{"id":200,"date":"2026-08-03T07:46:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T15:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adobeanimalhosp.com\/blog\/?p=200"},"modified":"2026-08-04T07:48:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T15:48:52","slug":"valley-fever-in-dogs-why-symptoms-are-often-missed-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adobeanimalhosp.com\/blog\/valley-fever-in-dogs-why-symptoms-are-often-missed-early\/","title":{"rendered":"Valley Fever in Dogs: Why Symptoms Are Often Missed Early"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In many parts of California, dogs spend their days doing what dogs do best: digging enthusiastically, sprinting through dusty trails, and investigating dirt like four-legged archaeologists. Unfortunately, all that nose-to-the-ground adventure can expose them to something more concerning than dust: Valley Fever<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the name, Valley Fever isn\u2019t a fever itself\u2014it\u2019s a fungal infection that can quietly develop after dogs inhale fungal spores found in dry soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Valley Fever?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Also known as coccidioidomycosis in dogs, Valley Fever is caused by a soil-dwelling fungus commonly found in certain regions of the southwestern United States, including parts of California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When soil is disturbed by wind, digging, construction, or outdoor activity<\/a>, fungal spores can become airborne and inhaled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most exposed dogs won\u2019t become seriously ill. But for some, the infection takes hold and begins causing symptoms that are surprisingly easy to overlook\u2014or mistake for something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Valley Fever Dogs Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Early valley fever dogs symptoms can mimic common illnesses, which is one reason diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. Some dogs develop mild respiratory symptoms initially, while others experience more widespread illness as the infection progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n