Did you know dogs tend to live longer in Montana than in Mississippi? A study from Banfield Pet Hospital shows interesting statistics about how pet health is affected by location.
Pets that live in the West have longer lifespans
Dogs and cats in states like Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, California, South Dakota and Oregon have the longest lifespans in the country, often surpassing the eleven-year mark. It is thought education level, affluence, fewer regional diseases and high spaying/neutering rates all play a significant role in keeping pets healthier for longer.
Pets that live in the South have the shortest lifespans
Dogs in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana have shorter lifespans than dogs in all other parts of the country, typically living only ten years or less. In warmer states pets are more at risk of infectious disease, especially because there is a greater tendency for them to live outside (or at least spend a lot of time outside). Higher levels of poverty and obesity in humans are thought to play a role too.
It is reported that Mississippi is the state ranking worst for pet longevity. It is suggested that less than half the population are spayed or neutered.
Cats in the Northeast are more likely to suffer from ticks
Cats in Northeastern states like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maryland are more likely to pick up ticks and related complications, such as Lyme disease, than cats in other parts of the country.
Spaying and neutering animals extends their lifespan
The states with the longest lifespan for dogs — Montana and Colorado — have a higher-than-average spay and neuter rate. Unneutered animals are more likely to be bitten by another animal or hit by a car than those who are neutered.
Almost 20% of cats are not spayed/neutered in Mississippi and Louisiana. However, in Colorado and Montana that statistic is closer to 8% (these states have some of the longest pet lifespans).
Male dogs that are neutered live 18% longer than ones that are intact and female dogs that are spayed live up to 23% longer than one left intact, according to the pet health report.
Dogs in the South are more likely to suffer from heartworm
Heartworms are dangerous parasites that disproportionately affect dogs in the southern states of the country. Dogs that develop heartworm have a higher-than-usual risk of complications and mortality than those that do not.
Although there are exceptions to these generalizations in every state, it is safe to say that where you live does affect your pet’s health.
No matter where you live, preventative care is the key to ensuring your pet’s health. Pets should see their veterinarian at least twice a year. Regular check-ups allow a veterinarian to catch early signs of disease or sickness and ensure that preventative care is up to date.
Information sourced from: Banfield State Of Pet Health Report 2013
Photo ©iStock.com/Andrew Rich
