Living in northern Wisconsin means enjoying beautiful forests, lakes, and outdoor adventures with our dogs—but it also means being aware of certain regional health risks like Blasto.
What is Blastomycosis in dogs?
Blasto is a serious fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis. The fungus lives in moist soil, decaying wood, and areas near rivers and lakes, which makes it more common in regions like the Great Lakes and the Midwest. Dogs become infected when they inhale fungal spores from disturbed soil.
Blasto symptoms to watch for in dogs:
Signs can vary depending on where the infection spreads, but common symptoms include:
• Persistent cough
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Fever or lethargy
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Eye inflammation or vision problems
• Skin lesions or draining sores
• Limping due to bone involvement
These symptoms can develop weeks after exposure, so they may not appear immediately after outdoor activities and it makes it difficult to identify exact location of exposure.
Can Blastomycosis be prevented in dogs?
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for blastomycosis. However, you can reduce risk by:
• Avoiding areas with wet, disturbed soil, especially near rivers, lakes, or wooded areas
• Keeping dogs from digging in muddy or swampy environments
• Rinsing off your dog after hikes in high-risk areas
• Monitoring for respiratory symptoms after outdoor exposure
Dogs that hunt, hike, or spend time in wooded or waterfront environments can be at higher risk.
What does treatment for Blast in dogs look like?
Blastomycosis is treatable, but early diagnosis is critical. Treatment usually involves:
• Long-term antifungal medications, most commonly Itraconazole or Fluconazole
• Treatment often lasts several months
• Severe cases may require hospitalization or oxygen support
With prompt treatment, many dogs recover well, but delays in diagnosis can make the disease much more serious.
If your dog ever has a persistent cough, lethargy, or unexplained illness, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible! Early testing can make all the difference.