Two pet claims were made every minute in 2017, totalling around £775m, says Direct Line

The average cost of veterinary treatment for dogs and cats has risen by four per cent over the past year, meaning the cost of pet claims has also gone up.

New analysis from Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals the average claim has risen by £29, from £728 to £757.

The overall cost of medical treatment claims for dogs and cats in the UK totalled £775 million last year, an increase of ten per cent on 2016.

More than a million pet insurance claims were made during 2017, an average of nearly two every minute.

So now, pet owners are being advised to look out for early warning signs of illness and injury to ensure their pets are given the best possible care and to reduce the likelihood of increased veterinary bills further down the line.

Here are the top ailments claimed for by pet owners.

RankAilment claimed under insurancePercentage share of all ailments

Dogs

1

Tumours, growths, warts and cysts

20 per cent

2

Musculoskeletal disorders

19 per cent

3

Gastrointestinal disorders

12 per cent

4

Wounds

10 per cent

5

Skin disorders

4 per cent

Cats

1

Wounds

15 per cent

2

Gastrointestinal disorders

14 per cent

3

Tumours, growths, warts and cysts

11 per cent

4

Musculoskeletal disorders

8 per cent

5

Mouth and oral disorders

7 per cent

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, commented: “Our analysis reveals the importance of insuring your pet against illness and injury, as owners can be left footing bills running into thousands of pounds.

”Many conditions can be easily treated so it is important to get your pet checked out as soon as you suspect something is wrong.  Comprehensive pet insurance provides the vital peace of mind that a trip to the vet won’t always result in a trip to the bank.”

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