Our loved pooches may be our best friends but, just like us, they can be susceptible to a range of health issues that can impact their quality of life. Now, new data based on pet insurance claims has revealed the most claimed conditions affecting household dogs, helping pet owners spot potential problems early.
Petsy, one of Australia’s leading pet insurance providers, has released its own claims data identifying the top nine most common dog illnesses and disorders, the breeds with the highest number of claims for each condition, and the average age of the canine when the claim is made.
Petsy found that the top three most claimed illnesses are frequently seen among designer breeds.
For instance, the number one condition – gastro-intestinal and digestive system disorders – is among Cockapoos (a Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross breed), impacting them at the average age of 2.4 years.
Skin disorders are especially common among Tamaruke Miniatures (a cross-breed Labrador or Poodle with smaller breeds like Miniature Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Dachshund) affecting them at an average age of 2.6 years. This designer mix is often marketed as having a non-shedding, hypo-allergenic coat, however the ‘Poodle’ in these breeds, and their dense curly non-shed coats, may make them more susceptible to skin irritations and sensitivities. [1]
Sheepadoodles (Old English Sheepdog-Poodle crosses) top Petsy’s list for ear disorders, typically experiencing issues around 2.2 years. Their floppy ears create closed, warm and humid ear canals that can encourage bacterial and yeast infections.
Fourth on the list are leg, hip, and shoulder disorders, which are most often seen in Australian Cattle Dogs and Blue Heeler crosses in Petsy’s data, with cases emerging at an average age of 3.2 years.
Skin disorders are especially common among Tamaruke Miniatures (a cross-breed Labrador or Poodle with smaller breeds like Miniature Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Dachshund) affecting them at an average age of 2.6 years. This designer mix is often marketed as having a non-shedding, hypo-allergenic coat, however the ‘Poodle’ in these breeds, and their dense curly non-shed coats, may make them more susceptible to skin irritations and sensitivities. [1]
Fourth on the list are leg, hip, and shoulder disorders, which are most often seen in Australian Cattle Dogs and Blue Heeler crosses in Petsy’s data, with cases emerging at an average age of 3.2 years.
It’s no wonder, with these working breeds requiring lots of physical exercise, putting them at risk of joint wear and tear.
Pure breeds start making an appearance halfway down the list of most claimed illnesses and disorders.
Pure breeds start making an appearance halfway down the list of most claimed illnesses and disorders.
Eye disorders are most claimed in British (English) Bulldogs, at an average 3.1 years of age. With their flat facial structure, this breed often suffers from inward-turning eyelids, cherry eye [2] and dry eye, which can cause irritation and vision problems.
Paw injuries appear most frequently for White Swiss Shepherd Dogs, at an average 2.9 years. This powerful, medium to large breed of dog has an active lifestyle, which may contribute to paw-pad injuries such as embedded grass seeds, torn nails and cysts.
Tumours, warts, cysts, growths and abscesses rank highest among Saint Bernards, leading to insurance claims when the dog is, on average, 4.6 years – the oldest average age in Petsy’s list.
This is likely due to their large size and predisposition to bone cancer and canine lymphoma [3]. Their heavy skin folds may contribute to the formation of cyst and abscesses.
Respiratory system disorders are seen more in Pomeranians, usually surfacing at 2.8 years. Toy breeds with short muzzles can be prone to tracheal (windpipe) collapse that can cause coughing and wheezing [4].
Rounding out the list are urinary system disorders, with Hungarian Vizslas the most frequently affected, appearing at an average of 2.4 years of age. This breed has a predisposition to bladder and kidney issues such as urinary stones and urinary tract infections.
Monica Limanto, Founder of Petsy, says: “We Australians love our pets as part of family. Of the two-thirds of households that own a pet, half own a dog [5], and 14 per cent of household spending goes towards vet services [6].
“Before choosing a designer, cross or pure breed – and to know how to care for it – it’s important to understand the potential health issues the breed could encounter. Some breeds are more at risk of common illnesses or disorders, so regular vet check-ups for preventative care and to detect any early symptoms are essential to ensure they live long, high-quality lives.
“Owners can easily take proactive steps to manage their dog’s health and wellbeing. 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.”
Monica shares her 7 tips for looking after your dog:
1. Regular vet check-ups. Take your dog to the vet at least once a year to check for any emerging diseases, parasites and to ensure they are up to date on their vaccines, worming and preventative care. Puppies, older dogs and those with chronic health issues might require more regular visits.
2. Wash and groom your dog every 6-12 weeks. Depending on the breed, your dog will benefit from a DIY or professional clean and groom every 6-12 weeks to keep its skin and fur healthy, reduce shedding and matting and prevent possible skin infections. It’s a good idea to brush long-haired dogs a few times a week.
3. Ensure your dog exercises every day. Exercise – such as regular walks and play sessions – prevents obesity and is important for a dog’s heart health. However, different breeds require different levels of exercise. When choosing a breed, make sure you’re aware of how much exercise it will need. While small breeds such as a Dachshund only require 30-60 minutes of low intensity exercise per day [7], a high-energy breed such as a Border Collie or Afghan Hound needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day. [8]
4. Maintain a healthy diet. Dogs require a healthy and balanced diet with high-protein sources to support the growth and maintenance of their muscles and organs. Make sure that all their necessary vitamins and minerals are included in their daily meals. One to two meals a day is adequate for adult dogs, while puppies usually need three to four meals.
5. Know what isn’t good for your dog. Most owners know chocolate is toxic to dogs, but did you know they also can’t have these human foods: macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic? Make sure all dangerous foods are out of reach to keep your dog healthy – this includes cooked bones, which can splinter and cause internal injuries.
6. Monitor any unusual behaviour. Dogs tend to know when something is wrong. If they start sleeping more, lose their appetite, stop drinking water or have excessive thirst, start vomiting, or have diarrhoea, organise a visit to the vet as soon as possible.
7. Taking out pet insurance early. Having insurance for your dog early in its life helps to cover unexpected illnesses or accidents, giving you peace of mind and helping you afford necessary medical treatment. Make sure to review the policy details, including any exclusions or waiting periods, so you’re well-prepared for future vet expenses.
The top 9 dog illnesses and disorders, breeds and average age – by Petsy:
| Illness or disorder (ranking) | Breed with highest number of claims | Average age |
| Gastro-intestinal/digestive system disorders | Cockapoo | 2.4 |
| Skin disorders | Tamaruke Miniature | 2.6 |
| Ear disorders | Sheepadoodle | 2.2 |
| Leg, hip and shoulder disorders | Blue Cattle Dog Cross | 3.2 |
| Eye disorders | British Bulldog | 3.1 |
| Feet and claw disorders | White Swiss Shepherd Dog | 2.9 |
| Tumours, warts, cysts, growths and abscesses | Saint Bernard | 4.6 |
| Respiratory system disorders | Pomeranian | 2.8 |
| Urinary system disorders | Hungarian Vizsla | 2.4 |
The table above highlights recent pet insurance claims data from Petsy Pet Insurance, showing the most common conditions and the breeds with the highest number of claims for each.
This snapshot reflects current trends over a recent claims period and may vary year to year. It is not intended to suggest that these breeds are inherently more prone to illness, but rather to provide insight based on recent data. Breed-specific health risks can depend on many factors, including genetics, lifestyle and environment.
Disclaimer: This media release is for general information only and does not constitute veterinary or financial advice. Pet owners should consult a veterinarian for health concerns and review policy documents for coverage details.
References:
[1] https://vetericyn.com/blog/poodle-skin-problems
[2] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_eye_problems_in_dogs
[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/saint-bernard
[4] https://www.vet.cornell.edu
[5] [6] https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/
[1] https://vetericyn.com/blog/poodle-skin-problems
[2] https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_eye_problems_in_dogs
[3] https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/saint-bernard
[4] https://www.vet.cornell.edu
[5] [6] https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-pets-are-there-in-australia/
MEDIA RELEASE, April 2025
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