Australia’s top winter dog claims – And the vet bills catching owners off guard

As winter settles across Australia, vets are seeing a familiar pattern emerge. Cooler temperatures, damp conditions and more time indoors are contributing to a spike in common canine health issues – many of which can quickly turn into expensive vet visits.

New claims data from Petcover Australia has revealed the most common dog-related claims lodged during winter last year, highlighting the health conditions affecting Australian pets most frequently, and the costs owners are facing when treatment is needed.

While some conditions may begin as mild irritation or discomfort, others can escalate into chronic issues requiring surgery, diagnostics or ongoing treatment. Unexpected veterinary costs continue to rise across the country, particularly for conditions involving skin disease, gastrointestinal illness and chronic joint problems.

1. Skin allergies and dermatological conditions remain the leading winter claim

Skin-related conditions accounted for approximately 10% of all dog claims this winter, making them the most common issue affecting insured dogs.

These claims included:

• Allergic dermatitis
• Skin infections
• Hot spots
• Chronic itching and inflammation

Average paid claims ranged from around $180 to $800, however more severe or ongoing dermatological cases reached approximately $15,600 in paid treatment costs.

Winter can worsen skin conditions in dogs due to damp environments, indoor heating, mould exposure and reduced sunlight. Certain breeds prone to allergies can also experience flare-ups during colder months.

2. Ear infections continue to impact thousands of dogs

Ear infections represented approximately 9% of winter dog claims, with conditions ranging from mild inflammation to chronic ear disease.

Average paid claims ranged between $150 and $900, while more complex cases reached approximately $4,700.

Vets often see an increase in otitis and ear-related conditions during winter due to trapped moisture, yeast build-up and underlying allergies. Dogs with floppy ears or existing skin sensitivities can be particularly vulnerable.

3. Gastrointestinal illness remains one of the most common emergency claims

Vomiting, diarrhoea and gastroenteritis accounted for another 9% of dog claims this winter.

While many cases were mild and treatable, others required hospitalisation, imaging, intravenous fluids or overnight monitoring.

Average paid claims ranged from around $300 to $1,050, with the highest claims reaching approximately $6,600.

Veterinary experts say colder weather can contribute to dietary changes, scavenging behaviour and weakened immune responses, all of which may increase the risk of digestive illness in dogs.

4. Lumps, tumours and growths continue to rise with ageing pets

Claims involving lumps, tumours and abnormal growths made up around 7% of winter dog claims.

Treatment costs varied significantly depending on whether surgery, biopsies or specialist oncology care were required. Average paid claims ranged from $600 to $2,400, while the largest claims approached $9,900.

As Australia’s dog population ages, vets are increasingly diagnosing chronic and age-related conditions earlier – particularly in senior pets.

5. Arthritis and degenerative joint disease become more noticeable in winter

Joint-related conditions accounted for approximately 6% of dog claims during winter.

Claims involving arthritis, stiffness and degenerative joint disease averaged between $200 and $1,000, with some complex cases reaching approximately $4,300.

Cold weather can often aggravate mobility issues in older dogs, particularly larger breeds or pets with previous injuries. Many owners first notice symptoms during winter when dogs become slower to rise, reluctant to walk or less active overall.

The growing cost of pet healthcare in Australia

Pet ownership costs continue to rise across Australia, with veterinary care becoming one of the largest unexpected household expenses for pet owners. According to reporting by The Australian, Australian Bureau of Statistics data showed pet-related costs increased by 22% over two years, while veterinary costs alone rose by 14.5%.

Industry experts say advances in veterinary medicine are also contributing to higher treatment costs. Modern veterinary care now includes specialist surgery, advanced imaging, oncology treatment and long-term chronic disease management, allowing pets to live longer and receive more complex care than ever before.

At the same time, Australia’s growing pet population is placing additional demand on veterinary services nationwide. Animal Medicines Australia estimates pets are now present in approximately 73% of Australian households, while the Australian Veterinary Association has warned of increasing workforce shortages and pressure across the veterinary sector.

Many of the winter claims lodged this season involved conditions owners initially perceived as minor, but which later developed into more serious or ongoing health issues requiring extensive treatment.

The data also reflects a broader trend across the Australian pet industry: as pets live longer and veterinary medicine becomes more advanced, chronic and ongoing conditions are becoming increasingly common – along with the financial costs associated with managing them.

What owners should watch for this winter

Veterinarians recommend dog owners monitor for:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Head shaking or ear odour
• Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours
• New lumps or skin changes
• Limping, stiffness or reduced movement

Early intervention can often reduce both recovery time and treatment costs.