Texas Woman Warns Dog Owners After Puppy Dies From 'Kissing Bug' Disease

Becky Roche's 6-month-old Belgian Malinois contracted fatal canine Chagas disease from an insect in her backyard.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A translucent, ghostly X-ray photograph revealing the internal structure of a dog's heart, with glowing veins and arteries pulsing against a dark background. The heart appears slightly enlarged, indicating the damage caused by the Chagas parasite.An X-ray view of a dog's heart damaged by the Chagas parasite, a silent killer that is more common in the southern U.S. than many pet owners realize.Austin Today

Becky Roche is warning other dog owners about the dangers of canine Chagas disease after her 6-month-old Belgian Malinois puppy, Ranger, died from contracting the illness from a 'kissing bug' in her backyard in Texas. Roche said Ranger suddenly collapsed while they were playing fetch, and veterinarians confirmed he had the potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted by the insects.

Why it matters

Canine Chagas disease is a serious and often fatal illness in dogs that is caused by a parasite spread by insects found in the southern United States. While the disease is not well-known, experts say it is an endemic problem for both pets and humans in the region that requires greater awareness.

The details

Roche said Ranger was a happy, energetic puppy until he suddenly collapsed while they were playing fetch one day. Veterinarians tested him and confirmed he had contracted canine Chagas disease, which disrupts the muscular cells of a dog's heart and can lead to heart failure. There is no preventative treatment or cure for the disease, and Ranger died about a month after coming into contact with the 'kissing bug' that transmitted the parasite.

  • Roche got Ranger when he was just a few weeks old.
  • Ranger died at home in Roche's arms about a month after contracting the disease.

The players

Becky Roche

A Texas dog owner who is warning others about the dangers of canine Chagas disease after her 6-month-old Belgian Malinois puppy, Ranger, died from the illness.

Ranger

Roche's 6-month-old Belgian Malinois puppy who died from contracting canine Chagas disease after being exposed to a 'kissing bug' in Roche's backyard.

Dr. Ashley Saunders

A veterinary cardiologist with the Canine Chagas Collaborative who explained how the Chagas parasite disrupts the muscular cells of a dog's heart, potentially leading to heart failure.

Sarah Hamer

A veterinary epidemiologist at Texas A&M University who discussed how Chagas disease is an endemic problem for both pets and humans in the southern United States, contrary to the common perception that it is only found in Latin America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I do not want to alarm, I want to inform.”

— Becky Roche

“This idea that this is only a disease that's to be encountered in Latin America, it's not accurate, and it doesn't reflect the transmission that occurs locally here in the United States to people and to animals.”

— Sarah Hamer, Veterinary Epidemiologist, Texas A&M University

What’s next

There is currently no vaccination for Chagas disease in either humans or dogs. If you suspect you or your pet may have been infected, you should contact your health provider or veterinarian immediately.

The takeaway

Canine Chagas disease is a serious and often fatal illness that is more prevalent in the southern United States than many pet owners realize. This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and research into prevention and treatment options to protect both pets and their owners.