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My new puppy has ringworm. Will he ever be cured enough to come home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

HI, I am supposed to get my new puppy next week but the breeder called today and said we are delayed because the puppy got ringworm. She believes that he got it from her because she works with horses and I guess one of the horses had it. The info online looked terrible and I am afraid I will never get my puppy. If he is in a litter with 5 other pups, how on earth will they ever get cured enough for me to take him home. I'm so scared. What is your opinion on this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

Poor puppy. I can understand how this can be worrisome especially since you haven't even brought him home yet. But it is a good thing that the breeder is at least taking responsibility for the infection and treating it before you take him home with you. The breeder should be aware to separate the affected puppy from the others so that they did it doesn't get spread around. If the breeder follow simple hygiene instructions and isolating this puppy then the reader should be able to get this under control within 3 to 6 weeks. But most importantly you want to make sure that the puppy does well on the medication and has no side effects and is clear of any skin lesions before you adopt him. I hope that all goes well and that you were able to bring your puppy home soon ringworm free.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Emily, DVM
Veterinarian
Hello
Ringworm can be very frustrating and difficult to treat. It is also zoonotic meaning it can be spread to humans and other pets. Depending on the treatment some cases become less infective to others/environment.
I would speak with the breeder about what treatments they are doing as recommended by their veterinarian as well as when their veterinarian thinks they can go to their home.

Ringworm is a treatable disease it can just be frustrating and take some time, sometimes weeks. But patience and understanding good hygienic practices to prevent further spread and re-infection is important.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Hi. Kudos to the breeder for not sending home a puppy with an infection. If she is working with a veterinarian ringworm can be cleared with combinations of good hygiene, topical and sometimes oral medications. Talk to the breeder to find out the expected timeline of treatment. Stress can sometime exacerbate infections so it's great that she wants to treat the pups before going to thier new homes.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2016
There won't be any longer term effects from ringworm. Her fur will grow back, and it is very unlikely she will have any liver damage. Treatment will clear it up. The puppy will be contagious for about three weeks if treatment is aggressive, so if you do have any other pets in the house, I would keep the puppy isolated for another week after getting her home to be safe. There's no need to walk away, lots of animals get ringworm and are just fine :-)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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