Crossbred companion dogs, particularly designer breeds, are leading pet insurance claims for common health conditions, according to new data released by Australian provider Petsy.
The claims analysis provided insights into the types of medical issues affecting specific dog breeds, offering insurers, brokers, and veterinary service providers an overview of emerging patterns in pet healthcare risk.
The data, compiled from Petsy’s recent claim records, highlighted nine commonly claimed canine medical conditions and the breed most frequently associated with each. The average age at which claims are lodged offers further granularity for risk profiling.
Gastrointestinal disorders emerged as the most commonly claimed condition, particularly among Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel-Poodle crosses), with claims typically made when the dog is around 2.4 years old.
Skin-related issues were the next most common, predominantly affecting Tamaruke Miniatures – a hybrid of Labrador, Poodle, and smaller breeds – at an average age of 2.6 years.
Sheepadoodles (Old English Sheepdog-Poodle crosses) were most often associated with ear disorders, averaging 2.2 years at the time of claim.
Musculoskeletal conditions affecting the legs, hips, and shoulders were frequently reported in Australian Cattle Dogs and Blue Heeler mixes, with claims averaging 3.2 years of age.
Eye issues were most often linked to British Bulldogs, where conditions like cherry eye and dry eye were reported around age 3.1.
Paw injuries such as torn nails and embedded seeds were most common in White Swiss Shepherd Dogs, typically reported at 2.9 years.
Large breeds such as Saint Bernards accounted for the highest incidence of claims related to growths, cysts, and tumours, with claims lodged around 4.6 years – the oldest average among the breeds profiled.
Other claims trends included respiratory conditions among Pomeranians (average 2.8 years) and urinary tract issues among Hungarian Vizslas (average 2.4 years).
Petsy founder Monica Limanto said the data underscores the importance of understanding breed-specific health risks, especially as nearly half of Australian pet-owning households have dogs.
“We Australians love our pets as part of family. Of the two-thirds of households that own a pet, half own a dog, and 14% of household spending goes towards vet services,” she said.
Petsy’s figures align with broader research showing an upward trend in pet care expenses. According to HCF’s 2024 survey, four in five Australian pet owners expressed concern about veterinary costs. Average annual spending now exceeds $3,200 for dog owners.
Supporting this, data from PetSure indicated that the inflation rate for pet health care outpaces broader consumer inflation. High-cost treatments – including snake bite interventions and chronic allergy management – can run into the thousands. The Pet Health Monitor 2023 Report identified case costs ranging from $2,200 to over $17,000 for common conditions.
Limanto said regular vet check-ups, appropriate exercise, tailored diets, and timely insurance coverage can help manage long-term care costs.
“Owners can easily take proactive steps to manage their dog’s health and well-being. Medical treatments for chronic illnesses and disorders can be costly, which is why it is important to take out pet insurance before any health issues arise, so that owners don’t have to worry about unexpected vet bills,” she said.
