Cat and Dog Afflictions More Common in the State of California

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Photo of Cat and Dog

As per AVMA, 38.4% of households in the U.S. own a dog, and 25.4% own a cat.

If you’re a pet owner, you probably already know that your favorite animal has its likes, dislikes, and quirks. But did you know that some of these traits are more common in certain places? For example, California may only be the third most populous state in the country, behind Texas and Florida, but it has some common health issues when it comes to its beloved four-legged friends.

Though most of the conditions can be easily prevented or treated by giving over-the-counter pet meds in California, you should still know what to look out for when you see your precious companion in distress.

Feline Allergies

Feline allergies are one of the most common reasons cats visit the vet and can significantly impact your cat’s health.

Allergies are caused by something that triggers an immune response within the body, leading to inflammation and irritation at the site of exposure. This can result in itching, hair loss, and skin infections, along with other symptoms such as wheezing or coughing, depending on which allergens are present.

The most common causes of feline allergies include food, either too much or too many treats, fleas, dust mites, pollen, and mold spores.

Canine Ear Infections

As per American Kennel Club, almost 20% of dogs suffer from some form of ear disease. Ear infections are the most common cause of infection in dogs, and they can be very painful and distressing for your furry friend. There are many different kinds of ear infections that affect dogs, so it’s important to determine whether your dog has an ear infection before you treat them.

Dogs with ear infections often have symptoms such as excessive scratching or rubbing at their ears, a foul odor coming from the ears, redness around the ear flap area, swelling or thickening around the inner part of their ear canal, excessive shaking of their head when walking, lack of appetite due to pain caused by their inflamed eardrum.

Feline Obesity

According to Pet Pedia, almost 33.8% of cats in the U.S. are obese. Cats are prone to obesity, so you should pay special attention to your cat’s diet. If a cat is not getting enough exercise, it can become overweight. Overweight cats are at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

To prevent your cat from becoming overweight, make sure to feed them a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or letting them free-feed on treats throughout the day.

Dog Obesity

A leading cause of death in dogs, obesity negatively impacts your pet’s overall health. You may notice that your dog has become less active, but it can be difficult to determine if they are overweight by just looking at them. If you think your dog is overweight, consult a veterinarian to have it weighed and measured for an accurate reading on its body condition score.

The best treatment for an overweight dog is regular exercise and a balanced diet. If you have concerns about how much food you should be feeding your pup, talk to the vet about other options, such as prescription weight loss pills or meal replacement shakes.

Feline Arthritis

Feline arthritis is a common problem for cats, and it’s important to know the signs. Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, which can lead to pain and stiffness. Cats with arthritis may also experience difficulty walking or using their litter box because of discomfort or pain.

The most common cause of arthritis in cats is an injury that leads to bone deformity or damage to muscles or soft tissue around the joint, but there are other causes as well. Older cats are especially vulnerable to developing arthritis. Their bodies become less flexible as they age and more prone to injury from everyday activities like jumping on furniture or running across hardwood floors.

In addition to providing comfort with medication and managing any existing medical conditions, such as kidney disease, that contribute to feline arthritis symptoms, you can help prevent your pet from developing this painful condition by keeping him active with toys. This stimulates his brain while also strengthening his muscles throughout life, in particular after middle age sets in around 12 years old.

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, causing pain and lameness.

This genetic disease occurs most often in large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. It can also affect medium-sized breeds like Rottweilers or Siberian Huskies.

Although hip dysplasia may not be noticeable at birth, it becomes apparent when the dog reaches 4 to 6 months of age. Signs include trouble getting up after lying down or playing too rough with other dogs. As the disease progresses, your pet may have difficulty walking on stairs and standing up from a sitting position. If untreated for long enough, he might even end up paralyzed from lack of use of his hind legs.

Feline Diabetes

Feline diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a serious condition that can be difficult to detect in cats. Cats with feline diabetes produce high glucose (sugar) levels in the blood and urine. The body’s inability to control the amount of glucose in the blood results from either an absolute deficiency or relative deficiency of insulin by cat pancreas cells.

Symptoms often include increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite normal appetite, increased appetite coupled with vomiting, and sometimes dehydration due to excessive urination.

Conclusion

The state of California is known for having a large population of dogs and cats. As per Pawlicy Advisor, 40% of households in California own at least one dog, and 22.9% of its households own a cat.

This large population means many pet afflictions need to be dealt with. The state has made it easier for people to take care of their pets by providing free services such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering services.