How to Protect Your Pets from Valley Fever?

Does your pet exhibit signs of eye inflammation, weight loss, or reduced appetite? If so, your pet is probably experiencing a fungal infection - Valley Fever! Obviously, as an owner, you can take certain steps to get swift treatment for your pet and can also prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the body. Nevertheless, the initial action to address Valley Fever in your pet involves visiting an animal hospital LA facility and promptly consulting a reliable veterinarian.

The veterinarian will conduct necessary examinations to diagnose the disease and initiate treatment to stop further progression. However, this approach cannot entirely prevent the occurrence of the disease as its effectiveness in averting onset is limited. The best way to prevent your pet from getting infected by valley fever is by minimizing its contact with fungal hot spots.

Read further to learn more about how to prevent the development of valley fever in your pet. But, first, let’s understand what exactly is this disease - valley fever.

What Exactly is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is a respiratory infection predominantly impacting the lungs, resulting from the presence of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. It flourishes in hot, desert-like conditions and is notably prevalent in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, and California.

Symptoms of Valley Fever may include swollen joints, lameness, a persistent cough, and, in certain instances, ulcers. When promptly treated by an experienced vet in a Los Angeles veterinary hospital, the condition is generally mild. However, if diagnosed late, valley fever can be fatal. Thus, taking preventive measures is always recommended to avoid such conditions from affecting your pet in the first place.

Need for Valley Fever Prevention in Pets

Although preventing Valley Fever is challenging, the impact of early prevention and treatment from a reputed vet clinic like BeWell Animal Hospital is extensive. Complications from Valley Fever can result in severe illness and substantial veterinary expenses. Taking preventive measures could spare your pet from significant discomfort and danger, ultimately saving you a substantial amount on treatments. 

Preventive Measures For Valley Fever in Pets

1. Minimize Your Pet’s Contact With Airborne Fungi

Valley Fever is contracted by pets through the inhalation of spores, and the prevalence of these spores is relatively high in various regions of the U.S. Central America, South America, and Mexico. Moreover, the wind can transport these spores, making valley fever avoidance challenging. The most proactive step for owners is to minimize their pet's exposure to areas with a high fungal presence. Fortunately, the disease cannot develop unless the pet has traveled through affected regions. 

It is crucial to refrain from taking your pet to states with elevated fungi levels. However, for those residing in such environments, caution should be exercised during wind or dust storms, as the fungal prevalence significantly increases during these conditions.

2. Minimize Your Pet’s Contact With Soil Fungi

The Coccidioides immitis fungi flourish in soil, with abundant spores present in the ground of the mentioned states. It is crucial to make efforts to reduce your pet’s contact with these soil spores. If you observe your pet digging, intervene promptly. 

Opt for walking routes that minimize exposure to large amounts of soil, preventing your pet from diving into any available patch. Additionally, keeping them away from mouse holes and discouraging digging are essential precautions.

3. Seek Medical Help

A simple act like sniffing is all it takes for your pet to come into contact with the spores that lead to valley fever. Given their tendency to sniff and rub their noses in various things, pets are particularly susceptible. 

Therefore, crucial steps for pet owners involve identifying symptoms early and promptly seeking medical attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, taking your pet to an LA pet clinic at the earliest opportunity is imperative.

Final Words

Contracting valley fever can pose a significant threat to your pet, impacting the respiratory system, exerting immense pressure on the lungs, and potentially leading to fatal consequences if not detected early. As a pet owner, there are limited preventive measures available. Still, keeping your pet out of the soil whenever possible is advisable, even if it requires a leash. Additionally, vigilantly watch for symptoms, seek medical assistance promptly, and refrain from letting your pet out after recent wind or dust storms.