[CorkyMax]

Ringworm is an infection of skin, hair, and nails by several types of highly contagious fungi similar to athlete's foot and jock itch. It is not caused by a worm infestation even though the name implies it! Humans can catch ringworm from pets and vice versa. Ringworm causes unsightly ring-shaped patches of flaky skin that itch and tend to go away on their own within 1-3 months. An infestation of ringworm indicates that the animal's health is weak or that he is stressed or ill. Better nutrition will help your pet fight off the disease. Trimming the hair around the bare spot decreases the likelihood that the ringworm will spread. Use an electric razor and carefully dispose of the trimmed hair to avoid further infection. Regular grooming prevents ringworm from spreading by removing fungal spores before they can infect other areas of your pet's body. Vaccum up shed hair that might be infected with the fungus to avoid further contamination. If you have more than one pet, keep the infected pet isolated from the others. If you decide to treat your infected pet with an antifungal shampoo, treat all of your pets at the same time.

IF RINGWORM SPREADS OVER YOUR PET'S BODY AND THE SORES BECOME RED AND OOZE PUS, TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY.

To prevent the ring-like bald patches on your dog or cat's body from getting infected, wash them daily with Betadine skin cleanser. This antiseptic soap will keep the minor fungal infections from developing into more severe bacterial infections.

Saturate a cotton ball with apple cider vinegar or ReaLemon lemon juice and apply to the affected area 3 times a day. The acid kills the fungus.

To control ringworm, saturate a cotton ball with Listerine and dab the affected skin twice a day. The antiseptic kills the fungus.

After brushing, combing, or trimming the hair of your infected pet, soak the brush, comb, scissors, or clipper blades for 5 mins. in a solution made with 1 ounce Clorox bleach and 1 quart of water. Then wash the brush or comb with soap and water, and rinse clean.

Wash any pet bedding, sheets, or furniture covers in hot water and add 1 cup Clorox bleach to the wash load. The bleach helps kill any of the contagious fungus and keeps it from spreading to people in your home.