- Research marks the launch of the 2024 Pet Health Monitor, an annual study based on one of Australia’s largest pet health databases.
- PetSure warns pet parents not to cut corners on essential preventative treatment with the Pet Health monitor revealing that tick disease treatment has resulted in claims as high as $25,000.
Pet health concerns are an inevitable reality for any pet owner. As Australia’s leading pet health insurer, PetSure has released its annual Pet Health Monitor report, drawing from one of the nation’s largest pet health databases. This comprehensive white paper combines millions of pet health claims data with veterinary knowledge and field research to provide invaluable insights into the health and care of Australia’s dogs and cats.
With data spanning hundreds of breeds, the report offers an in-depth analysis of pet health trends over the past 12 months, shining a light on key health concerns and providing clear guidelines around prevention, intervention, and what pet parents can expect during their pet’s lifetime.
Below are a few highlights from the white paper
- Skin and Ear infections along with Gastrointestinal disease remain the top three health conditions experienced by dogs, with average claim costs starting at approx. $600 but ranging to more than $20,000.
- Cancer is a risk for pets as much as it is for humans – 1 in 4 dogs will claim for cancer in their lifetime. The most common cancer in cats is Lymphoma and the most common in dogs is a Mast Cell Tumour. In 2023, the total cost of claims for cancer for both dogs and cats amounted to over $31 Million Australian dollars.
- Arthritis is the most common cause of pain in older pets. It affects nearly 40% of pets over the age of 8. While certain breeds are more susceptible than others the pet health monitor explores the range of treatment options available. Annual costs to treat arthritis can range from $600 a year to $1,600.
- Heart disease is a risk for pets as it is for humans – wear and tear on the heart, degeneration of the heart valves and decreased strength of the heart muscle are hallmarks of heart disease, whether you’re a human or a pet. The older pets get, the greater their risk. With treatment costs ranging from $2,000 without surgery to >$20,000 with surgery, the outcomes and chances of recovery are vastly improved with lifelong healthy habits, early detection, and proactive health management.
- Pet and human surgeries are not that dissimilar – this year’s Pet Health Monitor delves into the comparison between two surgical procedures (hip replacement and cruciate ligament/ACL surgery) and explores the similarities and differences between pets and humans. The findings reveal that while anatomically different, the two procedures share many similarities from pre-operative imaging to post-operative rehabilitation.
- Flea and tick season is lasting longer than ever – PetSure’s data shows a shift in tick paralysis claims from a seasonal peak back in the year 2000 spanning September-December to an earlier onset and a longer duration (August-January) in 2024. This indicates paralysis ticks are active earlier and linger longer throughout the year.
- Cost of living impacts on pet health – In addition to the pet health data, this year’s study also looked at pet owners’ attitudes to pet health and alarmingly found that half of all pet owners surveyed have reduced their spending on vet care. 21% have delayed a vet visit to ‘wait and see’ what happens and 22% have reduced the frequency of routine appointments for check-ups. A further 13% had elected to skip routine flea, tick and worm treatments completely to cut their cost-of-living pressures.
Commenting about the research from the new Pet Health Monitor, PetSure CEO Alexandra Thomas said, “Pet health impacts both pets and families deeply. We know that early diagnosis as well as preventative treatment is what really makes a difference to the cost of care.”
“Our Pet Health Monitor gives insights into the health of Australia’s dog and cat population, empowering pet parents to address health challenges effectively. We know that collaboration between pet owners and vets is vital for proactive pet health management, and in the long run, prevention is better than treatment as there is no taxpayer funded hospital system for pets.”
To read more about PetSure’s findings in the Pet Health Monitor or previous Pet Health Monitors, visit https://petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor
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insuranceNEWS.com.au – Insurer urges proactive pet care as owners cut costs
ABOUT PETSURE:
PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (“PetSure”) is Australia’s leading pet insurer. For over 20 years, PetSure has been the market leader in both size and innovation. PetSure issues and administers the pet insurance policies of over 20 partner brands.
As the category leader, and in close collaboration with members of the veterinary industry, PetSure continually seeks to extend coverage, keep pace with modern veterinary practices, and provide pet insurance policies that are transparent and operate with the highest levels of integrity.
In March 2023, PetSure obtained its own APRA general insurance license, making it the first general insurer in Australia that’s fully dedicated to pet insurance. PetSure is committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of the pet insurance category.
Disclaimer:
Insurance products are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard) and/or PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) (from 8 May 2023 only), administered by PetSure and promoted and distributed through their authorised representatives and distribution partners. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Meet our partners at petsure.com.au/partners.
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