Is Your Pet Suffering from These Common Health Issues? Find Out What Most Likely Sends Pets to the Vet!
As pet owners, we want to do everything we can to keep our furry friends healthy, but sometimes, they can develop health problems that send them to the vet. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a chronic condition, pets often face medical challenges that can be both physically and financially draining. Nationwide® has once again analyzed their extensive database of over a million insured pets to uncover the most common health conditions affecting dogs and cats today.
This year marks the 14th time Nationwide has shared these insights, giving us a closer look at what’s most likely to send our pets to the vet—and how much it might cost. From skin allergies to kidney failure, understanding these conditions can help pet parents better prepare for potential health issues. Here’s a breakdown of the top health problems affecting pets, and what they mean for your wallet.
Key Takeaways for Dogs: What to Watch For
For the 13th year in a row, skin allergies are the most common health issue for dogs, with a treatment cost of $265 within the first 30 days of diagnosis. But other conditions like kidney failure have made their debut in the top 10 this year, underscoring the importance of regular health checks as pets age. Here’s a look at the top 10 conditions for dogs:
Skin allergies: $265
Diarrhea/intestinal upset: $702
Ear infection: $304
Arthritis: $414
Trauma: $708
Dental disease: $1,284
Urinary tract infection: $533
Heart disease: $553
Liver disease: $499
Kidney failure: $575
Among these, five are chronic conditions requiring ongoing care, and their annual treatment costs can add up significantly:
Skin allergies: $841
Arthritis: $1,093
Heart disease: $1,203
Liver disease: $770
Kidney failure: $992
For dog owners, it’s critical to monitor for signs of these conditions early on, as they often require long-term management and can become more expensive to treat as they progress.
Key Takeaways for Cats: What to Keep an Eye On
When it comes to cats, diarrhea/intestinal upset reigns supreme as the top condition, with an average treatment cost of $802. Interestingly, the top six conditions for cats have remained stable, but some of the other health issues are starting to shift. Here’s the top 10 conditions for cats:
Diarrhea/intestinal upset: $802
Urinary tract disease: $943
Kidney failure: $655
Dental disease: $1,517
Arthritis: $439
Hyperthyroidism: $511
Inflammatory bowel disease: $828
Diabetes: $850
Respiratory infection: $534
Skin allergies: $318
Six of the top 10 conditions for cats are chronic, and like dogs, these conditions can be expensive to manage over the long term. Here’s a look at the annual treatment costs for chronic conditions:
Kidney disease: $1,201
Arthritis: $1,274
Hyperthyroidism: $1,145
Inflammatory bowel disease: $1,464
Diabetes: $2,240
Skin allergies: $592
For cats, managing these conditions with the help of a veterinarian can ensure they stay healthier for longer, but it’s essential to stay proactive about treatment and regular check-ups.
The Role of Veterinarians in Preventive Care
As veterinarians, we’re seeing more and more pets being diagnosed with chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes—all of which require ongoing treatment. But the key to reducing the financial impact and improving your pet’s quality of life lies in early detection and prevention. Pet owners who recognize the signs of these common issues early on can often reduce the severity of the condition and its associated costs.
Nationwide’s Pet HealthZone® offers valuable resources to help pet families stay informed about common pet health issues and preventative care. By staying educated and proactive, pet parents can navigate these challenges and ensure their pets receive the best care possible.
The Financial Impact of Pet Health Issues
One of the biggest challenges for pet owners is managing the financial burden that comes with treating chronic conditions. Pet insurance plays a vital role in alleviating some of that stress. Nationwide pet health insurance helps cover many of the veterinary expenses associated with diagnosing and treating common conditions, depending on the selected coverage. With the right insurance plan, owners can avoid the sticker shock that often comes with unexpected veterinary bills.
Understanding these common health issues and their costs can help both veterinarians and pet owners better manage the health and well-being of their pets. Whether it’s through early intervention, lifestyle changes, or using pet insurance, being informed and prepared can ensure that pets lead long, healthy, and happy lives.
So, what’s most likely to send your pet to the veterinarian? Now you know! It’s time to take proactive steps to prevent these issues or catch them early, reducing both health risks and financial strain.
