Visits to the veterinarian—whether planned or unplanned—are a part of caring for any four-legged family members. Nationwide analyzed its database of more than one million insured pets to determine the top conditions affecting dogs and cats. That said, what will most likely to send your pet to the veterinarian?
“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 chronic 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.”
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Key takeaways for dogs
- For the 13th year, skin allergies are the most common health issue for dogs.
- The top eight conditions remained unchanged between 2023-24.
- Kidney failure is new to the list this year.
- Respiratory infection fell out of the top 10 (previously #9 in 2023), but it remains in the top 15. Notably, cruciate tear, seizures and respiratory infection are all very close in ranking, with kidney failure just edging out the others.
| Top Conditions for Nationwide-insured dogs *are chronic condition | Cost within first 30 days of diagnosis |
| 1. Skin allergies | $265 |
| 2. Gastroenteritis | $702 |
| 3. Otitis externa | $304 |
| 4. Osteoarthritis | $414 |
| 5. Trauma | $708 |
| 6. Dental disease | $1,284 |
| 7. Urinary tract infection | $533 |
| 8. Valvular heart disease | $553 |
| 9. Liver disease | $499 |
| 10. Kidney failure | $575 |
Five of the top 10 conditions for dogs are chronic, meaning they require long-lasting care.
- Skin allergies full year cost: $841
- Arthritis full year cost: $1,093
- Heart disease full year cost: $1,203
- Liver disease full year cost: $770
- Kidney failure full year cost: $992
Key takeaways for cats
- For the second year, diarrhea/intestinal upset tops the list for cats.
- The top 6 conditions did not budge from 2023, but the bottom four conditions flip-flopped a bit this year – previously, rankings had been #7 respiratory infection, #8 diabetes, #9 inflammatory bowel disease, and #10 skin allergies.
| Top Conditions for Nationwide-insured cats are chronic condition | Costs within first 30 days of diagnosis |
| 1. Gastroenteritis | $802 |
| 2. Urinary tract disease | $943 |
| 3. Kidney failure | $655 |
| 4. Dental disease | $1,517 |
| 5. Osteoarthritis | $439 |
| 6. Hyperthyroid disease | $511 |
| 7. Inflammatory bowel disease | $828 |
| 8. Diabetes mellitus | $850 |
| 9. Respiratory infection | $534 |
| 10. Skin allergies | $318 |
Six of the top 10 conditions for cats are chronic, leading to increased cost over time.
- Kidney disease full year cost: $1,201
- Arthritis full year cost: $1,274
- Hyperthyroidism full year cost: $1,145
- Inflammatory bowel disease full year cost: $1,464
- Diabetes full year cost: $2,240
- Skin allergies full year cost: $592
While not all conditions – chronic or acute – can be prevented, pet parents should know their pets’ risks and recognize the role they play in helping to reduce risk or catch signs and symptoms as early as possible. Pet parents can learn more about these and many other pet diseases and conditions by visiting the Nationwide Pet HealthZone®, a free website with over 100 dog breeds and 11 cat breeds that help pet families discover ways to help keep their pets healthy.
With Nationwide pet health insurance, many veterinary expenses associated with the diagnosis and treatment of these common conditions are eligible for reimbursement based on the member’s chosen coverage. To explore options visit petinsurance.com.
