Table of Contents
Medically reviewed by Dr. Zac Pilossoph, DVM
The Average Cost of Veterinary Care in 2024
Learn More >>
Top 10 Conditions in Cats – 2024
Learn More >>
For this annual report, we dove into Healthy Paws’ claims records to find out what the most common dog health conditions were and how much treatment costs on average so that pet parents would be aware when adopting a dog.
1. Skin conditions
Average cost estimate: **: $200-$2,500
Makes up 30% of the top ten claims for dogs
Like people, dogs can suffer from various skin conditions, depending on environmental circumstances and genetics. Vets regularly see allergic skin disease, bacterial and fungal infections, insect bites, hot spots, rashes, mange, and more.
Symptoms may include:
- Scratching, itchy behavior including licking
- Dry, flaky skin or dandruff
- Cuts, wounds, abscesses, and sores
- Over-grooming
- Dull or dry coat as well as patchy spots, hair loss
- Folliculitis, acne, and bumps
- Redness
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for skin issues include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Hair and skin cultures
- Impression smears
- Punch biopsies
- Allergy testing
- Parasitic treatments (fleas, mites, ringworm, parasites)
- Medicated shampoos and creams
- Antifungal treatments (yeast infection)
- Allergy shots
- Skin cancer treatment including surgery
2. Gastritis – stomach issues
Average cost estimate: $1,600-$5,000
Makes up 19% of the top ten claims for dogs
Gastrointestinal (stomach) issues can be caused by an extensive list of primary conditions, including gut inflammation, ingesting an indigestible or toxic substance, parasites, infections, some types of cancer, and other serious illnesses. Keep an eye on what your dog eats; life-threatening emergencies happen when dogs ingest bones, toys, and certain human foods that are toxic to dogs.
Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia (not eating or drinking)
- Excessive drooling
- Foaming at the mouth
- Lethargy
- Yelping when touched
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for stomach issues include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Endoscopy
- Antibiotics
- Probiotics
- Parasitic treatments
- Abdominal surgery
Crosby, a seven-year-old u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/breed-guide-bichon-friseu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003ebichon friseu003c/au003e/shih-tzu mix, developed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at a young age. The condition is caused by a reaction to chronic irritation of the intestinal tract, which makes it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients. With regular monitoring and a special diet, Crosby is healthy and happy. His pet parent was reimbursed $11,692, which included treatment for other conditions. u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/small-dog-racks-up-big-vet-bills-with-multiple-conditionsu0022u003eFull storyu003c/au003e
3. Ear infections (otitis external)
Average cost estimate: $850
Makes up 11% of the top ten claims for dogs
Outer ear infections can be painful and annoying, but if they persist to the middle or inner ear, they can lead to neurological damage and deafness. Recurrent bacterial or fungal ear infections often have an underlying cause, such as allergies or abnormal ear anatomy, or ear canal tumors.
Symptoms may include:
- Head shaking or a head tilt
- Scratching at the ear
- Odor in the ear
- Redness or scabbing inside the ear
- Ear is hot to the touch
- Ear is painful/sensitive
- Excess wax, buildup, or crusting in the ear
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for ear infections include:
- Diagnostics tools:
- Ear culture and sensitivity test
- CT scans
- Advanced orthoscopy
- Ear cleaning to flush out debris
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antifungal treatments
- Pain medication
- Surgery (required for some conditions and end-stage chronic ear inflammation)
4. Eye conditions
Average cost estimate: $1,100 – $5,000
Makes up 7.6% of the top ten claims for dogs
Despite numerous causes of eye conditions, many, if not most, will initially look the same from the outside. Common eye conditions include corneal abrasions, ulcers, and infections, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and cherry eye. Almost all of these can lead to pain and even vision loss if not addressed. A vet should check out all eye conditions immediately to reduce the chance of long-term damage.
Symptoms may include:
- Blindness
- Redness
- Discharge or watery eyes
- Crustiness
- Squinting
- Pawing at the eye or face
- Dry eye (excessive blinking and eyes or eyelids seem swollen)
- Decreased appetite due to eye and facial pain
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for eye conditions include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Schirmer tear test
- Intraocular pressure test
- Fluorescein stain
- Ophthalmoscopy (evaluation of the inner eye)
- Antibiotics and eye drops
- Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) surgery (for dry eye)
- Cherry eye surgery
- Cataract and other eye surgeries
- Drops and surgery for glaucoma
- Enucleation (eye removal)
u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/tiny-mixed-breed-dog-beats-cataracts-to-regain-sightu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eRileyu003c/au003e, a 9-year-old shih tzu/Chihuahua mix, developed spots in his eyes that were diagnosed as cataracts. They grew quickly in both eyes and Riley was almost blind. He had successful surgery on both eyes and he can see again. His pet parent was reimbursed $6,161.
5. Heart conditions
Average cost estimate: $1,500-$2,500
Makes up 5.8% of the top ten claims for dogs
Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as in humans. In fact, approximately 10 percent of all dogs in the U.S. have heart disease. Heart issues in dogs can include heartworm disease, dilation of the heart, a thickening of the heart muscle, valve disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF), which is end-stage heart disease. The most common form of heart disease is chronic degenerative valvular disease, which makes up 75% of heart disease in dogs, and primarily affects small breed dogs over the age of five, according to VCA Hospitals.
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Reduced interest in exercise or exercise intolerance
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Distended abdomen
- Trouble sleeping
- Coughing
- Fainting or passing out
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for heart conditions include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Echocardiogram
- Blood test
- Electrocardiograph (ECG)
- X-rays
- Heartworm test
- Heartworm treatment (if positive)
- Prescriptions: Diuretics, drugs to relax blood vessels, drugs to help the heart muscle function more effectively.
Golden retriever u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/golden-retriever-develops-sudden-heart-conditionu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eStevie Nicksu003c/au003e suddenly collapsed while chasing a ball. He was diagnosed with an enlarged heart, a serious condition that can lead to heart failure if not treated. Stevie is doing well today on medication and a new diet. Her pet parents were reimbursed $3,327.
6. Growths and tumors
Average cost estimate: $300-$10,000 (if cancerous)
Makes up 5.3% of the top ten claims for dogs
This can be any abnormal lump, bump, or mass on your dog’s skin or elsewhere in their body. It could be an infection, cyst or benign tumor, or in the worst case, malignant cancer that requires removal and other treatment.
Symptoms may include:
- Any protrusion, lump, bump, or foreign growth qualifies
- Swelling
- Sores that won’t heal
- Strange odors
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for growths and tumors include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Fine needle aspirates
- Biopsy
- Cyst drainage
- Traditional or laser surgery
- Chemotherapy and radiation (when cancerous)
u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/pet-parent-goes-to-extreme-measures-to-save-cancer-stricken-dogu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eJasper,u003c/au003e a 2-year-old toy Australian Shepherd, developed tumors in his mouth that made it difficult to eat. He was treated with surgery to remove the lower part of his jaw and a course of radiation. He fully recovered and his pet parent was reimbursed $19,953.
7. Seizures
Average cost estimate: $200-$5,000
Makes up 4.8% of the top ten claims for dogs
Seizures are caused by an abnormally excessive amount of electrical activity in the front part of the brain. Seizure activity can present in various ways, from facial twitching to uncontrollable full-body convulsions, and can last from several seconds to minutes. Causes for seizures can include conditions inside the brain (idiopathic epilepsy, stroke, infection, inflammation, brain cancer) or outside the brain (liver or kidney disease, low blood sugar levels, or ingesting poison).
Symptoms may include:
- Collapsing or falling to one side
- Uncontrollable convulsions: tonic-clonic contractions and tremors that include both the face and limbs
- Loss of consciousness or vision
- Excessive drooling or “foaming” at the mouth
- Loss of bowels or urine
- Signs of panic, bewilderment, or confusion; dazed or ‘far away’ look
- Teeth chomping; chewing
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for seizures include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Bloodwork
- Blood pressure check
- Urine testing
- Thyroid testing
- MRI
- Spinal tap
- Anticonvulsant medication (in the case of epilepsy)
- Antibiotics (for infections)
- Chemotherapy, radiation or surgery (if the cause is cancer)
u003ca href=u0022https://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/blog/aussie-develops-epilepsy-thrives-with-treatmentu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eIvyu003c/au003e, a seven-year-old Australian Shepherd, suddenly suffered a full-blown seizure with convulsions and a loss of coordination. She was diagnosed with epilepsy and with medication and small diet changes, she now has them much less frequently, and they are mild. Her pet parents were reimbursed $4,422 for the diagnostics and initial treatments.
8. Infections
Average cost estimate: $800-$2,000
Makes up 4.7% of the top ten claims for dogs
Besides ear and skin infections and UTIs, dogs can develop a variety of other infections. Infections can be transmitted by exposure to another animal with the condition, drinking or eating contaminated water, food, or soil, from an insect bite, open wound, or an infected mother to her puppies.
- Fungal infections (histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, coccidioidomycosis) live in the soil and can infect dogs when they eat or sniff contaminated soil. Dogs can also be infected through the skin, especially through a skin wound. Fungal infections do not respond to antibiotics.
- Parasitic infections are common and include hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, Giardia, Coccidia, whipworms, Babesia and flukes.
- Bacterial infections can affect the respiratory system, skin, and kidneys. They include Leptospirosis, kennel cough, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Lyme disease.
Symptoms will vary depending on the infection, and may include:
- Scratching or licking the skin
- Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Fever, aches, pain, lethargy and depression.
- A distended or pot belly
- Nasal discharge or nosebleed
- Intermittent lameness
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for infections include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Lab tests (Urinalysis)
- Bloodwork
- Stool analysis
- X-rays
- Biopsy
- Antibiotics
- Intravenous fluids
- Antiparasitic medications
- Antifungal medications – ingested or topical
9. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Average cost estimate: $1,000+
Makes up 4.4% of the top ten claims for dogs
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and can develop at any time throughout their lives. UTIs are caused by bacteria that usually enter the urethra and travel up to the urinary bladder, where they multiply and colonize. Common symptoms include frequent urination, straining, discomfort, and discolored urine. They occur less frequently in male dogs due to their longer, narrower urinary tracts.
Symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- “Dribbling” urine
- Straining to urinate
- Whining or whimpering
- Break in housetraining
- Obsessive licking of the genital area
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for UTIs include:
- Diagnostic tools:
- Lab tests (Urinalysis)
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Pain medication
- Antibiotics
10. Liver disease
Average cost estimate: $400-$5,000
Makes up 3.6% of the top ten claims for dogs
The liver detoxifies the body, helps metabolize food, and aids in blood clotting. Liver disease can take several forms, including portosystemic shunts, endocrine disease, cancer, cysts, immune-mediated hepatitis, gallbladder disease, bile duct obstruction and infectious diseases such as canine hepatitis. Sometimes, it is congenital, and other times, it is caused by an infection. Early detection and treatment is key to beating liver disease.
Symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowish hue)
- Seizures
- Blindness
- Depression
- Tummy issues including decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst
Common treatments/diagnostics the Healthy Paws plan insures for liver disease include:
- Surgery
- Antibiotics (for infections)
- Liver protectants
Claim of Fame
Dood, Goldendoodle, two years old
Total claims: $91,314
Healthy Paws reimbursed: $72,851
Coverage: $200 deductible with 80 percent reimbursement level insurance coverage.
Dood, a two-year-old Goldendoodle, had to have multiple surgeries this year and spent a full month in an animal hospital, making him the most expensive dog case of the past year. It all started when he consumed some vegetation that he couldn’t pass and had to go in for abdominal surgery. During the surgery, doctors noticed he had several adhesions, which was surprising since he’d never had stomach surgery before. Three days later, Dood was vomiting and returned to the hospital. A radiograph revealed that the intestinal sutures had separated and fluid was leaking into his abdomen, causing septis — a life-threatening condition. This required another surgery to remove a part of his intestine.
During a month-long hospitalization, he underwent multiple exploratory surgeries where they discovered he had blood clots, enlarged lymph nodes and liver lesions, and a large abscess in the diaphragm. He underwent yet more surgery to remove part of his liver and to have the sutures closed up. He also had multiple blood and plasma transfusions for anemia. Finally, after a month, he was sent home with antibiotics and pain medications. Dood has since recovered and hasn’t made any claims since April 2024.
*Based on Healthy Paws Pet Insurance claims data between January 1, 2024 – December 12, 2024
**Estimated costs from CareCredit, myaccessvetcare, Preventive Vet, Great Pet Care, and Healthy Paws claims data.
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical diagnosis, condition, or treatment options.
For full coverage details and exclusions, see a sample policy.
The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued and applicable law. Facts may have been changed to protect privacy of the parties involved.
Insureds providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements.
Plan coverage varies based on the age of the pet at enrollment and the deductible and reimbursement levels chosen at enrollment. Exclusions and restrictions apply. All descriptions or highlights of the insurance being provided are for general information purposes only, do not address state-specific notice or other requirements and do not amend, alter or modify the actual terms or conditions of an insurance policy. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the policy, which set forth the scope of insurance being provided and address relevant state requirements.
Healthy Paws, a Chubb Company, is the marketing name used to refer to the pet insurance products underwritten and provided by ACE American Insurance Company, Westchester Fire Insurance Company, Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, ACE Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Atlantic Employers Insurance Company and one or more of their U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. These pet insurance products are offered through Chubb Insurance Solutions Agency, Inc. (CISA) (California license no. 0D12120). Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Chubb, 202 Hall’s Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.
