In every household where paws patter and tails wag, there lies a silent narrative—a tale of the unexpected twists and turns in the journey of pet health. While veterinary teams stand ready to tackle routine ailments like dermatitis and gastroenteritis, the impact on pet families can often be underestimated. To illuminate the path and empower pet owners with knowledge, Nationwide® delved into its vast database of over 1.2 million insured pets, unveiling the most prevalent medical conditions affecting our beloved canines and felines, alongside the average costs of treatment.

"Veterinary healthcare teams understand the frequency of these conditions and the financial strain they can impose on pet families," noted Dr. Jules Benson, Chief Veterinary Officer at Nationwide. "Each year, Nationwide's top claims report serves as a reminder of these realities. In 2024, we're augmenting this awareness with our Pet HealthZone—a digital hub consolidating individual pet data, costs, breed insights, and engaging facts to educate pet families on both common and less-known pet conditions."

Insights from the Data:

Amidst the sea of medical claims, some patterns emerge, offering glimpses into the health landscape of our furry friends:

• In 2023 alone, Nationwide members submitted over 1.5 million individual claims addressing the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats.

• Atopic or allergic dermatitis continues its reign as the leading health concern for dogs, marking its 12th consecutive year in the spotlight, with 410,500 individual claims received in 2023.

• For felines, gastroenteritis emerges as the top contender, with over 25,000 individual claims filed in the same year.

• Notably, certain conditions cut across both species, including gastroenteritis, degenerative arthritis, dental disease, urinary tract infection, and respiratory infection.

Exploring Treatment Costs:

Within the first 30 days of treatment, pet families face varying financial burdens, depending on the condition:

Top Canine Conditions and Treatment Costs:

1. Dermatitis - $240

2. Gastroenteritis - $614

3. Otitis externa - $280

4. Degenerative arthritis - $446

5. Trauma - $629

6. Dental disease - $1,072

7. Urinary tract infection - $499

8. Valvular heart disease - $565

9. Respiratory infection - $548

10. Liver disease - $500

Top Feline Conditions and Treatment Costs:

1. Gastroenteritis - $747

2. Urinary tract disease - $904

3. Kidney failure - $694

4. Dental disease - $1,300

5. Degenerative arthritis - $447

6. Hyperthyroidism - $547

7. Respiratory infection - $1,575

8. Diabetes mellitus - $967

9. Inflammatory bowel disease - $967

10. Atopic or allergic dermatitis - $289

As pet owners seek guidance amidst these revelations, the Pet HealthZone emerges as a beacon of information, offering comprehensive insights into various pet diseases and conditions.

With Nationwide pet health insurance, pet families find reassurance, knowing that many veterinary expenses are eligible for reimbursement based on their chosen coverage. Whether for dogs, cats, or exotic pets, exploring pet insurance options can provide peace of mind in navigating the twists and turns of the pet health journey.

In a world where tails wag and purrs soothe, understanding the intricacies of pet health becomes a shared journey—an ode to the unwavering bond between humans and their cherished companions.