Valley Fever in Dogs: How to Tell It’s Not Kennel Cough

How Your Dog Can Get a Serious Infection Just by Breathing the Dust

What if I told you that your dog could develop a serious infection simply by sniffing or digging in the dirt?

It sounds surprising, but it happens. The disease is called Valley Fever, and cases are rising in both dogs and people.

This infection comes from a fungus called Coccidioides, and your dog can become infected simply by inhaling a single spore from contaminated soil.

Let’s talk about what Valley Fever is, why it is spreading, and what you should know to protect your dog.

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin 

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in dry soil. The organism is called Coccidioides.

For many years it was mostly associated with the western United States, especially California. In fact, it was first widely recognized in the San Fernando Valley, which is how the disease got its name.

Historically the main areas included:

• California Central Valley

• Arizona

• Nevada

• New Mexico

But things have changed.

Today we are seeing cases appear in many other states and possibly even further north.

Why Valley Fever Is Spreading

The fungus tends to grow best when there are periods of heavy rain followed by long dry periods.

Those conditions are becoming more common.

Because of this, Valley Fever is now being reported in places such as:

• Washington

• Oregon

• Idaho

• Colorado

• Montana

• Parts of the Midwest

There is even concern that it could appear in Canada.

Climate patterns appear to be allowing the fungus to spread into new regions.

Another factor is wind and wildfire smoke, which can carry fungal spores long distances through the air.

How Dogs Become Infected

Your dog does not have to eat contaminated soil to become infected.

They only need to inhale a single airborne spore.

Dogs are actually at higher risk than people because of their normal behavior.

They love to:

• Sniff the ground

• Dig in the dirt

• Explore dusty soil

When dogs dig or sniff, they can stir up spores and inhale them.

In some veterinary labs located in high risk areas, up to 40 percent of dogs tested for Valley Fever exposure show positive results.

Because of this, dogs are sometimes used as sentinel species, meaning their infection rates help predict risk for humans.

Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs

Some dogs show very few signs.

Often the early symptoms look like a respiratory infection. Many people assume it is kennel cough.

Early signs may include:

• Coughing

• Fever

• Low energy

• Reduced appetite

In many dogs the immune system clears the infection within a week or two.

But not every dog is able to do that.

When Valley Fever Becomes Serious

In some cases the infection spreads through the body. This is called disseminated Valley Fever.

This can occur in roughly 25 percent of affected dogs.

The fungus may spread to:

• Bones and joints

• Skin

• Lymph nodes

• Brain

• Heart lining

• Eyes

Signs of disseminated infection can include:

• Shifting leg lameness

• Joint swelling and pain

• Draining skin lesions

• Eye inflammation

• Neurological signs

• Difficulty breathing

At this stage the disease can become very serious.

Diagnosing Valley Fever

If your dog lives in or has traveled through a high risk area and develops respiratory symptoms, Valley Fever should be considered.

Diagnosis often involves antibody testing.

However, antibody levels may take two to four weeks to become detectable.

In more advanced cases additional tests may include:

• Chest X rays

• Ultrasound

• MRI imaging

These help determine how far the infection has spread.

Conventional Treatment

Treatment usually involves strong antifungal medications.

Common drugs include:

• Fluconazole

• Itraconazole

• Amphotericin

These medications can work, but they are not simple short treatments.

Many dogs require therapy for six to twelve months.

Sometimes the medication only controls the infection rather than curing it completely.

These antifungal drugs can also cause side effects such as:

• Digestive upset

• Liver problems

• Bone marrow suppression

Because of this, early recognition is very important.

Can Your Dog Spread Valley Fever to You?

No.

Valley Fever cannot spread from dogs to humans.

The infection comes only from inhaling spores in the soil.

Once your dog is infected, they do not shed spores that could infect other animals or people.

There is no need to isolate your dog.

Holistic Support Options

If a dog develops severe disseminated infection, conventional antifungal drugs are necessary.

But there are also natural compounds that may help support the body.

These options may be useful early in infection or alongside treatment.

Garlic

Garlic has well documented antifungal properties.

It has been used historically as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal remedy.

Many people worry about garlic toxicity in dogs. Toxicity occurs only at extremely high doses.

A safe amount of fresh garlic is roughly:

¼ clove per 20 pounds of body weight daily

Another option is aged garlic extract. During aging the compounds associated with toxicity decrease while many beneficial properties remain.

Typical dose:

50 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily

Propolis

Propolis, also known as bee glue, is produced by honeybees.

It has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

It is especially helpful for respiratory infections.

Typical dose:

100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight daily

Propolis is extremely safe and can be used long term.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active compound found in turmeric.

Research has shown that 95 percent curcumin extracts may inhibit several fungi.

It also reduces inflammation and supports immune health.

Typical dose:

250 mg per 50 pounds of body weight daily

Egg White Lysozyme

Egg whites contain an enzyme called lysozyme.

Lysozyme helps break down the cell walls of bacteria and fungi.

This enzyme is naturally present in tears and saliva, but egg whites contain high levels.

A typical amount provides roughly:

100 mg of lysozyme per 10 pounds of body weight daily

Egg whites can be given cooked or as egg white powder.

Prevention

Completely preventing exposure is difficult.

Dogs should still be outside enjoying normal activity.

But awareness matters.

If your dog develops:

• Chronic cough

• Fever

• Shifting leg lameness

• Joint swelling

• Eye inflammation

especially after being in a Valley Fever region, talk with your veterinarian and ask about testing.

Early detection makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Valley Fever is a real disease and cases are increasing.

You do not need to keep your dog indoors or panic about every patch of dirt. Dogs should still explore, run, and play outside.

But if your dog develops unusual respiratory signs or joint issues, Valley Fever should at least be considered.

Talk with your veterinarian and ask whether Coccidioidomycosis testing is appropriate.

Early action can make all the difference.

Click To Get A Free Copy of My E-Book!