2022 Health Trends in Dogs

Health trends for dogs in 2022

From skin conditions to osteoarthritis, we’ve identified the top health conditions that were experienced by dogs in 2022. We also asked our Veterinary Advisors to share their best tips and tricks so you can keep your dog safe and healthy.

Courageous Canines: top 10 health trends

1. Skin allergies

Allergic skin disorders were experienced by a large number of dogs in 2022, with pet parents forking out $520 on average* for treatment according to PetSure claims data.  The highest cost* for treatment was $17,460.

While this condition is experienced by dogs of all ages, it’s more prevalent in dogs aged 1-8 years. If your dog is susceptible to an allergic skin disorders, make sure that you keep their skin and coat clean and remember to examine their skin frequently to identify problems early. It’s also a good idea to avoid any known allergens or environments that may trigger a reaction, including long grass with seeds, or pollen.

2. Ear Infections

In second place are ear infections (also called otitis externa), which is a condition that causes inflammation of the outer ear canal. This condition is most common in dogs aged eight years or older. PetSure data shows the average cost of treatment for ear infections is $315, with the cost of treatment as high as $16,670 in some cases. 

To minimise the risk of ear infections, remember to clean the ears every week and dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or getting wet. If you notice your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears or if you see any discharge from the ears, seek veterinary advice right away. Our knowledge hub has plenty of useful tips for preventing and managing ear infections in dogs. 

3. Arthritis

Arthritis was a common condition among canines in 2022. PetSure data shows the average cost for treatment is $423*. 

To help protect your dog from arthritis, be careful with their weight management so they don’t become overweight. Ensure they get a daily dose of exercise and feed them quality nutrition specific to their breed. You should also regularly visit the vet for check ups so you can catch arthritis early. Visit our knowledge hub for tips about keeping your dog a healthy weight.

4. Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and was a common health trend experienced by dogs in 2022. According to PetSure claims data, pet parents claimed an average treatment cost of $523 with treatment costs as high as $28,232 in some cases. 

This condition is generally caused from overeating, a change in diet or an allergy or sensitivity. To protect your pooch from gastritis, ensure you don’t overfeed them and that you follow the recommended portion sizes for your dog’s breed and weight. 

5. Diarrhoea

Diarrrhoea was a common health trend for canines in 2022. The average treatment cost was $416*, with the highest cost for treatment coming in at over $20,663*. Diarrrhoea may be a sign of a variety of health conditions including viruses, bacteria, digestive disorders, may reflect dietary intolerances,  or it may be secondary to diseases like pancreatitis,  liver disease or diabetes. 

If your dog presents with Diarrrhoea, seek advice from your veterinarian.

6. Lameness

It’s no surprise that our dogs with their active natures, quite frequently exhibit signs like limping, weakness or a reduction in enthusiasm for activities, which can be due to accidents, sprains, strains, ligament injuries or things like arthritis. Sometimes limping and lameness can be a sign of other issues including spinal or neurological concerns. PetSure data shows in 2022, pet parents forked out an average of $441 for treatment costs and that limping and lameness is most common in dogs aged 1-8 years.

Check your backyard regularly for any hazards that could result in an injury and make sure your dog warms up before excessive exercise to avoid any ligament tears and remember that limping and lameness are signs that something is wrong so consult your vet if you notice changes to your pets’ mobility.

7. Skin Lumps and Bumps

Lumps and bumps or mass lesion were a common health trend for dogs in 2022, and normally include lipomas, cysts, warts or infected hair follicles. Lump, bumps and mass lesions were most common in dogs aged 1-8 years old. The average treatment cost was $698* and the maximum cost for treatment in one case was as high as $12,012*.

While the signs of mass lesion vary greatly, it’s important to regularly check your dog for any abnormalities lumps or bumps, and to keep an eye out for any sores that do not heal. If you notice anything unusual on your dog’s skin, take your dog to the vet for examination.

8. Vomiting

Vomiting was a common health trend for canines, according to PetSure claims data. In 2022, the average cost for treatment was $565* while the highest cost was over $26,661*. 

If your dog presents with vomiting, speak to your local veterinarian for advice.

9. Anal sac disorder

The anal sacs are small glands on either side of the anus, which secrete a smelly discharge. These sacs can become infected, blocked or impacted, and this can usually be due to inflammation of the ducts. Any dog can have problems with their anal sacs but it is more common in smaller dog breeds. PetSure data shows the average cost of treatment in 2022 was $260* while the maximum cost was nearly $11,021*.

Signs of anal sac disorders may include trying to lick or scratch at the bottom, or dragging the bottom on the ground, referred to as “scooting”. Anal sac disease is painful for the dog and they may growl if you touch the tail or anus area. If your dog presents with these signs, seek expert advice immediately. 

Learn more about the signs of anal sac disease on our knowledge hub.

10.  Dental disease

Rounding out the top 10 health trends for dogs was dental disease. PetSure claims data shows the average cost for dental treatment was $706* while the highest cost was over $11,923*. 

To protect your furry friend from dental diseases, make sure you brush their teeth regularly, have 6-monthly dental check-ups with your vet, and feed them a balanced diet. 

Accidents

Dr Betty Chan and Dr Kylie Mitchell have some tips and tricks that you can do to help prevent your dog having an accident, which includes keeping their claws trimmed, ensuring they socialise from an early age, checking the yard for any hazards, making e sure the property is secure and warming up into exercise gradually.

Our four-legged friends are a part of the family, so it’s important to be aware of the common health conditions they may face throughout their life. Arm yourself with knowledge and advice about how you can keep them happy and healthy, because prevention is always better than a cure. 

Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy, would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the
relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider. * Please note that values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.