If you live in the Vistancia or Peoria area, your dog's daily walks, backyard digging, and desert hikes come with a hidden danger: Valley Fever. We have seen a rise in positive Valley Fever cases, and we want local pet owners to understand what it is, how to spot it, and what to do if you're concerned.

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever, or Coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection dogs can contract by inhaling microscopic fungal spores found in the soil. These spores become airborne whenever dirt is disturbed by wind, dust storms, digging, or construction. These are all activities that are common in Peoria and Vistancia. Because dogs love to sniff and dig in the ground, they're especially likely to breathe in these spores. Once inhaled, the spores can grow in the lungs and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. Some dogs never show symptoms, while others can develop serious illness.

How Dogs Become Infected

Fungal spores live in desert soil and are released into the air when the ground is disturbed.
Dogs inhale the spores during everyday outdoor activities like walking, playing, or exploring.
Once inhaled, the spores can grow in the lungs and potentially spread to other areas of the body.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

Valley Fever is especially common in desert regions like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. So, dogs in our own Peoria and Vistancia neighborhoods are at meaningful risk. Dogs are more likely to be exposed if they:

Dig or sniff in dirt or rodent holes
Play in dusty or undeveloped areas
Are exposed to dust storms or nearby construction sites
Spend significant time outdoors

If your dog loves the desert as much as you do, it's worth being extra mindful of these risk factors.

Symptoms Can Vary and Aren't Always Obvious

Valley Fever often shows up as a dry, hacking cough or limping, but can also present in less typical ways, including:

Gastrointestinal upset
Eye (ocular) disease
General lethargy or malaise

We're also seeing rising Valley Fever titers in dogs who were previously diagnosed and considered well-controlled, which can indicate a resurgence or progression of the infection. Because symptoms can be subtle or easy to mistake for something else, it's important not to brush off changes in your dog's energy, appetite, or behavior.

Reducing Your Pet's Risk

While it's impossible to fully eliminate exposure to Valley Fever in our desert environment, you can help lower your dog's risk by:

Keeping dogs indoors during dust storms
Limiting access to dusty or undeveloped construction areas
Discouraging digging and excessive sniffing in dirt

Why Early Detection Matters

Valley Fever can range from mild to serious, and early detection plays an important role in effective treatment and long-term management. If caught early, many dogs respond well to treatment and go on to live happy, active lives. That's why it's so important to reach out to your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms or have concerns about your pet's exposure.

When to Contact Us

If your dog is showing symptoms, has had increased exposure to dusty environments, or if you simply have questions about Valley Fever, our team at Vistancia Animal Hospital is here to help. We can talk through your pet's specific risk factors and determine whether testing is a good next step.

Call us or book online to schedule a visit with one of our veterinarians.

Vistancia Animal Hospital is proud to serve pets and pet owners throughout Peoria, Vistancia, and the surrounding communities. Our doctors are here to support you every step of the way in keeping your pet happy, healthy, and protected from local health risks like Valley Fever.