Valley fever is a respiratory illness dogs can get just by playing and digging in the dirt. It affects their lungs and spreads to other body parts, causing problems for months. Treatments are available, but now a vaccine has been developed to prevent valley fever in dogs in the first place.
California-based Anivive Lifesciences teamed up with the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence to develop a valley fever vaccine for dogs. The current version has few side effects and provides sufficient immunity.
The immunization design protects canine companions from the Coccidioides posadasii fungi, preventing it from turning into valley fever. Though not yet on the market, the partnership recently applied to begin the testing and approval process.
What Are the Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs?
Valley fever is also known as California disease, desert rheumatism and San Joaquin Valley fever, and the bacteria that causes it is in the southwest United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. You can occasionally find it in other areas, like Washington State. Up to 10% of dogs in affected regions will develop valley fever. Most Coccidioides posadasii fungi exposures won’t lead to serious illness, but you don’t want to chance it with your pup.
Symptoms of canine valley fever include fever, dry cough, lethargy, appetite loss and depression. If untreated, the condition leads to increased pain, swelling, lameness, non-healing wounds and seizures. Thankfully, treatment options exist if your furry friend has valley fever.
Is There a Vaccine for Valley Fever?
The new vaccine contains a harmless Coccidioides posadasii strain, letting your furry friend build immunity to the fungus before it infects them. This will make it much safer for dogs to roam in yards and other dog-safe outdoor areas.
Preliminary research shows the vaccine protects for around six months. 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.
How Is Valley Fever in Dogs Treated?
Veterinarians prescribe antifungals to treat valley fever in dogs. Your dog will likely receive a prescription for itraconazole, fluconazole or ketoconazole.
The antifungals ensure your dog stays well, but it takes a while. They’d need to be on medication for at least six months but could require treatment for over a year. This is costly for owners, with some unable to afford it. The treatments can also have unsavory side effects for your furry friend.
How to Prevent Valley Fever Exposure
There are ways to reduce your dog’s risk while waiting for the vaccine. Here are five methods for protecting your dog while giving them room to play.
1. Supervise Your Dog Outdoors
There is plenty of room to play and enticing smells to explore outside. Watch your dog and stop any digging or eating behaviors before they begin. Preventing your dog from being in the soil can prevent them from Coccidioides posadasii exposure.
2. Create a Dig Pit
Most dogs love to dig in the dirt, so you should create a safe digging zone for them.
Fill a wide garden container or sandbox with pet-safe sand or topsoil. You can hide toys in the box to encourage your dog to dig there. Place the pit away from where they could get into potentially hazardous soil.
3. Make an Indoor Play Space
Dogs enjoy outside playtime but can have just as much fun indoors — especially on super hot days.
Clear a wide area of floor space away from anything breakable or hazardous. Spread out various toys they can use for play and stimulation while still giving them room to run and jump around.
4. Take Them on a Hike
Hiking can be an excellent activity for you and your pup and is a great way to allow them to enjoy the outdoors with a little more control.
Research local trails and greenspaces that you can enjoy with your dog. Keeping them on their leash and engaged in the exercise reduces the risk of them digging in or eating soil. They’ll still get plenty of healthy stimulation through the sights, smells, textures and sounds.
5. Visit a Dog Park
If your dog tends to dig when bored, going to a dog park is an excellent way to stimulate them outdoors.
Playing with other dogs gets their energy out and helps them socialize. Dog parks are also ideal places to teach your dog to follow commands around distractions. If you don’t have a large yard space, they’re also great for playing fetch or throwing a frisbee.
Thankfully, valley fever isn’t contagious. Dogs can only get it through fungus exposure, so they won’t be at risk if they play with an exposed pal.
Protecting Your Dog From Valley Fever
Protecting your dog from common illnesses in your area, including valley fever, is vital. Take preventive measures to keep your pup healthy, get them treated if they contract the disease and rest assured that a vaccine is on the way.