If you live in the Southwest, you know all too well about valley fever (Coccidioidomycosis). Humans and animals are affected by this deadly disease, and dogs are the most susceptible of all animals. About 70% of dogs who inhale valley fever spores control the infection and do not become sick, but the remainder develop the disease. Dogs have mild to severe symptons and occasionally the disease can be fatal. Two of my furry kids have been affected by valley fever. One of them had it so severely, it almost got into the bone of his left hip. I'm very thankful for my vet, who was quick to diagnose and treat them for the disease. Although pharmaceutical drugs are needed, and often of great detriment if not used, the side effects can cause any dog owner to cringe in pain. In 2009, I began taking classes in holistic nutrition which led me to my ultimate course of study, Western Herbalism. I was in awe at both the power and magic of herbs. So much so, I started giving my furry friends a mix of herbs, supplements and improved their diet to counteract the side effects of the drugs. After about a year of this combination, I was able to completely take Jager off his meds and as of today, he continues with improved health and his titers have remained at 1:2. I did not put Morgan on meds but used the same mix of herbs, supplements and improved diet and her titers went from 1:32 to 1:4.