Spring in Australia means warmer weather, longer days and more time outdoors with our pets. Whether you’re heading out for longer walks with your dog, spending more time with your horse or simply enjoying the sunshine with your cat, it’s a great time of year to get active.
But a change in season can also bring changes in your pet’s health.
Dogs may start scratching more, cats can show subtle signs of joint problems, and changes to exercise, pasture or feeding routines can affect horses. For rabbits and other exotic pets, changes in appetite or digestion can sometimes signal a more serious problem.
We looked at Petcover claims from 1 September to 30 November 2025 to see which conditions were most commonly claimed for across dogs, cats, horses and exotic pets.
The results highlight some of the health issues pet owners may encounter, as well as how quickly vet costs can add up.
Dogs: skin allergies topped the list
Skin allergies were the most claimed condition among dogs, accounting for 7.1% of dog claims during spring 2025.
Spring can be a tricky time for dogs with allergies. More time outside means more contact with grass, pollen and other things that can cause allergies. This can lead to itchy skin, more licking and ongoing skin problems. Looking at the wider picture of dog claims from last spring can also help highlight some of the other conditions owners should be aware of.
The average dog insurance claim for skin allergies was $839, while the highest reached $14,471.
Condition
% of claims
Average claim
Highest claim
Skin allergies
7.1%
$839
$14,471
Lumps
4.9%
$2,105
$14,444
Arthritis & degenerative joint disease
4.3%
$1,124
$12,757
Ear infections
3.9%
$737
$6,677
Separation anxiety/anxiety
2.5%
$517
$4,077
Interestingly, lumps were less common than skin allergies but had an average claim of $2,105.
As your dog spends more time outside this spring, keep an eye out for lots of scratching, licking, sore or irritated skin, ear problems or changes in how they move. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your vet.
Cats: watch for subtle changes
Cats can be very good at hiding pain, which means changes in their health aren’t always easy to spot.
Arthritis and degenerative joint disease were the most commonly claimed conditions for cats, accounting for 6.6% of cat insurance claims. The average claim was $735, with the highest reaching $4,883.
Condition
% of claims
Average claim
Highest claim
Arthritis & degenerative joint disease
6.6%
$735
$4,883
Urinary tract infections
3.7%
$955
$2,894
Vomiting
3.7%
$936
$5,374
Hyperthyroidism
2.8%
$1,275
$10,417
Heart murmurs
2.6%
$1,083
$2,126
Cats are sneaky about hiding joint pain. Watch for subtle changes in their behavior, such as hesitating to jump onto their favorite spots, moving slowly or unsteadily on stairs, sleeping more than usual, or grooming themselves less often.
Hyperthyroidism stood out for how expensive it can get. Claims averaged $1,275, and the highest one reached $10,417. It was one of several conditions that featured among cat claims in spring , alongside issues such as arthritis, urinary problems and vomiting.
That’s why it helps to notice changes early. Shifts in your cat’s appetite, bathroom habits, mobility or behavior can all be a sign something’s off.
Horses: lameness was a major concern
For horses, lameness stood out in the spring 2025 claims data.
Undiagnosed lameness accounted for 12.0% of horse claims, while forelimb lameness accounted for another 10.4%.
The average horse pet insurance claim for undiagnosed lameness was $4,134, with the highest reaching $33,659.
Condition
% of horse claims
Average claim
Highest claim
Lameness – undiagnosed
12.0%
$4,134
$33,659
Lameness – forelimb
10.4%
$2,269
$8,547
Gastric ulceration
9.3%
$1,663
$5,309
Colic – intestinal obstruction/blockage
6.6%
$4,754
$12,964
Lacerations
4.9%
$4,146
$12,756
While undiagnosed lameness was the most common claim, colic involving an intestinal obstruction or blockage had the highest average claim, at $4,754. The range of claims seen in spring 2025 shows just how varied the health issues horses can face at this time of year.
As spring changes your horse’s workload, turnout, pasture access or feeding routine, keep an eye on movement, performance, appetite and digestive health.
Exotic pets: gut stasis led the way
For exotic pets, gut stasis was the most commonly claimed condition, accounting for 9.8% of claims.
Gut stasis is a condition that mostly affects rabbits. This is a serious digestive issue that can occur when a rabbit or other small animal’s digestive system slows down or stops working properly. The wider range of exotic pet claims from last spring also highlights some of the other health issues owners should be aware of.
If your rabbit is eating less, producing fewer droppings, seeming low on energy or showing signs of tummy discomfort, don’t wait it out. Get them checked by a vet right away.
The average exotic insurance claim for gut statis was $1,130, with the highest reaching $2,367.
Anorexia and lethargy accounted for 4.5% of claims but had a much higher average claim of $3,349, with the highest reaching $6,928.
For exotic pet owners, changes in appetite, droppings, breathing or activity levels can be important warning signs.
The most common condition isn’t always the most expensive
One of the clearest takeaways from our spring claims data is that frequency and cost don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
Skin allergies were the most common dog claim, but lumps had a considerably higher average claim. Similarly, undiagnosed lameness was the most common horse claim, while intestinal obstruction or blockage associated with colic had the highest average claim among the leading conditions.
The highest individual claims among these leading conditions reached:
$14,471 for dogs
$10,417 for cats
$33,659 for horses
$6,928 for exotic pets
These figures are based on Petcover claims and don’t represent every vet cost in Australia, but they demonstrate how quickly unexpected treatment can become expensive, a gap our article on pet insurance vs. savings explores in more detail.
How to prepare your pet for spring
Spring is a season to enjoy with your pet, not spend worrying about what might go wrong.
A few simple checks can help you stay alert to changes in their health. Watch for itching and skin problems in dogs, subtle mobility changes in cats, changes in movement or digestion in horses, and appetite or behavioural changes in exotic pets.
Most importantly, if something doesn’t seem right, speak with your veterinarian rather than waiting for the problem to become more serious.
Pet insurance can also help with eligible unexpected vet costs, depending on your policy, cover, limits, exclusions and waiting periods.
