How to Prevent Valley Fever in Dogs?

In the desert areas of the Southwestern United States, valley fever in dogs is a widespread condition. The fungal infection attributed to Coccidioides species is a serious health problems that can kill your dog. These spores, produced by fungi, inhabit the soil and are released into the air upon disturbance of the soil by you or your pet. Insufficient attention to this matter can lead to serious infections in your dog.

What is Valley Fever?

The fungi Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, typically present in soil, have the ability to generate microscopic spores. When these spores are inhaled by either humans or dogs, they may settle in the lungs and begin to proliferate, resulting in a serious infection.

These pathogenic fungi are predominantly located in regions such as Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California. The condition caused by these fungi is often referred to as valley fever, and it is also known by other names including San Joaquin Valley fever, California disease, and desert rheumatism.

How Do Dogs Contract Valley Fever?

When dogs breathe in the spores, the fungi referred to as spherules begin to proliferate in their lungs. This condition can affect young puppies as well as older dogs with weakened immune defenses. At a certain stage, these spherules burst, liberating hundreds of endospores that can spread throughout the lungs and other areas of the body. In contrast, strong and healthy adult dogs typically can resist the fungus and may not exhibit any symptoms of valley fever.

Note: It is important to note that valley fever is not a contagious illness. The transmission from one infected dog to another is not feasible.

Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs 

Valley fever presents an initial phase characterized by a lung infection, followed by a more advanced stage in which the infection begins to disseminate to other areas of the body. The valley fever symptoms in dogs vary between two stages:

Early Symptoms of Valley Fever

• The early symptoms consist of a continuous dry cough and a low-grade fever that remains constant.

• As the infection advances, dogs may exhibit signs of fatigue, leading to weight loss in dogs and loss of appetite.

• Fast breathing may arise from a lung infection, serving as one of the early symptoms of valley fever.

Advanced Symptoms of Valley Fever 

• The presence of lameness in the bones or joints, along with enlarged lymph nodes at the infection site, signifies advanced symptoms.

• The occurrence of eye infections or the risk of blindness is possible.

• The fungus has the potential to infect the brain, resulting in neurological manifestations.

• The spread of infections to the skin can lead to the formation of non-healing wounds.

How to Diagnose Valley Fever in Dogs?

Initially, a physical examination is conducted, allowing veterinarians to observe any visible symptoms and assess the lungs for irregularities. A blood test may be administered to check for antibodies, which can signify the presence of a fungal infection. In addition, a chest X-ray can be performed to detect any abnormalities in the lung area.

What are the Treatment Options for Valley Fever?

Different treatment options accommodated to treat valley fever are mentioned below:

• The treatment of valley fever commonly involves antifungal medications such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. These drugs are prescribed for long-term use to ensure the complete clearance of the infection. Treatment may extend from 6 to 12 months, and patients often observe improvements within one to 2 weeks of starting the medication.

• If the dog is suffering from joint pain caused by an infection, the veterinarian may suggest the use of anti-inflammatory agents and pain relief medications to mitigate the discomfort.

• Dogs experiencing the advanced stage of valley fever may require supportive care due to challenges with eating and breathing.

How to Prevent Valley Fever

To safeguard your dog against valley fever, you should follow these recommended steps:

• To ensure your dog's well-being, limit their exposure to dusty surroundings and areas lacking landscaping, as these are the primary habitats for fungal growth.

• For those living in desert areas, it is important to restrict your dog's outdoor time to a reasonable length. Furthermore, using paw boots or protective paw gear is recommended when your pet is outside.

• Residents of desert regions should make it a priority to frequently check their dogs for potential symptoms.

• The vaccine for valley fever is now accessible, enhancing the safety of dogs as they explore their surroundings with greater ease.

• Consistent grooming of your dog is essential, particularly by brushing their coat following outdoor activities to eliminate any soil particles that may harbor spores.

• To safeguard your dog's paws while walking in high-risk environments, consider utilizing protective boots, which will help limit their direct exposure to the soil.