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Can my puppies play after 2 weeks of ringworm/coccidiosis meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd - miniature | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 19 days old | 14 lbs

Hello I just wanted to see if my puppies can play with each other because one of our puppies have coccidiosis and ring worm I have been giving pills for the coccidiosis and been using a shampoo and spray for the ringworm and I have them separated now but i feel bad for my puppy because she has to stay by herself and she has been on her medication for about 2 weeks so I just wanted to know if I have to keep them separated.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2018

Both diseases are easily transmitted, so you will run the risk of spreading the diseases if you don't keep them separated. However, it's likely that they have all been exposed already, so separating them may not be necessary. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure and the safest bet is to separate them.

The coccidia is readily eliminated with treatment, but the ringworm often takes a few weeks and sometimes months before it is completely killed with treatment. Ideally, the ringworm pup should be isolated until the infection is confirmed negative by your vet.

I understand the concern of isolating the poor pup though and I think the lack of social activity is a significant concern - especially if it's weeks of being isolated. I wouldn't think it wrong to let the pups play/interact with eachother as long as you understand the risk and take some precautions. If you do decide to take that risk, then you can minimize it by giving them all a bath with antifungal shampoo at the same time as you would normally bathe Lexi.

I hope that helps and all is well with your pups.
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