As Nevada continues to grow, more families and their pets are experiencing life in a desert environment where unique regional health concerns can impact their animals. One condition receiving increased attention among veterinarians throughout the Southwest is Valley Fever, a fungal infection caused by spores found in dry soil.

While Valley Fever has long been associated with Arizona, cases are becoming increasingly recognized throughout the Southwest, including Nevada. For dog owners, understanding how exposure occurs, what symptoms to watch for, and when veterinary care is needed can help support earlier diagnosis and treatment.

As part of the Veterinary Insight Series, Dog Friendly Las Vegas spoke with Dr. Espinosa to discuss Valley Fever in dogs, why awareness is increasing, and what Nevada pet owners should know about this desert-related disease.

Understanding Valley Fever in Dogs

Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores released from dry soil. These spores are found naturally in desert environments and can become airborne when soil is disturbed through activities such as digging, hiking, or during periods of strong winds and dust storms.

The condition is especially relevant in arid regions like Nevada and Arizona, where dry soil conditions create an environment where the fungus can persist. Dr. Espinosa notes that increased dust activity throughout the Southwest, along with more people and pets living in these regions, has contributed to greater awareness and recognition of Valley Fever.

Although Valley Fever is not considered one of the most common illnesses affecting every dog, it is becoming a more important consideration during veterinary diagnostics. Symptoms can often resemble other conditions, which means some cases may not be identified immediately.

Many dogs exposed to Valley Fever are able to fight off the infection without treatment. However, dogs that develop illness can experience symptoms ranging from mild respiratory concerns to more serious complications involving other areas of the body.

How Dogs Are Exposed to Valley Fever

Dogs are typically exposed when they inhale fungal spores from contaminated soil. Activities that disturb dirt, including digging, hiking, exploring open desert areas, and spending time in dusty environments, can increase exposure risk.

Valley Fever is not contagious and cannot spread from dog to dog or from pets to people. Infection occurs through environmental exposure rather than direct contact.

Dogs that spend significant time outdoors may have more opportunities for exposure, but indoor dogs are not completely protected. Wind events and dust storms can still allow spores to become airborne and create exposure risks.

Certain dogs may also face a higher risk of complications, including older pets, dogs with diabetes, previous respiratory concerns, or other underlying health conditions.

While owners cannot completely eliminate exposure, they can reduce risk by limiting activities that create excessive dust and remaining aware of symptoms that may indicate illness.

Symptoms Dog Owners Should Watch For

One of the biggest challenges with Valley Fever is that symptoms can vary significantly. Some dogs may show signs of a respiratory infection, while others may develop symptoms that appear unrelated.

Early signs may include:

• Coughing
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in normal activity levels

For some dogs, Valley Fever may appear as a cough that does not resolve. For others, the first indication may be limping, joint swelling, or discomfort caused by the infection affecting bones or joints.

Dr. Espinosa explains that many cases are initially mistaken for more common conditions such as respiratory infections, arthritis, or allergies. This can delay diagnosis if symptoms do not improve or return after initial treatment.

Because Valley Fever can affect different parts of the body, owners should also be aware of less obvious symptoms. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the eyes, bones, joints, lymph nodes, or brain, potentially leading to symptoms such as worsening pain, eye problems, or seizures.

Diagnosing and Treating Valley Fever

Diagnosing Valley Fever can be challenging because many symptoms overlap with other common illnesses in dogs. A cough, limp, or change in energy level can have numerous possible causes, requiring veterinarians to consider multiple possibilities during the diagnostic process.

Testing often begins with blood work, including antibody testing and titers that can help identify exposure and monitor disease progression. Depending on symptoms, additional testing may be recommended, including testing samples from areas of swelling or other specialized diagnostics.

Treatment typically involves antifungal medication, with the length of treatment depending on the severity of infection and how the dog responds.

Some dogs may require treatment for many months, with more severe cases requiring 12–18 months or longer. Additional medications may also be needed to manage symptoms such as coughing, inflammation, or pain.

One of the biggest challenges for owners is the length of the recovery process. Consistency with medications and follow-up appointments is essential, as some dogs may experience relapse after completing treatment.

The majority of dogs with widespread disease can respond well to medication and continue living normal lives, although some require long-term management. Dogs with infections affecting the nervous system may require additional lifelong medications.

When Veterinary Care Is Necessary

Because Valley Fever can mimic many other conditions, owners should schedule a veterinary appointment when symptoms persist, worsen, or do not respond as expected to initial treatment.

Signs that should prompt a veterinary visit include:

• A cough that continues or worsens
• Persistent limping
• Joint swelling
• Ongoing lethargy
• Changes in appetite or behavior
• Symptoms that return after medications are completed

More urgent veterinary attention may be needed for:

• New-onset seizures
• Possible eye infections
• Extreme lethargy
• Significant fever
• Sudden neurological changes

Dr. Espinosa emphasizes that owners are often the first to notice when something is different about their pet.

Owners know their pets best. They know their normals and can sense things before we ever could with a normal physical exam,

said Dr. Espinosa.

Key Takeaways for Nevada Dog Owners

Valley Fever is an important condition for Nevada dog owners to understand, especially as more families and pets live in desert environments where exposure is possible.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent Valley Fever, but awareness remains one of the most valuable tools. Understanding regional risks, recognizing symptoms early, and maintaining regular veterinary care can help dogs receive appropriate treatment sooner.

Dr. Espinosa also highlights the importance of follow-up appointments when symptoms do not fully resolve. Initial medications may improve symptoms temporarily, but continued evaluation can help identify underlying causes when problems return.

“If something is off, there is no harm in getting established or seeing your veterinarian for a physical exam and discussing all the issues that are going on,” said Dr. Espinosa.

Dr. Espinosa’s Final Perspective

For pet owners, staying informed about regional health concerns is an important part of responsible care. Veterinary medicine continues to evolve, and understanding conditions that may affect pets in specific environments can help owners make more informed decisions.

Dr. Espinosa encourages owners to maintain regular veterinary visits and continue learning about health concerns that may impact their pets.

“Animal medicine isn’t very far behind human medicine anymore,” said Dr. Espinosa.

Being in the know about the region you live in and things to look out for is critical.