Top 5 Pet Insurance Claims
Understanding common pet health issues can help pet owners manage potential veterinary costs and enhance their pet's longevity. Nationwide Insurance recently released an assessment on the top pet insurance claims from 2023. Let's look into the top 5 causes for claims, their common causes, costs, and strategies to prevent these conditions, so that we can give our dogs the longest lives possible:
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Dermatitis
- Common Causes: Allergies (food, environmental), fleas, and contact irritants.
- Cost: Around $240
- Prevention: Regular grooming, using hypoallergenic products, and managing allergens in your pet’s environment. Flea prevention is crucial, as fleas are a common trigger. Additionally, dietary adjustments can help manage food allergies.
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Gastroenteritis (Diarrhea/Intestinal Upset)
- Common Causes: Dietary indiscretion, infections (bacterial, viral), parasites, and chronic diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
- Cost: Approximately $614
- Prevention: Feed a consistent, high-quality diet formulated for your pet's specific life stage and health needs. Avoid giving your pet spoiled foods, garbage, or toxic substances. Ensure your pet's vaccinations and parasite control are up-to-date to prevent infections.
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Otitis Externa
- Common Causes: Ear mites, yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergies.
- Cost: About $280
- Prevention: Regular cleaning of your pet’s ears with appropriate solutions can help prevent the buildup of irritants that lead to infections. Minimize exposure to allergens and keep ears dry to reduce the likelihood of infections.
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Degenerative Arthritis
- Common Causes: Age-related wear and tear, obesity, improperly healed injuries, and genetic predisposition.
- Cost: $446
- Prevention: Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Use joint health supplements and provide orthopedic bedding to support joint health. Early intervention in the case of injuries can also prevent worsening conditions.
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Trauma
- Common Causes: Vehicle accidents, falls, fights with other animals, and injuries from sharp objects.
- Cost: $629
- Prevention: Supervise your pet closely in environments where risks exist. Use leashes, secure your yard with robust fencing, and provide safe toys and play areas that reduce the risk of injury.
Overall Considerations for Longevity
Preventive care plays a crucial role in avoiding these common conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups can catch early signs of issues, diet plays a central role in overall health, and understanding your pet’s environment and behaviors helps in mitigating risks. Proper training and environmental management can substantially reduce the incidence of trauma and other preventable conditions.
By proactively managing these aspects of your dog's health, you contribute significantly to their longevity and well-being, reducing the likelihood of these common ailments and the costs associated with treating them.
