Top Reasons for Dog/Cat Vet Visits and How Much it Costs * All Natural Pet Care
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 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.
“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.”
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
- Skin allergies* $265
- Gastroenteritis $702
- Otitis externa $304
- Osteoarthritis* $414
- Trauma $708
- Dental disease $1,284
- Urinary tract infection $533
- Valvular heart disease* $553
- Liver disease* $499
- 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
- Gastroenteritis $802
- Urinary tract disease $943
- Kidney failure* $655
- Dental disease $1,517
- Osteoarthritis* $439
- Hyperthyroid disease* $511
- Inflammatory bowel disease* $828
- Diabetes mellitus* $850
- Respiratory infection $534
- 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.
** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first 30 days after diagnosis for a given condition.
*** These numbers were calculated by analyzing the 80th percentile of costs Nationwide pet insurance policyholders reported within the first year after diagnosis for a given condition.
About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than 1 million actively insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Products underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH; National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH. Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. All are subsidiaries of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which are controlling. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Instagram. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.
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SOURCE: Nationwide
