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My dog has a red bald spot. Is it ringworm? Can I treat it & stop spread?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 93 lbs

I noticed a couple months back after boarding Sadie that she had a very small bald patch on her "ankle". The skin showing was not red and the spot didn't seem to bother her. Fast forward to tonight when I noticed that spot is now red and looks like ringworm after I googled it. Is there anything I can get over the counter to treat it? Also I am terrified as we have another dog and 3 cats in the house too plus us, of course! Are we all going to catch it?!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2018

It’s uncommon for older dogs to get ringworm, and when they do it’s generally on the face. This area may have started to itch and she got it red and irritated from licking. I would clean the area with a medicated shampoo that kills both bacteria and yeast. Then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. In addition use a cone if she’s licking the area. If you wash your hands well after touching her you shouldn’t get anything. If it’s not healing or there are other areas then please take her in for an exam and skin tests to determine if it’s ringworm or infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 9th, 2018
This is suspicious of ringworm (a fungal infection of the skin). This could also be due to a yeast or bacteria infection and it's not possible to know without seeing it and doing some testing.

It's best if you can take Princess to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis, because ringworm can spread to different parts of the body and can spread to people. Also, the more involved the infection, the longer it will take to clear. The vet will be able to definitively diagnose it and give the best treatment

For now, I recommend washing your hands anytime you touch her. For more information about ringworm and how to prevent spread, please click on the links below:

https://www.petcoach.co/article/ringworm-in-dogs/

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/ringworm.html

I hope that helps and Princess gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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