Q&A for How to Treat a Dog Naturally for Valley Fever

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How do I know if my dog has Valley Fever?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Symptoms like coughing, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite can all be signs of Valley Fever. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, bring them to the vet right away.

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Question

How can you prevent Valley Fever?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Make sure that your dog does not sniff any soil if Valley Fever is native to your area.

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Question

How is Valley Fever detected?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Your vet will likely run a blood test to measure the antibody levels of Valley Fever in your dog's blood.

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What medication is used for Valley Fever in dogs?

Ray Spragley, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Ray Spragley is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the Owner/Founder of Zen Dog Veterinary Care PLLC in New York. With experience in multiple institutions and private practices, Dr. Spragley’s specializations and interests include non-surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament tears, Intervertebral Disk Disease(IVDD), and pain management in osteoarthritis. Dr. Spragley holds a BS in Biology from SUNY Albany and has a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehab Institute as well as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) through Chi University.

Ray Spragley, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Valley Fever can be treated with oral antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and fluconazole.

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Question

My dog is coughing a lot and the vet said it was allergies. The medicine the vet gave me has not helped. I live in Arizona and valley fever happens a lot. What kind of treatments can I try?

Community Answer

You could try sublimed sulfur powder (but not MSM, it's not the same), or garlic. You could also try Pau D'Arco, Astragalus, Pycnogenol & Grape Seed Extract, acidophilus, and echinacea. These are immune boosters and anti-fungals.

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My dog has valley fever and has been taking fluconazle for 4 years. I have given her tons of milk thistle, but now her liver count is up to 214. What can I do?

Community Answer

Give her SAMe. It must be given on an empty stomach, so I dose before I let my boy out for his morning pee. Then I can feed him 2 hours later. The SAMe plus milk thistle is the same as the et prescribed Denamarin for elevated liver enzymes.

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Question

Do you recommend medicinal mushrooms for treatment of valley fever?

Community Answer

No. If the fungus has invaded the nervous system, the dog may require antifungal medication for life.

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Question

Can I use these herbal medicines in conjunction with the vet's medicine?

Community Answer

You can, but it is not recommended. Some medications react poorly with other substances, and some herbs are not tested for effectiveness. It is possible that the concurrent use of herbs and medication may be detrimental.

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Why do you suggest giving garlic for Valley Fever? I've heard before that you should never give a dog garlic.

Community Answer

Garlic (in small doses) is fine for dogs. You might be thinking of onion, which is poisonous to them.

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Question

How long before you see a difference in the dog when using this treatment?

Community Answer

Most dogs undergo treatment with antifungal medication, namely fluconazole or itraconazole. Many dogs see improvement in a few weeks, but this depends on the severity of their condition, their age, and the dosage. Be certain to give medication exactly as directed, and check titers every three months to find signs of improvement in their blood.

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Question

Can my dog go for a walk with valley fever?

Community Answer

No it is best to keep your dog from getting more spores into his system. Best to protect him, and not expose him to other dogs.

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