Top 10 Reasons Pets Visit Vets

Insurance Claims Reveal Most Common Aches and Pains


While sitting in the lobby with your anxious pet, waiting to be seen, do you ever wonder why everyone else and their pets are there? Nationwide pet insurance data reveals the most common medical conditions for dogs and cats in 2016. 

Skin Alleriges and Dental Disease Top the List

According to Nationwide pet insurance, skin allergies topped the list for reasons policyholders took their dogs to the veterinarian in 2016, while periodontitis (tooth infection) was the primary reason for cat visits.

Routine checkups for both dogs and cats can catch each of these conditions early on, according to Dr. Cori Gross, a Seattle-area veterinarian.

German shepherd with bandaid

Skin Allergies and Ear Infections Irritate Dogs and Cats

Skin allergies, also noted as No. 9 on the list for cat conditions, and ear infections (the second most common claim for dogs) can be closely, but not always, related.



Hyperthyroidism Threatens Cats

One potentially life-threatening condition that Gross said she is relieved to see treated is hyperthyroidism, which can be common in older cats and is covered by Nationwide pet insurance policies.



Veterinary Concerns

Gross said she was surprised there weren’t more dental claims for dogs, as there were for cats, landing at No. 6 in 2016. Bacteria from teeth can enter into the bloodstream and cause major issues.

“We go to the dentist twice a year for regular cleanings, but people don’t think about doing it for their pets,” Gross said.

For cats, Gross expected to see arthritis in the Top 10. It is No. 5 for dogs.


Top 10 Conditions for Dogs and Cats

The following data is based on claims submitted by Nationwide pet policyholders in 2016:                                                                                  

Top 10 Canine Claims

Top 10 Feline Claims

1. Atopic or allergic dermatitis 

1. Periodontitis/tooth infection

2. Ear infections

2. Cystitis or urinary tract disease

3. Benign skin neoplasia 

3. Renal disease or failure

4. Pyoderma (hot spots)

4. Upset stomach

5. Osteoarthritis

5. Hyperthyroidism

6. Periodontitis/tooth Infection

6. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea

7. Upset stomach

7. Diabetes mellitus

8. Intestinal inflammation/diarrhea

8. Inflammatory bowel disease

9. Cystitis or urinary tract disease

9. Atopic or allergic dermatitis

10. Anal gland sacculitis/ expression

10. Valvular heart disease or murmur