The 2014 edition of Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health Report is available for download from Banfield’s website HERE.

This report provides an overview of medical data from the 2.3 million dogs and 470,000 cats treated annually at Banfield facilities nationwide. The 2014 edition contains general pet health statistics as well as a special section on infectious diseases in dogs and cats.

Among the key findings, breed preferences of dog owners continue to trend toward smaller and mixed breed dogs, and away from larger dogs. The majority of cats seen at Banfield remains domestic short, medium and longhairs, although exotic breeds are increasing in popularity as well.

The most common conditions seen in all dogs are dental tartar, ear infections, and obesity, with older dogs also diagnosed with arthritis, eye problems, and tumors. Among cats, the most common problems are dental tartar and obesity, with younger cats frequently presenting with upper respiratory infections and fleas.

The special section on infectious diseases in pets notes a surprising 48% increase in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats from 2009 to 2013, and an 18% increase in feline upper respiratory infections in the past five years. Another area of concern is Lyme disease in dogs, with a 21% increase in cases from 2009 to 2013.

Your pet’s health is important, and this report serves as a good reminder of the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care in diagnosing and treating diseases in their early stages.