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- Just one in 10 (10%) pet owners provide at-home pet health checks like brushing their pet’s teeth or checking for flea and ticks.
- Despite cost-of-living pressures, 82% spend money spoiling their pets each month, with younger owners more likely to spoil.
- Ahead of World Vet Day (29 April), PetSure is calling on the nation to prioritise proactive at-home checks for better pet healthcare outcomes.
- PetSure’s MEOWS [1] tips remind Aussies of common pet health conditions.
The research, released alongside PetSure’s Pet Health Monitor 2023 report, comes ahead of this year’s World Vet Day (29 April). With the data presenting a worrying view of the current landscape, with pet parents prioritising pampering over proactive pet health checks, PetSure is calling on pet parents to do their due diligence - not just for their pets, but for vets across Australia.
With $3 billion spent every year on pet toys and accessories in Australia, pet owners don’t hold back on splashing the cash when it comes to their furry friends.
[1] PetSure research reveals 82% of owners spoil their pets with human food, gifts, clothes and toys each month, while a third (34%) of those who pamper their pets with spa or beauty, spend up to $500 monthly.
Of those who pamper their pets, one in five (20%) devote up to 5 hours a week to pampering. By contrast, 65% of pet parents that have an at-home health routine, only spend up to an hour a week on pet health checks.
Despite cost-of-living pressures, of respondents who spoil with pet tech one in five (21%) spend up to $500 monthly on specialty tech including pet fit-bits, automated ball throwers and pet cameras, with one in 10 (9%) pet parents spending $2,000 a month.
Younger pet owners are twice as likely to embrace pampering and spoiling compared to older generations, with half (50%) of 18-35-year-olds buying clothes, toys and accessories in a given month, compared with just a quarter (26%) of 56+ year olds.
The Pet Health Monitor 2023 report analyses PetSure claims data to reveal key pet health trends including insights from the veterinary field, common health conditions for dogs and cats, and tips for proactive pet healthcare.
Being financially prepared for pet healthcare costs, such as having a pet insurance policy or savings can be important too, as it means you’ll be empowered to follow the recommended course of treatment and manage veterinary expenses next time you’re at the clinic,” she said.
Affection Into Action
The research shows just a third (38%) of respondents can spot signs of stomach or gut issues in their pets, despite gastrointestinal tract infections cited as one of the top five health conditions for both cats and dogs, according to the Pet Health Monitor 2023 report.
Tim McLeod, a 32 year-old Melbourne-based graphic designer is the pet parent to miniature Dachshund, Kranksy. When Tim noticed the build-up of plaque and tartar in Kransky’s teeth, he became concerned about Kranksy’s oral health.
After taking Kranksy to the local vet, they recommended better dental care and regular brushing to prevent further oral health problems.
"We started brushing Kranksy's teeth when he was around 3 months old, as we realised the importance of introducing this routine early to help him adjust to the routine." explained Tim.
Of those who pamper their pets, one in five (20%) devote up to 5 hours a week to pampering. By contrast, 65% of pet parents that have an at-home health routine, only spend up to an hour a week on pet health checks.
Despite cost-of-living pressures, of respondents who spoil with pet tech one in five (21%) spend up to $500 monthly on specialty tech including pet fit-bits, automated ball throwers and pet cameras, with one in 10 (9%) pet parents spending $2,000 a month.
Younger pet owners are twice as likely to embrace pampering and spoiling compared to older generations, with half (50%) of 18-35-year-olds buying clothes, toys and accessories in a given month, compared with just a quarter (26%) of 56+ year olds.
The Pet Health Monitor 2023 report analyses PetSure claims data to reveal key pet health trends including insights from the veterinary field, common health conditions for dogs and cats, and tips for proactive pet healthcare.
Dr Betty Chan, Vet Advisor at PetSure said: “Like many pet owners, vets are animal lovers and they want the best for your fur baby, but pet parents need to do their due diligence.
While pampering can provide enrichment for pets, it’s simple things like regularly brushing your dog’s teeth or checking for fleas and ticks that pet parents should prioritise.Being proactive with a regular at-home health routine could help detect and address issues early on, resulting in better pet healthcare outcomes. In some cases, this could mean a health condition is less complex and costly to treat - leading to a more positive experience for pets, their owners and vets.
Being financially prepared for pet healthcare costs, such as having a pet insurance policy or savings can be important too, as it means you’ll be empowered to follow the recommended course of treatment and manage veterinary expenses next time you’re at the clinic,” she said.
Affection Into Action
The research shows just a third (38%) of respondents can spot signs of stomach or gut issues in their pets, despite gastrointestinal tract infections cited as one of the top five health conditions for both cats and dogs, according to the Pet Health Monitor 2023 report.
- Less than a third (28%) of pet parents brush their pet’s teeth each week, despite it being an important way to avoid dental disease.
Tim & Kransky's Story
After taking Kranksy to the local vet, they recommended better dental care and regular brushing to prevent further oral health problems.
"Training Kranksy to remain still during teeth brushing and other at-home health routines required patience, but with persistent effort and positive reinforcement, he eventually adapted to the process. In the beginning, we dedicated 5-10 minutes daily to acquaint Kranksy with the toothbrush and pet-friendly toothpaste, progressively starting to brush his teeth. Whenever he stayed calm and allowed for his teeth to be brushed, I would reward him with treats and words of praise.
As time passed, the entire procedure, including the at-home health routine, took approximately 10-15 minutes. Maintaining consistency and demonstrating patience were crucial in helping Kranksy feel at ease with this routine." concluded Tim.
Tim also provides Kranksy with dental chews to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, and to help maintain healthier teeth and gums. Since starting this at-home routine, Tim has noticed a significant improvement in Kranksy’s oral health.
- Only 36% of Aussie pet parents clean their pets’ ears. Given there were over 15,000 claims among PetSure customers alone for ear infections last year, knowledge like this is important for all pet owners to have.
In response, PetSure published its MEOWS* tips in the Pet Health Monitor 2023 report to remind Aussies of common health issues and tips for proactive healthcare and early detection. Dr Chan urges pet parents to remember MEOWS* = Mishaps, Ears, Oral Hygiene, Weight and Skin.
|
Health area / condition |
Data |
Tips |
|
Mishaps |
Mishaps can include broken legs - in 2022, the
average cost of a broken rear leg for a cat was $3,805**. |
|
|
Ear infections |
Ear infections were one of the top five health conditions
experienced by dogs**. |
|
|
Oral hygiene (dental disease) |
For cats aged 3 years, the average claimed amount
per case for dental disease was $833***. |
|
|
Weight |
Being overweight can predispose pets to a variety
of diseases, including arthritis, cruciate disease and diabetes. In 2022, the
average claim cost for cruciate ligament disease was $2,408.**** |
|
|
Skin |
Skin allergies were the top health condition for
2022 experienced by dogs, with an average cost of $520 for treatment.** |
|
To learn about pet health trends and proactive healthcare, download the Pet Health Monitor 2023 report: petsure.com.au/pet-health-monitor
Pet Health Monitor 2023 Report:
PetSure’s 2023 Pet Health Monitor Report reveals key pet health trends and insights from the industry and veterinary field to provide an overview of the issues and themes impacting pet health in Australia.
Drawing on PetSure’s claims data for the 2022 calendar year, our flagship report features useful insights, tips and expert commentary to provide pet parents with a resource to better understand the ailments pets may experience, and how they can help.
Survey definitions:
At-home pet healthcare: Any health checks or behaviours you perform on your pet at home, including activities such as cleaning your pets ears, brushing their teeth, weighing them, checking for parasites like ticks/fleas/mites, providing internal and external parasite preventative medication, checking your home for dangerous toxins
Pet pampering: Making your pet feel comfortable by doing things for them over and above healthcare and animal welfare, or giving them expensive or luxurious things such as buying toys and gadgets.
Consumer survey:
PetSure surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide across Australia from 14 to 17 April 2023. Research supplied by PureProfile.
References:
* Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people, 2022
** PetSure claims data for the 2022 calendar year
*** Dental illness treatment by age. PetSure claims data for the 2022 calendar year, average claimed amount per case.
**** According to PetSure claims data 2022, some conditions with increased risk of occurring in overweight dogs and their costs.
About PetSure:
PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (“PetSure”) a leading pet health company and industry leader as an insurance underwriter, administering pet insurance products across Australia and New Zealand.
For over 20 years, PetSure has been the market leader in both size and innovation. PetSure administers the pet insurance policies of 28 partner brands.
As the category leader, and in close collaboration with members of the veterinary industry, PetSure continually seeks to extend coverage, keep pace with modern veterinary practices, provide policies that are transparent and operate with the highest levels of integrity. In March 2023, PetSure obtained its own APRA general insurance licence, making it the first general insurer in Australia that’s fully dedicated to pet insurance. PetSure is committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of the pet insurance category.
Disclaimer: PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Meet our partners at petsure.com.au/partners.
MEDIA RELEASE, 29 April 2023
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