Arizona's Monsoon Moisture Is Causing Valley Fever In Pets

While monsoon weather has brought along some much needed rain to Arizona, it's also brought some health problems for pets in the area. AZ Family reported that one of the top health problems the moisture has brought is valley fever.

So how is the monsoon weather spreading the illness?

Valley fever is caused by a fungus that is prevalent in Arizona's deserts. The rain from the monsoons make the fungus grow, causing the spores to become airborne. When the wind, construction, or digging stirs up the pores, they can be inhaled causing pets to get sick.

Here's how you can keep your pets safe from valley fever, according to AZ Family:

• Avoid long walks outside with your pets
• keep windows closed during windy weather
• don't let pets dig in the dirt outside, especially if it has recently rained
• use a yard ground cover that reduces dust- including gravel

Signs of the illness include a dry cough, fever, lack of appetite, and lethargy. Signs and symptoms usually happen three weeks after infection, but can sometimes take years to show up. In this case, the fungus has probably already spread to other parts of the body, causing negative impacts on joints and bones.

For more information about the illness, click here.