Valley Fever in Dogs: What to Look For

Thousands of dogs get Valley Fever every year.¹ But supporting a dog with Valley Fever requires quick action. We cover the signs to look for and ways you can help support your dog's immune system.

Key Takeaways

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus called Coccidiodes immitis.
The fungus is common in desert areas across the Southwestern US, particularly in Arizona.
When spores of the fungus are inhaled, such as by a dog sniffing dirt, they transform and begin to spread throughout the body.
The majority of dogs who inhale spores will exhibit no symptoms because their immune systems simply deal with the spores.
At first, when the fungal spores are just in the lungs, the most common symptom is a dry cough.
As the spores spread, further symptoms may develop.
If you think your dog has Valley Fever, consult with your vet or pet healthcare provider.
Functional mushrooms can help support and enhance your dog's immune response.

See More: Can Dogs Have Hay Fever?

Understanding Valley Fever

Sean Zyer, co-founder of Earth Buddy, says:

"Valley Fever is an infection caused by fungal spores. Dogs inhale the spores by sniffing soil containing the fungus. This can lead to coughing, fever, and a loss of appetite."

In the 1890s, a medical student in Argentina discovered a new type of fungus: Coccidiodes immitis. Over the next few decades, researchers in the US studied this strange new fungus, eventually realizing it could be quite harmful when breathed in.²

Because much of the early research into C. immitis was conducted in the San Joaquin Valley, the condition caused by the fungus was initially called San Joaquin Valley Fever or California Disease. It's now known simply as Valley Fever.³

C. immitis is found in desert climates across the Southwestern United States and in parts of Central and South America. It has two different forms.

The first form is a mold. In this form, C. immitis resides in the soil, where it can stay dormant for a long time. When rain or water comes, the fungus grows long filaments packed with microscopic spores.

If the soil is disturbed — such as by a sniffing dog, or by a dust storm — these spores can become airborne. Then they are easily inhaled.

Once inside the body, C. immitis transforms into its second form. The spores turn into yeast-like spherical organisms. These spheres eventually burst, spreading more spores throughout the body, which turn into spheres themselves and repeat the cycle.⁴

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Is Valley Fever Contagious?

Once C. immitis enters the body and switches into its second form, it can't transfer to another body. In other words, it can't be transmitted from one person to another, or from a dog to a person.⁵

How to Prevent Valley Fever

Valley Fever is extremely common in low desert regions in the US. In parts of Arizona, up to 10% of dogs get Valley Fever every single year.⁶

One way to prevent Valley Fever is to avoid the activities that might expose your dog to spores. Prevent your dog from digging or sticking their nose in holes in the ground, and keep them indoors when practical. You might also try avoiding particularly dusty areas or staying indoors when the weather might make airborne dust more likely.

If possible, consider adjusting your yard to reduce dust. Some options include grass, plants, artificial turf, and deep gravel.

Signs of Valley Fever

C. immitis causes different symptoms depending on where it is in your dog's body. At first, it's in the lungs. But if not addressed, it can spread to other parts of the body, where it can cause new symptoms.

Initial Signs

At first, the most common symptom of Valley Fever is a dry cough. Other signs include a loss of appetite (and potentially weight loss) and a lack of energy.

Later Signs:

Once C. immitis has spread, it may cause additional symptoms. These can vary based on which part of your dog's body the fungus has entered.

For example, one symptom is swelling or lameness in the limbs. Another is back and neck pain.⁷

Bonus: What Does Beta Glucan Do for Dogs?

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Addressing a Dog's Valley Fever

Most dogs who breathe in C. immitis will be fine. Research suggests that 70% of dogs exposed to the fungal spores don't develop symptoms.⁸ Instead, their immune system deals with the spores, possibly without you ever knowing.

Dogs with weaker immune systems, such as young puppies and senior dogs, are therefore more likely to struggle with the spores.

If you think your dog has Valley Fever, consult with your vet immediately. They'll be able to help you determine what's happening to your furry friend and how you can best support them.

How to Support Your Dog's Immune System

If a dog already has Valley Fever, they require medical treatment.

Certain supplements can support and enhance a dog's immune response. Research suggests that several functional mushrooms can do this.

These "mushrooms are adaptogenic," explains Earth Buddy founder Sean Zyer, "They help boost the immune system."

One such mushroom is the reishi mushroom. Reishi mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. One study found that reishi had an immunomodulatory effect, helping support the immune system in healthy adult dogs.⁹

Another functional mushroom with immune-supporting properties is lion's mane. It's also rich in antioxidants. One scientific paper from 2023 concluded that one of these antioxidants, beta-glucans, helped activate different kinds of immune cells, therefore supporting the immune response.¹⁰

Yet another example of a functional mushroom that can support the immune system is Cordyceps. Studies have shown that cordyceps can also support immune system function.¹¹

Earth Buddy's Allergy & Immune Support Mushroom Tincture blends five potent adaptogenic mushrooms: cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, turkey tail, and agarikon. These mushrooms, plus some added beta glucans, help support your dog's immune system function and can even enhance their immune response.

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Conclusion

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus called C. immitis. It's found in soils in low desert regions, and is quite common in parts of the Southwestern US. When inhaled, it can spread throughout the lungs and then the rest of the body, causing various symptoms that require veterinary attention.

Many dogs will breathe in the spores and show no signs. In these cases, the dogs' immune systems were capable of dealing with the fungus on their own!

You can support and enhance your dog's immune response with functional mushroom supplements. You can also give your dog Calming CBD Treats or CBDa Oil to better support them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Signs of Valley Fever in Dogs?

The most common initial sign of Valley Fever in dogs is a dry cough. Dogs might also lose their appetite and energy, and might have a fever.

As the fungus spreads throughout the body, it can show additional signs, such as back or neck pain, abscesses, skin wounds, and swollen joints.

Where Is Valley Fever Most Common in Dogs?

Arizona accounts for over 90% of all positive tests for Valley Fever in dogs. It's also present, albeit less common, in California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. And it's present but rare in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

How Fast Does Valley Fever Progress?

Dogs usually show signs of Valley Fever within a few weeks of inhaling fungal spores. However, the spores can lie dormant in their body for a long time, with some dogs not showing signs for years.¹²

Keep Reading: What Can I Give My Dog Orally for Itchy Skin?

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Earth Buddy is an environmentally conscious and family-owned company dedicated to providing natural solutions for pets. From our CBD oils to our Colostrum Supplements, our products are designed to promote calmness and encourage relaxation for our furry friends. To learn more and stay connected, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.

Valley Fever in Dogs: What to Look For

Key Takeaways