Suggest Precautions Inspite Of Being Exposed To Infected Dog

Posted on Sun, 20 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 10 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Thursday evening, We picked up a young puppy for out kids (5. Yo girl and 3 to boy). I was the main handler and am 25 weeks pregnant. Puppy was in our car in my lap and downstairs in our house mostly on the living room rug and in kennel but some on furniture in our laps. Friday morning right away I took him to vet bc I had noticed some odd crusty spots on head and tail. Bet said ringworm and gave topical treatment to puppy. After research I am very scared. My boy and I are the most susceptible I guess and I hear you can't get rid of it well. We put puppy in garage. We cleaned the rug with spray on carpet cleaner. Washed our removable couch cushions. Mopped the floor with vinegar and water. Bathed kids and wouldn't let then come downstairs (puppy never went upstairs, but still worried fungus has been carried up by us( laundry room is upstairs)). The kids were watching TV in the bonus room the rest of the day while we cleaned. Stripped the bed sheets and washed them. Cleaned kitchen and bath downstairs with Clorox cleanup with bleach. Washed everything we wear after one wearing and towels after one use. But we haven't been able to do much upstairs. We didn't focus there bc puppy wasn't there. We wiped down the car as best we could but kids have already ridden in car seats again without covers being washed. I can't attend to everything simultaneously. My parents, God bless them, took the puppy, to treat it and keep it away from me and the kids. Questions: Will me and the kids get it no matter how hard we try not to? Have we done enough or has it been in vain? Should I go to the doctor right away and will they give treatment to prevent outbreak especially bc I am due at the end of July? I hear it can take months to get this under control. I am worries about the newborn baby and lingering spores.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Answers to your questions are below Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. To answer your questions one by one - 1. No, there is no way of knowing who amongst you will get it, since all have been exposed. Susceptibility depends on age, immune status etc, you being pregnant, are more predisposed , however there is no certainty that you WILL get it . 2. Vacuum daily & where possible throw out the vacuum cleaner bag. Diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) may be used to clean down surfaces, grooming equipment etc. Carpets & soft furnishings should be steam cleaned. Bedding & kennels will also need to be disinfected. Gradually , work the same way on the upstairs area and the car also. You have done enough, just do the rest, and use diluted bleach, not vinegar or any other agent. 3. As such, there is no preventive treatment for ringworm, don't be so apprehensive, as it is not a serious illness. Most of the times it is easily treated with a topical cream / lotion / shampoo, even during pregnancy. Spores can linger in the environment upto 18 months, but repeated cleaning of the environment as outlined will minimize the risk of exposure. All the best Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T