What should you know about ringworm on dog paw?

The infection can affect skin around the toes, pads, or nails. A dog may lick the area, develop a circular or uneven patch, or show broken hairs and flakes. These signs can also occur with allergies, mites, bacterial infection, or irritation from moisture, so appearance alone cannot confirm ringworm. The fungus can pass between animals and people through direct contact or contaminated bedding, brushes, floors, and furniture.

See [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/) for the broader condition, and compare related symptoms such as [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) or [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/).

Arrange a veterinary examination rather than applying a human cream or leftover medicine. The veterinarian may inspect hairs and skin and choose testing when the diagnosis is uncertain. Until then, wash hands after touching the paw, discourage licking, keep the dog’s bedding clean, and avoid sharing grooming tools with other pets. Follow the prescribed plan for the full recommended course. Treatment may involve [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) for selected areas or [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/) when disease is extensive or difficult to treat.

Seek prompt veterinary care if the paw is swollen, painful, bleeding, oozing, foul-smelling, or affecting walking. Arrange assessment quickly if lesions are spreading, several pets are affected, or a person in the household develops an itchy ring-shaped rash. Urgent help is appropriate for severe pain, marked lethargy, or rapid worsening.

Could this be ringworm or another paw condition? Does my dog need testing? Should other pets or household contacts be checked? Which cleaning steps and treatment schedule should we follow?