What last spring’s dog claims can tell us about protecting your pup

Spring means longer days, warmer weather and more opportunities to get outside with your dog. But the change of season can also bring increased exposure to environmental allergens and other factors that may affect their health.

Looking at Petcover dog claims from last spring, four conditions stood out: skin allergies, lumps, arthritis and joint disease, and ear infections.

Together, the data provides an interesting snapshot of some of the health issues dog owners encountered during the season — and a reminder that even conditions that sound relatively familiar can sometimes result in substantial veterinary costs.

1. Skin allergies

7.1% of claims | Average claim: $839 | Highest claim: $14,471

Skin allergies were the most common condition among these top spring claims, accounting for 7.1% of claims in the data.

The timing isn’t necessarily surprising. Environmental allergens including grasses, pollen and dust mites can trigger allergic skin disease in susceptible dogs. Australian veterinary guidance also notes that environmental allergies can be seasonal, with spring and warmer weather contributing to flare-ups in some dogs.

Signs can include excessive scratching, licking or chewing, redness, irritated skin, hair loss and recurrent skin or ear infections. Allergies can also become an ongoing management issue rather than something resolved with a single vet visit.

That may help explain why the costs can build. While the average skin allergy claim last spring was $839, the highest reached $14,471. Depending on the individual dog, diagnosis and management may involve veterinary examinations, testing, medication and treatment of secondary infections.

2. Lumps

4.9% of claims | Average claim: $2,105 | Highest claim: $14,444

Finding a new lump on your dog can be concerning, and there are many possible causes. Lumps can include abnormal tissue growths or tumours, infections such as abscesses and other processes, and their significance can range considerably. Veterinary assessment is therefore important rather than trying to determine the cause by appearance alone.

Spring itself doesn’t necessarily explain why lumps represented 4.9% of claims. One possibility is simply that dogs may spend more time outside and owners may be more active with them as the weather warms. Some suddenly appearing lumps can also result from infection or foreign material such as a grass seed.

What stands out most in our claims data is the potential cost. The average claim was $2,105, while the highest reached $14,444.

3. Arthritis and joint disease

4.3% of claims | Average claim: $1,124 | Highest claim: $12,757

Arthritis and joint disease accounted for 4.3% of the claims in our spring data.

Arthritis occurs as cartilage within a joint deteriorates, affecting the joint’s ability to move comfortably. It can develop gradually, and dogs don’t always show obvious signs of pain. Changes such as stiffness, difficulty getting up or reluctance to exercise shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as simply part of getting older.

Unlike environmental allergies, arthritis isn’t specifically a spring condition and can affect dogs throughout the year. However, owners may notice mobility issues when their dog’s activity changes or increases.

Last spring, the average arthritis and joint disease claim was $1,124, while the highest reached $12,757.

4. Ear infections

3.9% of claims | Average claim: $737 | Highest claim: $6,677

Ear infections rounded out the four leading conditions, accounting for 3.9% of claims.

There can be several underlying causes. Allergies are commonly associated with ear disease, while moisture, excessive earwax or hair, ear mites and foreign material such as grass seeds can also contribute. Bacteria and yeast can then take advantage of the inflamed or moist environment inside the ear.

The connection with allergies is particularly relevant during spring. Dogs susceptible to environmental allergens may experience both skin and ear symptoms, which helps explain why owners should pay attention to persistent head shaking, scratching, discharge, odour or sensitivity around the ears.

The average ear infection claim was $737, with the highest reaching $6,677.

Spring can bring more than warmer weather

These figures don’t mean every dog will experience one of these conditions this spring, nor do they establish that spring itself caused each claim. What they do show is how quickly veterinary costs can vary, even for health problems many dog owners will have heard of before.

Across these four conditions alone, the highest individual claims recorded last spring ranged from $6,677 to $14,471.

Keeping an eye on changes in your dog’s skin, ears, mobility and general health can help you recognise when something isn’t right. If you notice a new or persistent symptom, speak with your veterinarian rather than waiting for it to become more serious.

And while you can take plenty of steps to keep your pup healthy, you can’t predict every illness or injury that might come their way.

Protect your pup this spring

Pet insurance can help provide financial support for eligible veterinary expenses when the unexpected happens, helping you focus on getting your dog the care they need.

With Petcover dog insurance, you can claim up to 100% back on eligible vet bills* on selected policies, with a range of cover options available to suit different needs.

Get peace of mind this spring. Learn more about Petcover dog insurance and get a quote today, or call 1300 731 324 — open 7 days a week.

References:
Vet Voice, Vet Voice | Finding lumps, Greencross Vets