We dug into the data to find out which pet illnesses lead to the most insurance claims.
We all want the best for our furry companions. Even with the best care, our beloved pets can fall ill and require medical attention. Below are the most common illnesses that could lead to a vet visit.
According to our data on pet insurance claims for the last six months, the most common illnesses are:
- dermatological ailments,
- gastrointestinal ailments,
- mobility-related issues, and
- renal-related issues.
Gastrointestinal issues:
Topping the list with almost 7 000 claims reported in six months, gastrointestinal illnesses are seen most often at vet practices. These range from mild upset stomachs to more serious conditions such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. Diagnosis and treatment may involve blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, and medication.
Avoid messed-up tummies by providing your pet with an adequate diet (which includes probiotics) and ensuring that they don’t eat foreign objects or food that isn’t suitable for animals. A very common oversight is that pets sometimes have access to contaminated water – it’s essential for pets to drink plenty of clean water.
Dermatological issues:
These are the second highest occurring illnesses, with over 5 000 claims reported in six months. These can be caused by allergies, infections, parasites, and environmental factors. Treatment may include medication, special shampoos, and even allergy testing, all of which can add up quickly to significant costs.
Take extra care when your pet is diagnosed with a skin problem. Small adjustments such as using a specially formulated shampoo, adding certain supplements to their food (such as curcumin and omega 3), and keeping them protected with flea collars or other pest control products can help you avoid a costly vet visit.
Mobility-related issues:
This includes arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems, which accounted for more than 4 000 claims in six months. These conditions can be particularly costly since they may require chronic medication, rehabilitation therapy, and sometimes even surgery.
Certain breeds are more prone to these types of health problems. If your pet is more likely to develop an issue like this, consider putting them on a specialised diet and seeking out mobility therapy.
Renal-related issues:
Finally, renal-related incidents were responsible for nearly 900 claims in six months. Kidney disease is a serious condition that can lead to a range of complications and may require a variety of treatments such as medication, special diets, and even dialysis or kidney transplantation in severe cases.
Not all pets require large amounts of protein. A low-protein diet is low in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium which can improve kidney enzymes, leading to a healthier pet with a longer life. Dogs with secondary hypertension may benefit from diets low in sodium. Vets suggest reducing protein by 20% for dogs with chronic renal diseases, while still ensuring that the remaining protein comes from high-quality animal sources.
Keeping our fluff-butt babies healthy
Overall, it's essential for pet owners to be aware of the potential costs of these common illnesses and take preventative measures when possible. This includes regular check-ups, keeping up with vaccinations and parasite prevention, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping pets at a healthy weight. Additionally, pet insurance takes the bite out of vet bills and helps cover unexpected costs when illness or injury strikes.
