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My dog licks off ringworm medicine from his wound. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 2 months old | 90 lbs

My dog has this wound that I originally thought was ringworm. I have shaved the fur in that area and he keeps gnawing at it. I already have ring worm medicine but he also licks it off. He has no other symptoms nor does he seem to be in pain. Should I take him to the vet?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2020

Skin lesions like this can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Archer seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the lesion you’ve noticed and to make sure it is treated appropriately. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine if there is an infection and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. In the meantime, you can put an e-collar (cone) on him to help reduce the risk of scratching/licking at the area, but this will likely not resolve the lesion.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Barkley. It looks to me like he has a small skin mass forming. There are wart type growths that are common in small breed dogs. They tend to be light pink in color and lumpy. If this does not appear to be the case, then I recommend he sees his veterinarian. A fungal culture is used to rule out ringworm. Ringworm can be spread to other pets and people. So if others in your home have skin lesions, I would recommend having him tested. I hope this information helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 17th, 2019
Hello. It is not likely to be ringworm but of course it is possible. There is not a specific height that ringworm will be raised from the skin. It varies widely.

All you can do if you are worried it is ringworm is to wash your hands thoroughly after touching him until you can get a diagnosis. I'm sorry I can't be more specific but it is impossible to diagnose over the internet with just a photo.

If you want to, you can use a topical athlete's foot cream (active ingredient miconazole or clotrimazole) on the lesions until you can get him to the vet however this could interfere with testing and results.

( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ringworm-in-dogs )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2017
It is possible that it is ringworm but it could also be a bacterial skin infection or an allergic dermatitis. Your vet could do a culture and cytology to determine the exact cause and prescribe medications to treat. He might need an antibiotic, anti-fungal, antihistamine, and/or a corticosteroid to treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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