Read here for detailed information, cautions and interactions.

Apple Cider Vinegar- organic, unpasturized, unfiltered

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Organic unpasturized, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) the ACV directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Repeat two to three times daily;
• Do not use ACV on broken skin/lesions open wounds as the ACV can sting, cause temporary pain due to ACV’s acidic nature.

Read here for detailed information, cautions and interactions.

Calendula

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Calendula has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and wound healing properties. 

• Use:
• Calendula cream or ointment, or;
• Essential oil – 10 drops of essential calendula oil mixed with 1 tsp of olive oil;
• Do not use undiluted essential oil;
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Tincture of calendula, or;
• Steeped and cooled calendula tea bag or tea.
• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) calendula tincture or tea directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Or just place the cooled, steeped tea bag against the affected area;
• Repeat two to three times daily.
• Calendula can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain. Calendula is non-toxic to dogs and cats when used as noted above.
• Cautions: 
• None

Coconut Oil (Organic)

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Organic coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and many other health benefits.

• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (spread) organic coconut oil directly onto the affected area – rub gently; Repeat two to three times daily;
• Coconut oil can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain.

Read here for detailed information on coconut oil. 

Colloidal Silver

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Colloidal Silver is a natural and powerful broad spectrum antibiotic agent.  It also has excellent antiseptic, anti-fungal and disinfectant properties. As long ago as 400 B.C. Hippocrates described colloidal silver’s antimicrobial properties. In addition to having antibiotic properties, new studies have demonstrated that silver is one of the most effective substances for fighting antibiotic resistant super-pathogens such as MRSA.

• To Apply Topically:
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) Colloidal Silver directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Repeat two to three times daily;
• Colloidal Silver can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain.

Read here for detailed information on colloidal silver.

Garlic – fresh

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ only

Garlic is a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic that also has other very beneficial properties – anti-allergen, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogen, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-protozoan and anti-viral.

• To Apply Topically
• Slice, or crush a clove of garlic;
• Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes;
• Then gently rub the garlic onto the affected area;
• Fresh garlic loses its medicinal properties an hour after it has been activated:
• Activating the medicinal properties of garlic is achieved by:
• Bruising, chopping, mincing or slicing the garlic clove;
• This allows the medicinal properties located in the garlic’s cells to be released and interact with each other to create garlic’s health benefiting properties;

For detailed information on the many health benefits, daily dosage, cautions, interactions of garlic read here.

Indian Strawberry (Mock Strawberry)

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Indian Strawberry has excellent anticoagulant, antiseptic, depurative (detoxification), febrifuge (fever reducing) properties.

• Use
• Make a poultice of fresh leaves and berries;
• You will need…
• Fresh Leaves;
• Fresh Berries;
• A cloth.
• To Make…
• Place leaves and berries in the cloth;
• Crush the cloth to mash the leaves and berries;
• Apply the moist mash directly to the ringworm affected areas.
• Repeat two to three times daily.
• Cautions:
• None

Read here for detailed information on Indian Strawberry.

Lavender

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Lavender has excellent antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, calmative, detoxifier, hypotensive, and sedative properties.

• Use:
• 10 drops of essential Lavender oil mixed with 1 tsp of olive oil;
• Do not use undiluted lavender oil.
• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) the lavender /olive oil mixture directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Repeat two to three times daily.
• Lavender can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain.
• You can also try using cooled organic steeped lavender tea bags.
• Cautions:
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Don’t use lavender oil/tincture if:
• Your dog or cat is pregnant;
• Has high-blood pressure;
• Has epilepsy.

Licorice Root

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

Licorice root has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and wound healing properties. 

• Use:
• Tincture of licorice root;
• Essential oil – 10 drops of essential licorice oil mixed with 1 tsp of olive oil;
• Do not use undiluted essential oil,;
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes;
• or...
• Steeped and cooled licorice tea or tea bag.
• To Apply Topically
• Use a cotton ball to apply (dab) licorice tincture or tea directly onto the affected area – rub gently;
• Or just place the cooled, steeped tea bag against the affected area;
• Repeat two to three times daily.
• Licorice root can be used on irritated, inflamed and broken skin (lesions) without fear of causing pain.

Read here for detailed information on Licorice root.

Oil of Oregano

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ 

Oregano has excellent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-viral properties that also make oregano useful for combating intestinal worms and parasites.

• Combine:
• 2 drops of oil of oregano with;
• 1 tbs of coconut oil or sweet almond oil;
• Use a cotton ball to lightly apply the mixture, to the affected areas.

Papaya – fresh 

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^

For some milder cases of ringworm papaya can work to eliminate the fungi. Papayina, the principal active ingredient in papaya provides the fruit with antibacterial and proteolytic (digestive enzyme) properties. Papaya also contains papain and chymopapain both are powerful proteolytic enzymes.

• To Apply Topically
• Slice a piece of papaya and use the exposed flesh side of the fruit to rub gently against the affected area;
• Repeat two to three times daily;
• Papaya is non-toxic to dogs and cats and can also be used as a healthful additive to the daily diet;
• Papaya is also helpful for combating internal parasites.

Read here for detailed information on Papaya.

8.0 Natural Ingested Remedies
Use in Combination with a Topical Treatment

Part of my dog pack

All of the items listed below as being 'a healthy addition to the daily diet' can be used on their own or together. My dogs get all of the items noted as  'a healthy addition to the daily diet' every day as part of their normal diet. You can choose one, several or all of these items. Items that are to be used as a temporary remedy are noted.

Aloe Vera Juice - use 100% pure food grade aloe vera juice only

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ as a healthy addition to the daily diet...

Aloe Vera Juice is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

• Aloe vera juice is non-toxic to dogs and cats and can be used as an ingested treatment and healthful additive to the daily diet;
• Daily Dosage:
• Small size dogs and cats  - 1 tbs;
• Medium size dogs - 1/8 sup
• Large size dogs - 1/4 cup
• X-Large dogs - 1/3 to 1/2 cup

Read here for detailed information, cautions and interactions.

Apple Cider Vinegar – use organic unfiltered, unpasteurized ACV only

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ as a healthy addition to the daily diet...

Aloe Vera Juice is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral.

• Organic ACV is non-toxic to dogs and cats when used as a healthful additive to the daily diet in the correct dosage;
• Daily Dosage:
• Small Dogs (and cats) up to 14 lbs - 1 tsp;
• Medium Dogs (and cats) 15 lbs to 34 lbs - 2 ts;
• Large Dogs:
• 35 lbs to 84 lbs - 1 tbs;
• 85 lbs to 134 lbs - 1.5 tbsp;
• 135 lbs to 200 lbs – 2 tbsp.

Read here for detailed information, cautions and interactions.

Coconut Oil - use organic coconut oil only

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ as a healthy addition to the daily diet...

• Organic coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coconut oil is non-toxic to dogs and cats when ingested in reasonable quantities (over dosage of any fat can lead to health problems). Coconut oil is a healthful additive to the daily diet.
• Daily Dosage:
•  ¼ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight twice daily, or 
• ½ teaspoon for every 10 lbs of body weight once daily;

Read here for detailed information on coconut oil. 

Colloidal Silver

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ for use as a temporary treatment

Colloidal Silver is a natural and powerful broad spectrum antibiotic agent.  It also has excellent antiseptic, anti-fungal and disinfectant properties.

For information on using colloidal sliver as an ingested treatment read here.

Garlic – fresh

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ only! as a healthy addition to the daily diet...

Garlic is a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic that also has other very beneficial properties – anti-allergen, anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogen, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-protozoan and anti-viral.When provided in the correct daily dosage garlic is and excellent healthful addition to the daily diet.

• To prepare garlic for ingestion:
• Slice, or crush a clove of garlic;
• Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes;
• Then gently rub the garlic onto the affected area;
• Fresh garlic loses its medicinal properties an hour after it has been activated:
• Activating the medicinal properties of garlic is achieved by:
• Bruising, chopping, mincing or slicing the garlic clove;
• This allows the medicinal properties located in the garlic’s cells to be released and interact with each other to create garlic’s health benefitting properties;
• Daily Dosage:
• 1 tsp fresh minced or finely chopped garlic per day per every 30lbs of body weight

For detailed information on the many health benefits, daily dosage, cautions, interactions of garlic read here.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ as a temporary treatment...

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic and more. GSE has no side effects however it does interact with some conventional drugs. 

For detailed information on the many health benefits, daily dosage, cautions, interactions of GSE read here. 

Pumpkin Seeds (Pepita seeds)

For Dogs ᵔᴥᵔ and Cats ^._.^ as a healthy addition to the daily diet...

Pumpkin seeds have excellent anti-fungal properties in addition to being anti-microbial, rich in antioxidants (immune system supporting) and anti-carcinogenic properties. Pumpkin seeds are also a natural dewormer.

• Use natural raw shelled pumpkin seeds;
• Use a food processor, coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the seeds into a fine powder;
• Store the ground seeds in a jar or BPA-free plastic container;
• At meal time add the ground pumpkin seeds to the food once a day;
• Dosage:
• ¼ tsp for every 10 lbs of body weight.

  

10.0 Dietary Support

Provide an Immune System, Health Supporting Diet

If you are only relying on processed dry dog or cat food/treats, your dog’s and cat’s immune system will not be functioning at an optimal level.

The following options provide you with guidance on how to better support your dog’s and cat’s immune system and overall health with a better diet…

The Homemade Cooked and Fresh Food Diet

A good homemade cooked and fresh food diet is an excellent choice and much better for your dog or cat than a dry processed food diet. You can use this Homemade Food Recipe, which also provides a full list of supplements.

Raw Food Diet

A good raw food /fresh food diet is an excellent choice and much better for your dog or cat than dry processed food diet. There are some very good commercial raw food products so you don’t have to make the raw food diet from scratch yourself. But, just as with processed dry dog food – not all pre-prepared raw foods are the same. Look for one that uses hormone-free, non-GMO fed, antibiotic-free meat, blended with organic vegetables and fruit. Raw food diets should also be supplemented with additional:

• Omega-3 fatty acids;
• Viable probiotics either in supplement form or food form;
• Digestive enzymes.

If your dog or cat has never eaten raw food you must make the transition slowly from his/her existing diet to a raw food diet. Start by giving a little piece of the raw food as a treat between meals. After a week begin to replace a very small portion of food at meal time with the raw food. Gradually increase the amount of raw food until it completely replaces the former food. Raw meat requires much stronger stomach acids for digestion than does processed dry food.  If you do not transition properly your animal will probably experience diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Dry/Wet Processed Food Diet

If you want to continue to feed your dog or cat a processed commercially manufactured dry food (kibble) or wet food then you need to supplement the diet with real food and nutraceuticals (food and extracts from food that provide health and medicinal benefits hat prevent illness and disease) is required.  At minimum the following should be added to the daily diet…

• Omega-3 fatty acids;
• Viable probiotics either in supplement form or food form;
• Digestive enzymes: 
• Choose a bromelian-based or papain-based digestive supplement – either human grade or one made specifically for pets. But be careful in your selection as the vast majority of supplements are of poor quality; 
• When choosing a supplement look for one that is free of: fillers, sweeteners, food colouring and other unnecessary and toxic ingredients; 
• Bromelian is a naturally occurring enzyme that promotes digestion; 
• Typically obtained by extracting the enzyme from pineapples.Papain is a naturally occurring enzyme that promotes digestion; 
• Papain is obtained by extracting the enzyme from papaya. 
• You can also use fresh papaya – which is what I give to my dogs on a daily basis;

Fresh cooked organ meat such as liver should be given in small amounts daily.

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Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld