Pet Health Monitor 2024

Drawing on PetSure’s data from 2023, our flagship report and white paper features useful insights, tips and expert commentary to provide Australian pet parents with an understanding of common pet health trends, conditions and the associated costs.

Pet Health Monitor 2024

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Top five dog health conditions

Top five cat health conditions

Top 3 health conditions in dogs by age 2023

Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Gastrointestinal disease $661 $25,939

2 Skin infection/allergy $346 $8,414

3 Ear infection $330 $12,380

In puppies, gastrointestinal upsets are common and are often caused by eating inappropriate items, sudden diet changes or stress due to changes in their environment. Developing immune systems means they can also be more susceptible to skin infections, which are triggered during exploration and play.
Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Skin infection/allergy $586 $20,622

2 Ear infection $399 $20,654

3 Gastrointestinal disease $812 $26,435

As dogs mature, their tendency to eat harmful objects typically decreases. However, conditions like ear infections, skin problems, and gastrointestinal issues follow through to adulthood due to factors such as dietary sensitivities, environmental triggers, and genetic predispositions.
Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Skin infection/allergy $601 $10,596

2 Arthritis $682 $12,387

3 Cancer / tumors $1,514 $37,133

As dogs approach their senior years, they become more prone to health issues such as arthritis and cancer. This increased susceptibility is due to the cumulative effects of aging, which includes cellular changes, a declining immune system, and wear and tear on the joints over time.

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Gastrointestinal disease	$661	$25,939
2	Skin infection/allergy	$346	$8,414
3	Ear infection	$330	$12,380

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Skin infection/allergy	$586	$20,622
2	Ear infection	$399	$20,654
3	Gastrointestinal disease	$812	$26,435

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Skin infection/allergy	$601	$10,596
2	Arthritis	$682	$12,387
3	Cancer / tumors	$1,514	$37,133

Top 3 health conditions in cats by age 2023

Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Gastrointestinal disease $530 $9,963

2 Eye disease $294 $7,823

3 Skin infection/allergy $270 $4,433

Gastrointestinal disease is a common condition affecting kittens due to their curious nature which can lead to ingesting items they shouldn’t. As a kitten’s immune system is still developing, eye problems can arise from infections or congenital issues, while skin infections/allergies often result from parasites, food sensitivities, or environmental factors.
Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Gastrointestinal disease $727 $27,061

2 Traumatic injury $836 $30,990

3 Skin infection/allergy $398 $9,614

As cats mature, they can develop more serious gastrointestinal diseases like colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal lymphoma. Skin conditions are also common in this age group and can be caused by allergies, infections, diet or other diseases. The active nature of cats means they are at risk of getting hurt from falls, road accidents, snake bites or fights with other cats, particularly if they’re able to roam outdoors.
Rank Condition Average cost for treatment* Highest cost for treatment*

1 Gastrointestinal disease $854 $16.019

2 Arthritis $631 $3,686

3 Urinary tract disease $1,589 $16,599

As cats get older, like humans, they can develop arthritis from joint wear and tear. They also face a higher risk of urinary tract issues due to factors such as diet, stress, inadequate water intake, or reduced bladder function.

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Gastrointestinal disease	$530	$9,963
2	Eye disease	$294	$7,823
3	Skin infection/allergy	$270	$4,433

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Gastrointestinal disease	$727	$27,061
2	Traumatic injury	$836	$30,990
3	Skin infection/allergy	$398	$9,614

Rank	Condition	Average cost for treatment*	Highest cost for treatment*
1	Gastrointestinal disease	$854	$16.019
2	Arthritis	$631	$3,686
3	Urinary tract disease	$1,589	$16,599

Pet Health: when to monitor & when to see the vet

For most pet parents, staying on top of their pet’s health is a high priority. Illness and injury can arise at any time, and it often occurs outside normal working hours. We provide some practical information to help you navigate some of the most common pet health issues, enabling you to make an informed decision for your pet.

Download our symptoms checklist

Pet Health Articles

We explore a range of topics such as cancer in pets, living with older pets, the comparison between human vs pet healthcare and putting pets at the forefront of One Health. Read more for practical tips on preventative care, to learn when to monitor your pet’s symptoms or when to head to the vet, and to discover the interdependence of humans and pets.

Fact checked

Pet health insights from vets in the field

1 May 2024

5 Minutes

Tick prevention is all year round! Our vets in the community would like to remind pet parents…

Putting pets at the forefront of One Health

25 April 2024

5 Minutes

“One Health” is a holistic approach to optimising the health of people, animals and the environment through collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines. This approach is crucial for tackling global health challenges and focuses on creating sustainable solutions to a range of issues including zoonotic diseases, food and water safety, pollution and antimicrobial resistance. One Health shines a light on how humans, animals and environmental health are all interconnected.

Fact checked

Living with older pets

25 April 2024

10 Minutes

Pets age faster than humans, with one human year equalling approximately seven in pets. Just like humans, pets go through the various stages of life.

Fact checked

Human vs pet healthcare comparison

1 May 2024

9 Minutes

We set out to investigate two common surgeries performed in both humans and animals – hip replacement surgery and cruciate ligament surgery. We explore the similarities and differences of these procedures in addition to treatment costs to illustrate how closely aligned, human and pet healthcare procedures are.

See all articles

Frequently asked questions

What was the most popular dog in Australia in 2023?

According to 2023 PetSure policy data, the most popular dog was a Cavoodle.

What was the most popular cat in Australia in 2023?

According to 2023 PetSure policy data, the most popular cat was a Domestic Short Hair.

What was the most popular name for cats and dogs in 2023?

According to 2023 PetSure policy data, Luna was the top name for dogs and cats.

What was the top 5 dog health conditions in 2023?

According to PetSure claims data the top 5 health conditions were:

1. Skin infection/allergy
2. Gastrointestinal disease
3. Ear infection
4. Traumatic injury
5. Skin masses

What was the top 5 cat health conditions in 2023?

According to PetSure claims data the top 5 health conditions were:

1. Gastrointestinal disease
2. Traumatic injury
3. Skin infection/allergy
4. Urinary tract disease
5. Eye disease

What can pet parents do to keep their dogs ears healthy (otitis externa)?

Below are some tips and tricks to help keep dogs ears heathy:

· Treat underlying allergies
· Clean the ears every week or two
· Dry ears thoroughly after getting wet
· Act quickly if you notice your dog shaking their head, scratching their ears, or any bad smells, discharge from the ear(s)

What tips and tricks can pet parents do to avoid their dog having an accident?

Below are some tips and tricks to help avoid dogs having an accident:

· Keep claws trimmed so that they don’t become overgrown and catch on things
· Ensure socialisation from an early age to help prevent fights and bite injuries
· Check the yard regularly for any hazards that could result in wounds or other injuries
· Make sure the property is secure to avoid escapees
· Warm up into exercise gradually to help avoid injuries while exercising such as ligament tears

What are tips and tricks you can do to avoid gastrointestinal tract in cats?

Below are some tips and tricks to help avoid gastrointestinal tract in cats:

· Feed a high-quality, vet recommended diet
· Avoid sudden changes in diet, always change food over gradually
· In cases of constipation, increase your cat’s water intake, encourage weight loss, and increase exercise as well as make sure there are plenty of clean litter trays available
· Seek Vet advice early on to help investigate digestive issues before they worsen

What are tips and tricks you can do to avoid eye problems in cats?

Below are some tips and tricks to help avoid eye problems in cats:

· Ensure that environmental irritants like cleaners or other products are not in your cat’s environment
· Always seek out vet attention early for eye problems that may escalate quickly
· Have your vet check for underlying diseases that could be causing eye problems
· Keep your cat indoors to avoid fights that may result in eye injuries

Pet Health Monitor 2024