How to Prevent Valley Fever in Dogs

Valley fever is seen in dogs that spend time in the low desert regions of the southwestern United States. While healthy adult dogs may experience no symptoms of Valley Fever, puppies, senior dogs and dogs with a compromised immune system may show symptoms ranging from coughing to painful joints. Today, our vets in Fairhaven explain Valley Fever, its symptoms, how to prevent it, and why you should be aware of it if you're traveling to a state where it may be.

What is Valley Fever?

Coccidioidomycosis goes by a number of different names including Valley Fever, Desert Rheumatism, San Joaquin Valley Fever, and California disease.

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis that lives in the soil, and thrives in particular desert climates. In the US Coccidioides immitis can be found in the low desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and California.

This fungus can affect both dogs and humans.

How is Valley Fever spread?

Valley Fever is spread through the inhalation of Coccidioides immitis (fungal) spores. When the spores are inhaled by your dog, they grow into spherules within the lungs.

If your dog has a strong and healthy immune system, the body will 'wall off' the spherules and your pet will remain asymptomatic (no symptoms of Valley Fever).

However, if your dog is very young, old, or has a compromised immune system, the spherules will continue to grow until they eventually burst, releasing hundreds of endospores which can spread throughout the lungs and other parts of your pet's body where the cycle will begin again.

Fortunately, Valley Fever in dogs is not contagious between dogs.

How common is Valley Fever in dogs?

Central and southern Arizona are believed to have the highest incidence of Valley Fever in dogs. In certain counties of Arizona it is estimated that 6-10% of dogs will develop symptoms of Valley Fever, which is why it's important to be aware when traveling.

What are the early signs of Valley Fever in dogs?

In the early stages, when the spherules are contained within the lungs, symptoms of Valley Fever typically include fever, dry cough, decreased appetite and lethargy. 

Once the fungal spores have reached other parts of your dog's body more diverse symptoms may appear such as painful swollen joints, persistent fever, weight loss, eye inflammation, and blindness. In some very rare cases where the fungus reaches the brain, Valley Fever can result in seizures.

If your dog is displaying symptoms of Valley Fever, it is essential to seek veterinary care as quickly as possible to avoid serious health complications.

Is Valley Fever curable in dogs?

When diagnosed and treated early, many dogs recover well from Valley Fever. Dogs diagnosed with Valley Fever after the disease has spread to other parts of the body are more challenging to treat, and in some cases the disease becomes life-threatening.

What is the treatment for Valley Fever in dogs? 

Antifungal medications are the primary treatment for Valley Fever in dogs. How long your dog will need to take these medications will depend upon the severity of your pup's condition.

In most cases, antifungal medications will need to be administered for six months to a year, with an improvement in symptoms often being seen within a week or two. When Valley Fever has spread to other parts of the body, your dog may need to continue taking antifungal medications for life. 

Some of the most common antifungal medications used to treat Valley Fever in dogs include ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Itrafungol® and Sporanox®), and fluconazole (Diflucan®). 

How to Prevent Valley Fever in Dogs

Luckily, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your pet from contracting Valley Fever if you're traveling to one of the aforementioned States it can be found in.

• Avoid non-landscaped areas and limit your dog's roaming to well-kept parks.
• Take walks in paved areas and keep your dog on a leash.
• If your dog likes digging, avoid desert areas.
• If your home is in a desert area, keep your pet inside for a reasonable amount of time during the summer.
• Learn to recognize the signs of Valley Fever and contact your vet immediately if your dog exhibits any symptoms.

Valley Fever Vaccination

There is a vaccine available to immunize your pets against Valley Fever. This will make it much safer for dogs to roam in yards and other dog-safe outdoor areas.

If you live in an area where the condition is common, it’s best to vaccinate your pup on the recommended schedule — likely once or twice a year after the initial dose and booster. There are minimal side effects, and the hope is the vaccine will be approved for manufacture within the year.

If you don’t live in an area with Valley Fever, it’s important to stay aware of any changes that could happen over time. Climate change increases the infection rate, possibly causing a vaccination need in the future.

You should also consider getting your pet vaccinated if you plan on taking them on a trip to States such as Arizona or California, just as a preventative measure.