Trupanion, a leading provider of pet medical insurance across multiple continents, has delved into its vast database encompassing over 1 million enrolled pets to examine prevalent claims patterns from 2019 to 2023. The company’s scrutiny revealed a significant surge in allergy-related claims, particularly in North America, underscoring a growing concern among pet owners.
According to Trupanion’s findings, allergies emerged as the foremost common claim, with a notable 42% uptick in the frequency of allergy and ear infection claims across North America. Data further disclosed that, on average, dogs incurred 16 allergy-related claims, while cats accounted for an average of 6 such claims. This translated to an estimated lifetime cost of treating allergies at approximately $2300 for dogs and $600 for cats.
Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM, Trupanion’s general manager, emphasized the multifaceted nature of pet allergies, likening their impact to human health issues. He remarked, “Allergies, much like in humans, can have broad health implications, affecting skin, ears, eyes, feet, and even internal organs.” Rose stressed the complexity of identifying allergens, often necessitating veterinary intervention for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Moreover, Trupanion’s analysis identified regional hotspots for allergy claims within North America, with states like Washington, Florida, and New York featuring prominently. Despite adjusting for the number of insured pets, dogs continued to dominate allergy claims, outnumbering cats by approximately 8.5 times. Among the most afflicted dog breeds were English bulldogs, West Highland white terriers, and French bulldogs, among others.
Veterinarians, such as Julia E. Miller, DVM, DACVD, advocate proactive management of pet allergies through professional consultation and diligent symptom monitoring. Miller highlighted the comprehensive role of animal dermatologists in addressing various dermatological issues, including allergies and skin infections, underscoring the need for informed pet care.
For client education, Miller recommended resources like petsgetallergies.com, designed to empower pet owners with valuable insights into veterinary dermatology. This user-friendly platform offers information on diseases, treatment options, and locates dermatologists, aligning with the mission to enhance owner awareness and engagement in pet healthcare.
In summary, Trupanion’s analysis sheds light on the escalating prevalence of pet allergies, urging pet owners to prioritize proactive veterinary care and leverage accessible resources for informed decision-making in managing their pets’ health.
