free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

1-877-937-4372 the pet expert hotline

free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

Ringworm Super Support Kit

All-Clear Ointment, Felimm, Natures Immuno & Yucca

USD $176.80
Ringworm Super Support Kit USD $176.80 Add to Cart

Ringworm treatment for cats and dogs 

Pet Care Tips 4 min read
White cat itching his head as an example of skin issues in pets to talk about ringworm treatment for cats and dogs.

The saying: “it can get worse before it gets better” is very accurate when it comes to ringworm treatment for cats and dogs. Did you know that ringworm lesions can increase in the first days of treatment? Getting rid of these itchy circular lesions in your little one’s skin can also take time, so don’t expect to see any immediate visible results. But patience and consistency with the vet-prescribed medication, natural supplements and changes around the house can go a long way! 

What does ringworm look like on a dog and a cat? 

Believe it or not, ringworm in cats and dogs is not caused by worms or any parasites. The misleading name refers to the ring-like shape of the lesions caused by this fungal infection. The 3 most common types of fungi that cause ringworm in dogs and cats are:

  • Microsporum canis (the most common type, both in dogs and cats)
  • Trichophyton mentagrophytese
  • Microsporum gypseum

Another interesting fact about ringworm in animals is that it not only affects the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) but other keratinized tissues like hair and nails. 

So there isn’t one specific answer to the question ‘what does ringworm look like on a dog and a cat?’. But we can generally say that these are the most common symptoms:

If left untreated, ringworm can become systemic and take over the whole body of the animal.

  • Circular alopecia lesions (focal or multifocal) with a red halo of inflammation
  • Hyperpigmentation at the location of the hair gaps
  • It may or may not be itchy
  • Skin peeling
  • Young cats: scaling and alopecia around the muzzle, ears, and forelimbs

In more advanced cases of the disease, where opportunistic bacteria have already established themselves, there may be exudation of the skin, pustules, and the formation of crusts. If left untreated, ringworm can become systemic and take over the whole body of the animal, causing other types of issues and possibly affecting internal organs as well.

While ringworm in cats and dogs is a tough condition to manage, it's still completely possible to find a ringworm treatment for cats and dogs!

How do cats and dogs get ringworm?

Ringworm is a highly contagious disease through direct contact from animal to animal and from animal to human. Affected animals are sources of contagion up to three weeks after starting treatment. This makes it even more important to carry out the complete ringworm treatment for cats and dogs until your little one is considered cured by the veterinarian.

The animals that are most affected by ringworm infections are the youngest, the immunosuppressed, or patients with other underlying diseases. FIV or FeLV cats and dogs with Leishmaniasis, for example, are more prone to fungal infections. Long-haired cats are also predisposed to ringworm, as they have greater difficulty in removing the spores of the fungus during hygiene.

Prevention of ringworm in cats and dogs

It is possible to find fungi in beds, combs, and brushes, so good hygiene is crucial if you live with an animal with this pathology. Here are some tips for preventing ringworm in cats and dogs: 

  • Isolation of the affected animal until treatment is complete and the animal is cured;
  • Good environmental hygiene;
  • Avoid agglomerations of animals (especially when the physical condition of the animals is not known);
  • Do not use antibiotics and antifungals indiscriminately with the risk of creating resistance;
  • Avoid unnecessary stress, especially for cats;
  • Special attention to immunosuppressed animals or those with systemic diseases, and the immune system must be strengthened.

Vet-prescribed ringworm treatment for cats and dogs 

In the same way that the signs of the disease may vary, the vet will prescribe different treatment options, depending on the location of the lesions and the severity of the case. If your little one has a local manifestation at a specific spot of their skin, the ringworm treatment can consist of only topical medication and remedies. In these cases, antifungal shampoos and creams are usually prescribed.

Multivitamins and natural herbal formulas can also be used as proactive skin support or to prevent the progression of ringworm.

If the ringworm lesions are spread around your furkiddo’s whole body, systemic treatment with oral medication will probably be recommended. The prescribed medication is meant to act on your cat or dog hair follicles, the area where the fungi are concentrated. In addition to these, the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and medication to control pruritus (chronic itchy skin) may also be recommended. 

Multivitamins and natural herbal formulas can also be used as proactive skin support or to prevent the progression of ringworm. In cases where your little one has already contracted ringworm, topical or oral supplements can help with de-inflammation of the skin and prevent the multiplication of fungi.

Natural support for ringworm in pets

NHV supplements can be used alongside vet-prescribed ringworm treatment for cats and dogs. Some of our herbal formulations can help address the fungal infection and its symptoms. 

NHV Felimm can help by balancing the immune system and controlling secondary infections caused by bacteria. 

NHV Natures Immuno, our mushroom blend, has very powerful anti-fungal properties to help with ringworm infection while keeping the immune system strong and running. 

NHV Yucca is our formulation that may help with all the itchiness and discomfort that can be caused by ringworm. 

Lastly, to address the wounds topically, NHV All Clear was formulated with anti-fungal properties that help to relieve the redness, itchiness, and discomfort in the skin. For the All Clear ointment, just make sure your furkiddo doesn’t lick at it. The formulation is not toxic, but if your little one licks it, the ointment will not have enough time to act on the wound and offer its full benefits.

These supplements are part of our NHV Ringworm Super Support Kit and are formulated to act in conjunction. These four supplements work really well together to help the body as a whole, helping your cat or dog fight ringworm.


Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you ever need us! Our team of vets and pet experts is always here to help. Click the button below to get started!

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca Oliveira DVM

Dr. Rebeca is a holistic veterinarian from Brazil with a passion for natural and integrative medicine. She’s been studying integrative medicine and alternative (and healthier) diets since 2015, and now started to study the power of herbs with the NHV Family. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with her golden retriever, Kuga.

Published: September 7, 2022

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like