10 Most Common Dog Illnesses Every Pet Parent Should Know About
Unexpected trips to the vet can really hit people hard in the pocketbook, with emergency visits costing anywhere from $200 to over $10,000. To help pet parents prepare for the unexpected, Healthy Paws went through their claims data and compiled a report of the most common dog illnesses resulting in a claim**.
Here are the top ten dog illnesses resulting in a claim from the last year*, and the potential vet cost a pet parent could expect to pay without pet insurance.
1. Skin Conditions & Allergies
Est. Vet Cost: $200-$2,500*
Just like people, dogs can suffer from various skin conditions and allergies influenced by their environment or genetics. Examples are bacterial infections, insect bites, hot spots, rashes, impetigo, mange, and dermatitis.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostics: biopsies, smears, cultures
- Parasitic treatments (fleas, mites, ringworm, parasites)
- Medicated shampoos and creams
- Allergy shots
- Skin cancer treatment including surgery
2. Stomach Issues (Gastritis)
Est. Vet Cost: $1,600-$5,000*
Gastrointestinal (stomach issues) in dogs can stem from inflammation, eating something dangerous or toxic, or serious illnesses. It's crucial to watch what your dog consumes, as life-threatening emergencies can occur if they ingest bones, toys, or certain human foods that are toxic to them.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostic tools: Lab tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, endoscopy
- Antibiotics
- Probiotics
- Parasitic treatments
- Abdominal surgery
3. Ear Infections
Average Est. Vet Cost: $850*
Possible causes of an ear infection in your pup are: rashes, allergies, bacterial or yeast infections, even cancer or cysts. Symptoms may include head shaking, scratching, and odor. Regular cleaning and vet check-ups may prevent severe infections.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostics tools: ear culture test, CT scans, advanced orthoscopy
- Ear cleaning to flush out debris
- Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungal treatments
- Surgery (may be required for some conditions and end-stage chronic ear inflammation)
4. Eye Conditions
Average Est. Vet Cost: $1,100*
Many eye conditions in pets may look similar at first. Common eye conditions like corneal abrasions, ulcers, infections, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and cherry eye may cause pain and vision loss if untreated. It's crucial to have a vet check any eye problems right away to prevent long-term damage.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostic tools: Schirmer tear test, intraocular pressure test
- Antibiotics and eye drops
- Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) surgery (for dry eye)
- Cherry eye, cataract and other eye surgeries
- Enucleation (eye removal)
5. Heart Conditions
Est. Vet Cost: $1,500-$2,500*
Heart issues in dogs can include heart murmur, heartworm, heart disease, enlargement of the heart, a thickening of the heart muscle, chronic valve disease, and congestive heart failure (CHF), which is end-stage heart disease. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, decreased appetite, and swelling in the abdomen or legs.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostic tools: Blood pressure monitoring, Echocardiogram, blood tests, 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.
6. Growths and tumors
Est. Vet Cost: $300-$1,600*
If you see any lumps or bumps on your dog's skin, keep an eye on them. They could be harmless cysts or, in some cases, cancerous tumors needing treatment. Watch for changes in size, shape, or color, and any discomfort or behavior changes. Always consult your vet if you do see a lump or bump.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostic tools: Fine needle aspirates, biopsy
- Cyst drainage
- Traditional or laser surgery
- Chemotherapy and radiation (when cancerous)
7. Seizures
Est. Vet Cost: $200-$5,000*
Seizures in pets may be caused by brain conditions like epilepsy, stroke, infection, inflammation, and brain cancer, or external issues like liver/kidney disease, low blood sugar, or poisoning.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- 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)
8. Infections
Est. Vet Cost: $800-$2,000*
Dogs can develop various infections beyond ear, skin, and UTIs. They can catch infections from other animals, contaminated food, water, soil, insect bites, open wounds, or an infected mother.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- 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 Est. Vet Cost: $450*
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and can happen at any age. Symptoms include frequent urination, straining, discomfort, and discolored urine. UTIs are less common in male dogs due to their longer, narrower urinary tracts.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Diagnostic tools: Lab tests (Urinalysis), X-rays, ultrasounds
- Pain medication
- Antibiotics
10. Liver Disease
Est. Vet Cost: $400-$5,000*
Liver disease can include shunts, endocrine issues, cancer, cysts, hepatitis, gallbladder disease, bile duct obstruction, and infections like canine hepatitis. It can be congenital or infection-induced. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Common related treatment or diagnostic expenses:
- Surgery
- Antibiotics (for infections)
- Liver protectants
What To Know About Healthy Paws
Trusted by over 625,000 pet parents, Healthy Paws offers top-rated dog insurance plans covering accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergencies, genetic and breed-specific conditions, and alternative care. With no caps on claim payouts, your pet's veterinary bills for new accidents or illnesses are covered with up to 90% reimbursement, as long as they're not pre-existing conditions.
Click here to get a customized quote for your furry friend.
Healthy Paws' Disclosures:
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.
Sources:
*Estimated costs from CareCredit, myaccessvetcare, Preventive Vet, Daily Paws, Great Pet Care, and Healthy Paws claims data.
**Based on Healthy Paws Pet Insurance claims data between January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a veterinarian or other qualified professional for veterinary medical advice.