My fiance and I got a pet rat about a month ago and recently we've noticed a few red patches on our skin that we're almost positive is ringworm. I got some ringworm creme to put on it but right now I'm more concerned about my rat. I checked him all over and I didn't see any patches or red marks but if I did get it from him I want to make sure it's totally cleared up, (I have a patch on my chest and the side of my neck, those are the two places he likes to sit on me the most) it's itching and sore and driving us both crazy, I don't really want him dealing with it too
Another issue is we let him run all over our couch when he's out of his cage and I know ringworm is contagious, but I can't remove the cushions and they don't have covers I can take off and wash (they're fabric but it's all one piece) I was thinking of using really watered down bleach but I don't want to accidently bleach the fabric a lighter color. Are there any fabric cleaners I could use strong enough to kill the bacteria but it won't damage the fabric?
I've cleaned his cage really well and disinfected everything in it. I've called a local vet but she really just brushed me off and told me she doesn't work with rats and wouldn't know much about them. I looked up some shampoos for it but most of what I've seen say to leave it on for at least ten minutes and I know my rat would try to lick it off, he can't stand soap and I know he wouldn't tolerate it. I've been looking at a few vets offices farther away but it's after hours so I can't call them and see how much a checkup and antibiotics if they're needed would cost. Does anyone know of any good home remedies or have any advice. I'd appreciate any help I can get, I just want to get my little guy better
Another issue is we let him run all over our couch when he's out of his cage and I know ringworm is contagious, but I can't remove the cushions and they don't have covers I can take off and wash (they're fabric but it's all one piece) I was thinking of using really watered down bleach but I don't want to accidently bleach the fabric a lighter color. Are there any fabric cleaners I could use strong enough to kill the bacteria but it won't damage the fabric?
I've cleaned his cage really well and disinfected everything in it. I've called a local vet but she really just brushed me off and told me she doesn't work with rats and wouldn't know much about them. I looked up some shampoos for it but most of what I've seen say to leave it on for at least ten minutes and I know my rat would try to lick it off, he can't stand soap and I know he wouldn't tolerate it. I've been looking at a few vets offices farther away but it's after hours so I can't call them and see how much a checkup and antibiotics if they're needed would cost. Does anyone know of any good home remedies or have any advice. I'd appreciate any help I can get, I just want to get my little guy better