CBD and Mushrooms for Dogs with Valley Fever: A Natural Approach
If you live on the East Coast, chances are you have not heard of Valley Fever in dogs, or even humans. But for members of our pack in the Southwest, Valley Fever is an all-too-common issue for dogs. By exploring natural remedies like CBD for dogs with Valley Fever and medicinal mushrooms, you can help support your pet’s immune system and overall well-being.
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What is Valley Fever?
This soil-dwelling fungus, Coccidioidomycosis, also known as “California disease,” “Desert rheumatism,” and “San Joaquin Valley Fever,” is causing concern among pet owners. In Arizona, some sources say VF is reaching epidemic proportions in dogs. Knowing the cause, symptoms, and treatments for VF can protect your four-legged friends.
How do dogs contract Valley Fever?
The most common type of VF in dogs starts in the pulmonary system (lungs). VF is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis, which thrives in the soil of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and southern California. It can also be found in Utah, Colorado, Mexico, and South America. Fungal spores can be kicked up in a dust storm or by a dog’s routine sniffing and digging in the ground. When inhaled, these spores enter the lungs, mature, and reproduce, posing a danger to dogs and humans alike.
Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs
According to the University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, the most common early symptoms of primary pulmonary Valley Fever in dogs include:
- coughing
- fever
- weight loss
- lack of appetite
- lack of energy
When the infection spreads outside of the lungs (or disseminates), it can infect the bones and organs. The University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson states that symptoms of disseminated VF in dogs include:
- lameness or swelling of limbs
- back or neck pain, with or without weakness/paralysis
- seizures and other manifestations of brain swelling
- soft abscess-like swelling under the skin
- swollen lymph nodes under the chin, in front of the shoulder blades, or behind the stifles
- non-healing skin wounds that ooze fluid
- eye inflammation with pain or cloudiness
- unexpected heart failure in a young dog
- swollen testicles
Is Valley Fever contagious between pets and people?
The good news is that VF is not contagious between your dog and other pets unless the infected pet bites the healthy pet, or your dog and people. In fact, the disease of VF is rare in people. Even in situations of bites between an infected pet and a healthy pet, the odds of your healthy pet contracting the disease are still fairly low. However, you should consult your vet immediately if you think your pet has VF or might bite another pet after contracting VF.
Can you prevent Valley Fever in dogs?
Since treating the soil would be costly and nearly impossible to eliminate the fungus altogether, there is no surefire way to prevent VF. Try to avoid allowing your pet to dig in the dust outside. It may be easier to keep your pet inside or take them on walks to places with grass covering the ground.
How is valley fever in dogs treated?
Valley Fever in dogs will need to be treated with the help of your holistic veterinarian. Your dog will have to undergo testing, potentially including X-rays and a titer test. Your dog will also likely need to take an antifungal medication for up to 6 months. Introducing colloidal silver as an antifungal into your dog’s diet, as well as CBD for Dogs may also be helpful.
Can CBD help dogs with Valley Fever?
CBD oil is a natural option that may support dogs with Valley Fever by:
- Reducing Inflammation: CBD is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in the lungs and other affected areas.
- Promoting Appetite: Dogs with Valley Fever often lose their appetite, and CBD may help by encouraging hunger.
- Easing Symptoms: Our Full Spectrum CBD oils are formulated with natural adaptogens and essential oils like coconut oil (helpful for coughing) and ginger oil (an antifungal), making them a great option for dogs with respiratory issues.
Benefits of Mushrooms for dogs with Valley Fever
Medicinal mushrooms are another powerful tool to support dogs with Valley Fever. The fungi used in MycoDog mushroom extracts can help outcompete the Valley Fever fungus (Coccidioides), while also boosting the immune system and supporting respiratory health.
Valley Fever can spread to the brain, lungs, bones, joints, and other organs, but medicinal mushrooms offer broad-spectrum support by:
- Strengthening the Immune System: Mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps help modulate immune responses, making it easier for your dog’s body to fight the infection.
- Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation caused by the fungal infection can be managed with the anti-inflammatory properties of Reishi and Artist Conk mushrooms.
- Supporting Respiratory Health: Mushrooms like Cordyceps are known for their ability to promote lung health and increase oxygen utilization, which is critical for dogs with pulmonary Valley Fever.
MycoDog Breathe: Natural Support for Dogs with Valley Fever
MycoDog Breathe is a spagyric tincture crafted with a dual extraction of powerful mushroom fruiting bodies, including Cordyceps, Reishi, Artist Conk, and Chaga. This blend is further enhanced with adaptogens like Ashwagandha to support stress and overall health.
- Respiratory Support: Cordyceps and Reishi promote lung health and help reduce coughing and inflammation.
- Immune Modulation: Chaga and Artist Conk enhance immune activity, supporting the body in fighting off fungal infections.
- Stress Relief: Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promotes overall well-being during recovery.
By adding MycoDog Breathe to your dog’s wellness plan, you can provide holistic support to help manage Valley Fever naturally.
Pairing CBD and Mushrooms for Dogs with Valley Fever
CBD and mushrooms work synergistically to provide more comprehensive support for dogs battling Valley Fever.
- Immune Support: While mushrooms help modulate immune activity and outcompete harmful fungi, CBD helps reduce immune overreactions, promoting balance.
- Inflammation Management: Both CBD and mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps have potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce swelling in the lungs, joints, or other affected areas.
- Symptom Relief: CBD can help alleviate appetite loss and discomfort, while mushrooms like Cordyceps improve energy levels and respiratory function.
By combining CBD oil for dogs with Valley Fever and medicinal mushrooms like those in MycoDog Breathe, you’re giving your dog a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the condition from multiple angles.
Conclusion
Valley Fever in dogs can be challenging to manage, but incorporating natural solutions like CBD oil and medicinal mushrooms can provide your pet with essential support. CBD helps manage inflammation and appetite, while mushrooms offer immune, respiratory, and anti-inflammatory benefits to help combat the effects of this fungal infection.
Consider adding MycoDog Breathe to your dog’s wellness routine to support their recovery and promote overall health. Speak with your holistic veterinarian about combining these natural remedies for the best results.