'Unlucky' the dog - here to highlight some common treatment costs

Meet ‘Unlucky’ the dog. He’s the cutest canine and always wants to be a good boy. Look at how straight he is standing!

The trouble is, Unlucky didn’t get his name for no reason. That’s right, you name it and Unlucky has either caught it, ate it, or painfully experienced it. From pesky skin allergies to his fair share of lumps, bumps and infections. And with no pet insurance in place, Unlucky's unexpected treatment costs have left them and their owner in a difficult position financially (and errrr...physically). 

The good news is that Unlucky is (luckily) a little bit made up. However, he is here to highlight some of the costs that you and your pooch may face from your vet if you run into any of these more common illnesses or accidents and to get a better understanding as to whether you'd benefit from having some cover in place^.

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1. Gastrointestinal Vomiting and diarrhoea are common and can cause discomfort, but they can also quickly lead to dehydration and serious health complications.

2. Insect bites/stings It's no fun for anyone when pooch gets a sting, but it can happen. The average treatment cost for this is $281^.

3.Dental disease Dental disease can progress through several stages, from mild gum inflammation and plaque buildup to swollen, bleeding gums and tooth loss. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain and infections that may spread to vital organs such as the heart and kidneys.

4. Ear infections Ear inflammation can occur due to allergies, foreign bodies, humidity, or parasites. If left untreated, ear infections can cause chronic pain, hearing loss, and deeper tissue damage.

5. Skin infections and allergies Skin infections may be bacterial, fungal, or viral, and allergies can occur when allergens attach to a pet’s coat, paws, or ears and enter through the skin or nose. If not managed promptly, persistent skin issues can cause discomfort and lead to secondary infections.

6. Lumps/cysts/tumours Not all lumps are bad news, but some can be serious, ranging from harmless cysts to malignant tumours. Diagnosis often involves tests, and removal may require surgery. Identifying and treating lumps early can help detect cancer and prevent disease progression.

7. Toxic Ingestion/poisoning Pets may ingest substances that appear harmless, leading to gastrointestinal upset or, in severe cases, life-threatening complications that require emergency or urgent care.

8. Eye infections Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition in pets and may result from allergies, injury, birth defects, tear duct issues, or foreign matter. Early intervention can prevent pain and protect vision, reducing the risk of long-term eye damage.

9. Urinary tract infection UTIs and bladder issues can make your pet uncomfortable and lead to frequent urination or pain. Causes include infections or bladder stones. If not treated promptly, UTIs can escalate to kidney infections and systemic illness.

10. Cruciate ligament This injury affects the ligament that stabilises the knee joint and often requires surgical intervention. Early repair of ligament injuries helps restore mobility and prevent long-term joint degeneration.

^ Average treatment cost based on PetSure 2024-2025 Pet Insurance claims data in New Zealand, and highest treatment cost figures are based on PetSure 2024-2025 claims data in New Zealand, for total claimed amount per condition per policy period. Note that your own pet’s treatment costs may vary from these figures depending on factors such as the severity and individual circumstances. AA Pet Insurance covers up to 80% of eligible vet expenses, with an annual benefit limit between $5,000-$15,000 to assist with eligible treatment costs. Policy terms, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), limits, sub-limits, and annual condition limits apply. Waiting periods and excesses may also apply. See individual policy documents.