Natural Dog Ringworm Remedies

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Overview

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect not only dogs, but also other pets and people.

Dogs with ringworm infections usually experience round patches of hair loss and skin lesions.

Conventional treatment of this skin problem in dogs usually involves the use of antifungal medications, such as Griseofulvin, or Fluconazole. These medications can cause side effects to dogs, such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.

If your dog has ringworm, you may want to try using milder and safer natural remedies to treat the skin problem. As you will see, there are various natural home remedies for dog ringworm. They are effective and easy to use.

Essential and Organic Oils for Dog Ringworm

Essential oils that have antifungal and wound healing properties are good natural dog ringworm remedies. Two oils that are commonly used for ringworm include:

• Geranium Oil and Palmarosa Oil: Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) and Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) are two very effective antifungal essential oils that are safe for use with dogs.

  A good topical ringworm treatment can be made by using the above two essential oils and Vitamin E:

  Add 2 drops each of the oils to about half an ounce of a carrier oil (e.g. olive oil, or sweet almond oil). Then pop a vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil into the oil mixture.

  Mix well and apply it to the lesions 2 to 3 times daily.

• Neem Oil: Neem oil is not an essential oil, but is an organic oil from the seeds of the neem tree.

  It has a lot of properties beneficial to the skin, such as wound healing, pain relieving, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

  Therefore, it is an effective natural remedy for treating dog skin irritations including ringworm. Its bitter taste also discourages dogs from licking!

  If you have neem oil, you can use a cotton swab to apply the oil to the lesions, 2 to 3 times daily. If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the oil with a carrier oil before applying.

Herbal Remedies for Ringworm in Dogs

Herbs that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are effective. For example:

• Calendula: Calendula (Marigold) has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties and is an excellent herb for treating skin wounds, lesions, and irritations.

  If you have a tincture of this herb, simply use a cotton swab to apply the tincture to the ringworm lesions two or three times a day until they heal.

• Licorice: Licorice is another herb that is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Used topically, it is effective in treating skin irritations and infections such as those caused by ringworm.

  Use the dried herb of licorice to make a tea: Add 5 to 7 teaspoons of the dried herb to one cup of hot water. Boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Let the tea cool down and use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the lesions, 2 to 3 times a day.

  An Herbal Ointment for Dog Ringworm

  
  

  Itchy Owie Gel
  (Affiliate link)

  You may also want to try this gel on the lesions caused by ringworm. It contains healing herbs such as calendula, marshmallow root, aloe vera, licorice, and more. The ointment is soothing and works well.

  

Other Home Remedies for Ringworm on Dogs

Other home remedies for dog ringworm include:

• Pure Virgin Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is said to be the "healthiest oil on earth". It contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease and, used topically on pets, is effective in treating skin irritations.

  To treat lesions caused by ringworm, just apply some coconut oil topically on to the affected areas. Repeat 2 to 3 times daily.

• Apple Cider Vinegar / GSE: Some veterinarians suggest using apple cider vinegar as an after-shampoo rinse to wash away skin cells (the principal "food" source for the ringworm fungi).

  In addition, vinegar can relieve the itching feeling caused by the skin lesions.

  To make the vinegar rinse: Add about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quart of water. Use it once a week as a rinse.

  Alternatively, you may also try using grapefruit seed extract (GSE) which is non-toxic and is antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. It also does not leave a sour, vinegary smell on your dog's skin, as does apple cider vinegar.