Chagas disease, a potentially fatal illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is estimated to affect from 5 to 13 million dogs in the U.S. Transmitted via a bite or from feces of the kissing bug, which can be found in 28 states, the disease can cause an acute or chronic infection. Puppies born to infected bitches may be infected as well. Although Chagas disease is not well known or recognized, treatment is available to help affected dogs, with a new, more affordable treatment soon to be available.