Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the desert soil in the southwestern United States. Like people, dogs are very susceptible to Valley Fever. Dogs primarily contract Valley Fever in the low desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico and southwestern Texas and the central deserts of California.
Is Valley Fever contagious dog to dog?
Valley fever in dogs is not contagious between dogs or able to jump from dogs to people. The condition develops when the fungal spores are inhaled.
How does Valley Fever affect dogs?
When Valley Fever spreads, it causes severe pain. In extreme cases, dogs can lose the use of their legs altogether. Left untreated, it can even spread to your dog's nervous system, a development that can often be fatal.
Can I walk my dog with Valley Fever?
For example, keep your dog indoors as much as is practical and leash walk him on paved sidewalks. But should your dog develop Valley Fever, you do not have to worry about her passing the disease on to you or to other pets.
Can Valley Fever affect cats?
Non-healing skin lesions are the most common symptom of Valley Fever in cats, rather than coughing and lameness as in dogs. The lesions may look like abscesses, draining tracts, or dermatitis. They can occur in almost any site and usually ooze a pale yellow to reddish fluid.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
Can dogs pass Valley Fever to cats?How do indoor cats get Valley Fever?
