Ringworm in dogs is a fungal infection - not a worm - that causes skin disease, hair loss, and significant zoonotic risk, requiring systematic treatment and environmental decontamination.
Dermatophytosis creates layered welfare concerns: the skin disease itself causes discomfort, itching, and self-trauma; the extensive treatment protocols including lime sulfur dips are stressful and unpleasant for dogs; and the zoonotic risk means affected animals may face relinquishment to shelters if owners are concerned about human health risks. In shelter environments, ringworm outbreaks are particularly devastating - control requires intensive resource investment, and failure to control leads to increased euthanasia rates as treatable animals are killed due to resource constraints. The prolonged treatment period and need for rigorous environmental decontamination strain many owners' capacity and compliance. Effective treatment requires owner education, consistent medication administration, and veterinary support - access barriers significantly affect welfare outcomes.