Most Common Pet Health Issues Revealed by Nationwide
Veterinary visits are an inevitable part of pet ownership. To provide pet parents with valuable insights into the common health challenges their companions might face, Nationwide® has released its annual analysis of pet insurance claims. This year marks the 14th year of the company’s analysis of its database of over 1 million insured pets, providing a comprehensive look at the top conditions affecting both dogs and cats.
“From itchy skin to upset stomachs, the most common health issues affecting pets are the ones veterinarians see every day,” said Dr. Emily Tincher, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. “When a pet is diagnosed with a common condition, the financial impact can be just as worrying as the diagnosis itself. Many of these conditions require ongoing care, with costs increasing significantly over time. Understanding potential health risks and planning ahead can help pet parents navigate these challenges and ensure their pets receive the care they need.”
Key Takeaways for Dogs
Skin allergies top the list for the 13th consecutive year, underscoring their prevalence. The top eight conditions remained unchanged between 2023 and 2024, indicating a consistent pattern in canine health issues. Kidney failure has made a new appearance on the list this year.
Here’s the breakdown of the top 10 conditions for Nationwide-insured dogs, along with the typical cost within the first 30 days of diagnosis:
- 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
Five of the top 10 conditions are chronic, requiring long-term care. For these chronic conditions, here’s a look at the projected cost for a full year of treatment:
- Skin allergies: $841
- Arthritis: $1,093
- Heart disease: $1,203
- Liver disease: $770
- Kidney failure: $992
Key Takeaways for Cats
For cats, diarrhea/intestinal upset remains at the top of the list for the second year. The top six conditions are unchanged from 2023, with the bottom four conditions shifting slightly. The rankings are:
- 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 out of the top 10 conditions for cats are chronic, leading to increased costs over time. The projected costs for a year of treatment for these chronic conditions are:
- Kidney disease: $1,201
- Arthritis: $1,274
- Hyperthyroidism: $1,145
- Inflammatory bowel disease: $1,464
- Diabetes: $2,240
- Skin allergies: $592
While not all conditions can be avoided, being aware of the risks and watching for early signs are important steps for pet owners. Pet parents can learn more about common pet diseases and conditions on the Nationwide Pet HealthZone®, a free website. Many veterinary expenses associated with these conditions are eligible for reimbursement through Nationwide pet health insurance, based on the chosen coverage.
*Chronic condition
** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition.
*** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition.
